General Information
ENTRY INTO AUSTRALIA
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. Visit www.immi.gov.au for more information.
BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL TO BRISBANE
Brisbane Airport (BNE) is serviced by 26 airlines and is located 12km east of the CBD. There are two terminals at the airport. A free terminal transfer bus provides transport between terminals.
TRANSPORT FROM BRISBANE AIRPORT
Taxis are available from both terminals and the 30 minute journey to the city centre costs approximately AU$45 – AU$60.
The Airtrain departs every 15 minutes during peak hours and runs from 5am – 10pm, Monday to Friday, and 6am – 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. Travel to the city centre takes 20 minutes and you can travel with your go card. For the full Airtrain schedule and fare details please see www.airtrain.com.au.
Con-x-ion Airport Transfers meet every flight arriving into Brisbane Airport seven days a week, offering one way or return 'door-to-door' coach services from the Airport to/from Brisbane city centre. Visit the Con-x-ion website for more details www.cxn.com.au.
Alternatively, TransLink coordinates and integrates public transport services in South East Queensland and provides a number of bus services to the airport precinct. Click here to plan your journey.
CAR RENTAL
Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to conference delegates. Just call the local Avis office in your country and quote the booking reference number: AWD Z994400.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be available to book via the registration form when registrations open on 7 March 2018. If you have any queries in the meantime then please contact The Conference Company, csanzet@theconferencecompany.com
CLIMATE
Brisbane enjoys a subtropical climate so for most of the year, the weather is fine and sunny, and even during the short mild winter the sun is often shining. Brisbane’s average temperature for August is 16°C.
CURRENCY / BANKING
The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0930 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout Brisbane business district. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country banks, most hotels and city stores.
DISCLOSURE OF REGISTRATION INFORMATION
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please select the appropriate option on the registration form.
DRESS
Dress for all scientific sessions is smart casual. Dress for the Gala Dinner will be advised once the theme is finalised.
ELECTRICITY
Australia uses a 240 volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX
Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated.
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on some goods bought in Australia. Visit the Australian Customs website www.border.gov.au for details about what you can claim and how.
INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to Australia.
NAME BADGES
Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.
PARKING
The Convention Centre has three car parks accessible via Grey Street, Melbourne Street, Merivale Street, and Russell Street Ramp. The car park has direct lift access to the Centre’s multiple convention floors and exhibition facilities.
Early bird parking is available for entry before 9am and exit between 3pm and 6pm for AU$16 (Monday – Friday only). Alternatively parking rates Monday - Sunday are as follows, with the maximum daily rate being AU$30.
0-2 Hours: AU$15
2-4 Hours: AU$20
4-9 Hours: AU$30
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN BRISBANE
Brisbane’s public transport is operated by Translink. With the TransLink go card you can travel on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across south-east Queensland. Go cards are available at selected retailers and QR stations, online or over the phone, and you can top up your card balance like a prepaid mobile.
Bus stands closest to BCEC are the Cultural Centre Station on Melbourne Street and the South Bank Busway Station on the corner of Colchester and Tribune Streets.
South Brisbane Railway Station, adjacent to the Convention Centre on Grey Street, or South Bank Railway Station are the most convenient stations to the Convention Centre.
The inner city has a free bus service that circles the city every 10 minutes, and a free CityHopper ferry service that travels along the river from North Quay to New Farm.
For information about public transport, visit www.translink.com.au for further information, including timetables and maps, or call 13 12 30 anytime.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, or catering please give details required on your registration form.
TIME
Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of GMT year round.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge. Click here to find out more.