The conference will be held
at the 5 star Langham Hotel in Melbourne
which is located on the south bank of the Yarra River. The hotel is within
easy reach of the city's business district, fashion, shopping, sport, parks
and gardens, al fresco restaurants, cafés and nightlife. It is the centerpiece
of Melbourne's art precinct, close to the Arts Centre, National Art Gallery
of Victoria and Federation Square. The Langham Hotel Melbourne has an array
of facilities from fully a equipped business center 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week to 9 meeting rooms for special meetings. For more information please
visit this site.
Climate
The average temperature in December is around 24 C (75 F) maximum and
minimum around 14 C (57 F) with very little rainfall.
Melbourne
Airport
The Airport is located about 25kms north-west of the city along the Tullamarine
Freeway, which is about a 30 minute drive from the center of the city. Both
direct international and domestic flights depart from this airport using a
single terminal complex. Melbourne Airport is easily accessible, with
many public and private transport services available. The airport operates
24hrs a day.
The
City Shuttle Bus
Skybus super shuttle is the official carrier from Melbourne airport to the
center of Melbourne. This service operates for 24hrs and all 7 days a week.
This is the quickest and cheapest way to reach city from the airport. They
take about 20 minutes to reach the city from airport. Adult one way tickets
cost $13/Adult open return tickets cost $22. A family ticket costs $26
one way and a child ticket costs $5 one way. For more details please visit
the website http://www.skybus.com.au/.
Taxis
Taxi cabs are available from the
ground floor of Melbourne airport. They take about 30 minutes to reach the
city center and could charge around $35 to $40. All taxis are non smoking.
Rental
Cars
All major Australian rental car companies have offices at the Airport. It
is recommended that advance reservations be made for rental cars at all times.
Rental cars can be booked from aboard most inbound flights. For further information
please refer to http://www.melair.com.au/getting_there/
rental_cars.asp
Public
Transport
The
MET operates Metropolitan tram, train and bus services. Private bus lines
operate co-ordinated services to and from railway stations and surrounding
areas. One Met ticket is required for all forms of transport. Tickets can
be purchased from train stations, on board trams, buses and from retail outlets.
For more information please visit http://www.victrip.com.au.
City
Circle Tram
The free city circle tram runs in both directions around the city center perimeter.
The circuit takes 30 minutes, goes to the door of many City attractions and
crosses most other rail and tramlines. A running commentary is provided and
attendants on board will answer any questions, for further information please
visit http://www.victrip.com.au/city_circle/.
Visa
Requirements & Quarantine
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa. For many visitors this
can be done over the Internet. See
http://www.eta.immi.gov.au
for further details.
Please contact us by e-mail if you require an invitation to attend the conference,
to assist with your visa application. It is important that you apply for your
visas well in advance (at least 2 - 3 months) of anticipated travel. Australia
has very strict quarantine laws. It is forbidden to bring food, plant or animal
products into Australia and heavy fines apply. Baggage is checked on arrival.
Visit this website to know the list of quarantined items
http://www.affa.gov.au/content/publications.cfm?Category=Australian%20Quarantine
%20fixand%20Inspection%20Service&ObjectID=91BEA21E-F661-4C28-993E5D87CAB8AF20.
Banking
The Australian Dollar ($AUD) is a decimal currency with units in dollars and
cents. Australia accepts all major credit cards including Visa, American Express,
Mastercard and Diners Club. Travellers cheques are also widely accepted throughout.
Major banks are open from 9am to 4.30pm on weekdays, with many flexiteller
machines located in the Melbourne CBD.
Taxes
& Tipping
A 10% Goods and Services (GST) tax is incorporated into the price on all
Goods & Services. Tipping is not expected however if you wish to show
appreciation for outstanding service 10-15% would be appropriate.
Telephone
Information
When calling from overseas the country code for Australia is "61".
The area code for Melbourne is "3". When calling overseas the international
access code for Australia is "0011". Mobile phones are widely used
throughout Australia. Check with your phone company in your home country about
international roam facilities in Australia.
Travel
Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to cover your cancellation of the conference
and any medical expenses that may be incurred should you become ill or injured
during your trip.
Latest
Entertainment in the city
This exciting city has something for everyone ie the best in fashion,
restaurants, sporting and cultural events. To know about the latest entertainment
in the city please visit the website
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/.
Information provided by Melbourne Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.mcvb.com.au.
Links:
http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
http://www.international-travel-tours.com/australia/melbourne.html
http://www.welcome-to.com/Australia/Melbourne/
http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au
Conference Venue