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 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.
INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit
BOOKING YOUR TRAVEL TO BRISBANE OR THE GOLD COAST
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.
Gold Coast Airport (OOL) is serviced by 10 airlines and is located 25km south of the Gold Coast centre and Surfers Paradise, 100km south of Brisbane.
TRANSPORT FROM GOLD COAST AIRPORT
Taxis are available from the front of the terminal and the 30-minute journey to the Gold Coast centre costs approximately AU$55 – AU$70.
The SkyBus Gold Coast Airport Shuttle is a dedicated service departing right outside the terminal building. The Gold Coast Airport Shuttle services all flights, 7 days a week from Burleigh Heads, Broadbeach, Surfers, Southport up to Runaway Bay. Visit the SkyBus website for more details skybus.com.au/goldcoast
Transfers to and from Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane City are available with a number of private operators. Scheduled transfers are available for arriving and departing passengers.
Con-X-ion - click here to receive a 10% discount on your booking. Or enter code SDU24.
Alternatively TransLink’s integrated network on the Gold Coast includes the G:link trams, Surfside Buslines and Queensland Rail. Routes 777 and 760 depart from the airport with various stops. Click here to plan your journey.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is available to book via the registration form. If you have any queries please contact The Conference Company, sleep@theconferencecompany.com.
CLIMATE
The Gold Coast 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. Average temperatures for March range from 19-28°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 the Gold Coast area. 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 and social functions is smart casual.
ELECTRICITY
Australia uses a 240-volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.
GOODS AND SERVICE 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 allows visitors to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions. Please visit
www.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information..
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.
PARKING
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre's car park entrance is at the northern end of the building, accessible from traffic lights off the Gold Coast Highway and the main driveway off TE Peters Drive.
The car park will be open 24hrs, 7 days a week, $12 inclusive of GST flat rate is charged for car parking at the centre.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN GOLD COAST
Gold Coast local bus services and the G:link light rail operate to all major attractions, hotel and shopping centres.
There is a bus stop directly in front of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Gold Coast Highway. There are also taxi and limousine ranks at the main entrance.
The Gold Coast's G:link light rail system is a 13-kilometre corridor connecting Griffith University to Broadbeach, passing through the key activity centres of Surfers Paradise and Southport.
The service provides an easily accessible and affordable transport option for patrons and guests, with the Broadbeach North Station conveniently located just metres from the Centre's main entrance.
Services run 7-days a week, approximately every 10 to 15 minutes. The network connects the Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise entertainment and dining precincts to a great diversity of accommodation.
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
The Gold Coast is 10 hours ahead of GMT.
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES
Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge. Click here to find out more.
