General Information

Registration desk

The Registration Desk will be located on the Ground Level of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The opening times are:

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 Melbourne

Melbourne Airport is serviced by 27 international airlines. Click here to find out more.

Country and interstate buses pick-up and depart from the Melbourne Transit Centre at 58 Franklin Street, near the top of Swanston Street, and at Southern Cross Station.

On Your Arrival at Melbourne Airport

Please note that all food, plant and animal material (such as feathers, skins or bone) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials. If in doubt, declare it. The process is usually very efficient, but failure to declare prohibited goods leads to severe penalties.

Delegates are required to make their own airport / hotel transfer arrangements.

Transport from the airport

SkyBus

SkyBus offers an express bus service from the airport to the city departing every 10 minutes. You can catch it from kerbside at ‘Arrivals’ for international and domestic flights. At Melbourne Airport, SkyBus stops at Terminal 3 (Virgin) and Terminal 1 (Qantas). Click here to view the map of where the bus stops are located. Cost: adult return: $30; one-way:$18. Cost: adult return: $30, one-way:$18. In the city, SkyBus stops at Southern Cross Station, near the corner of Bourke and Spencer streets. The SkyBus Hotel Transfer Service can transport you between Southern Cross Station and select city accommodation at no additional charge. For more information visit www.skybus.com.au.

Local buses

At Melbourne Airport, all routes depart from the stop outside Terminal 1. The stop is also serviced by Route 901 SmartBus. Click here to find out more.

Please note that routes 478, 479 and 500 are myki ticketed services. The myki Visitor Pack is available at Melbourne Airport for visitors to buy to travel on public transport in Melbourne.

TAXIS

Taxis Taxi ranks are located on the ground floor outside Terminal 1 and between Terminal 2 and 3. Click here to read more.

Click here to view the Taxi Fare Estimator.

Car rental

Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to Conference delegates. Just call your local Avis office and request a quote giving reference number AWD Z994400.

Click here for useful information about driving in Victoria and here to access to the route planner.

Accommodation

If you need to change your reservation, please advise The Conference Company rather than the hotel direct: email anzet@tcc.co.nz.

Babysitting / Nanny Service

Rockmybaby provides a high quality and professional babysitting service, with a flexible online booking system open 24 hours per day. All of their nannies and babysitters have undergone a strict screening process and they can accommodate any age group. 

For any queries, please contact Renae on 1800 900 735 or victoria@rockmybaby.com.au. For more information please visit their website www.Rockmybaby.com.au. 

Climate

Melbourne has a pleasant temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius in August.

Currency/Banking

The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0900 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout Melbourne 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 tick the appropriate box on the registration form.

Dress

Dress for all sessions is smart casual. Dress for the Gala Dinner is business/lounge suit or cocktail wear.

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 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

There are 3 car parks available for visitors to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. All entrances are marked on this location map. Further information on how to get to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre can be found here.

Public transport in Melbourne

Melbourne has an excellent public transport network which offers a cost-efficient way to travel in the city. Click here to access a journey planner. myki is Melbourne's ticketing system. Click here to find out more.

Click here to view how to get to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre by tram, train, bus and car.

You can also take advantage of the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle. The bus shuttle stops at 13 key city locations. It runs every 30 minutes, seven days a week between 9.30am and 4.30pm (except Christmas Day). The full trip takes approximately 90 minutes and includes on-board commentary. Tickets cost $5, while children aged under 10 travel free. For more information, click here.

The City Circle Tram is free and travels the perimeter of the CBD, taking in many of Melbourne’s landmarks every day of the year except Christmas Day and Good Friday. Catch the tram at any of the specially marked tram stops. Services run approximately every 12 minutes 10am - 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am - 6pm Sunday to Wednesday. For timetable and route information, see City Circle Tram.

Smartphone apps

There are many apps which will allow you to make the most of your trip to Melbourne and Victoria.

Click here to view Melbourne apps and here to view Victoria apps

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 time zone for the Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of GMT.

Visitor Information Centres

Open seven days a week (except Good Friday and Christmas Day), visitor information centres are staffed by friendly, professional and trained people with extensive local knowledge. Click here to find out more.