Banks and Foreign Exchange

Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-5pm. All the major banks have offices in and are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Climate and Clothing

With its variable climate, Melbourne is quiet cool in June, with temperatures averaging 14C (57F) during the day and 7C (44 F) at night. It is recommended that visitors bring clothing suitable for cool days and even cooler nights.

Currency & Banking

Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Dates

The conference will take place from 26-27 June 2008.

Dress Code

Please note that dress standard for the conference will be neat casual attire.

Electric Current

Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS”)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. International airfares do not attract GST. For international visitors, all prices quoted for a Victorian holiday will include the 10 per cent GST, payable at the time of ticketing.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Name Badges

All delegates will receive a name badge upon registration. This badge is the official pass and must be worn to obtain entry to all Conference sessions, social events and associated activities.

Private Functions

It is requested that you advise the Conference Managers of any private /corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Conference Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

Registration and Information Desk

The Registration and Information desk will be located on level 3 of the The Sebel Albert Park (Formerly Carlton Crest Hotel Melbourne) and will operate during the following hours:

Wednesday: 5.00pm – 8.00pm
Thursday: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Friday: 8.00am – 5.00pm

All registration materials including name badges, conference dinner tickets and conference programs may be collected from the registration desk during the times listed above.

Restaurants

Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and every cuisine is available throughout the many restaurants. For a list of just some of the restaurants in Melbourne, please click on the Restaurants link on the Useful Links page of this website.

Shopping

Most shops in Melbourne are generally open from 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday to Wednesday and 09:00 to 21:00 Thursday to Friday. In all stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city. Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra, Acland Street in St Kilda and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have stacks of streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram, although you'll need a car to visit larger suburban malls like Chadstone, where many of the major retailers are found.

For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices. Big savings can also be made during sale times (normally at the end of summer and winter, and some public holidays) held by David Jones, Myer and other department stores.

Time Zone

Australian Eastern Standard Time is GMT plus 10 hours.

Tipping

Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

Visas

With the exception of New Zealand citizens travelling on New Zealand passports, all foreign nationals must obtain a visa/ETA before travelling to Australia. (New Zealand citizens are issued with a visa on arrival in Australia.) For information about Visa applications to enter Australia, please visit www.immi.gov.au/visitors