ICON 2014
 
Australia's international airports offer fast, efficient service, with all the facilities corporate travellers could want. Sydney and Melbourne airports are the most popular gateways for travellers. There are also international airports in Adelaide, Brisbane, Broome, Cairns, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart and Perth.
 
Australian airports are modern and well-organised, so it’s easy to find your way around. Transferring from your international flight to the many domestic flights that service Australia is fast and simple, providing easy access to your destination. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tiger Airways are the largest domestic carriers.
 
Below is some general information to help you plan your journey.
 
 
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES
Australia’s currency is Australian Dollars (AUD). Current exchange rate information can be found at www.xe.com.
Currency exchange: Licenced money change services are available at the Brisbane Airport and at numerous Bureaux de Change located throughout the city. Most banks also offer currency exchange services.
 
ACCESSIBLE TRAVEL
If you have a disability and are planning to explore Australia, there are a host of services to meet your needs. Thorough preparation is essential to a successful trip, so speak to your travel agent about your specific requirements. For more information on accessible tourism in Australia, please visit the NICAN or AustraliaForAll websites.
 
AIRPORT TRANSFER
All of Australia’s international airports have regular bus, train and taxi connections along with private transfers to and from the city centres. Shuttle buses are also available to provide transfers to and from your accommodation.
 
AIRPORT SECURITY
Every passenger, and their bags, flying internationally or domestically is screened for security reasons. There are also rules regarding the quantity of liquids, aerosols and gels you can bring on flights into and around Australia, including those purchased duty free at the airport. For more information please visit the Australian Government’s TravelSECURE website.
 
BANKING AND MONEY
Banks: As a general guide, banks across the city are open for business Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Several banks located in the Queen Street Mall and in local shopping centres are also open Saturday and Sunday (with varying opening hours).  Automatic teller machines (ATMs): ATMs are located throughout the city and will recognise cards issued by most banks.
 
Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted across the city by most outlets.
 
Currency:
Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100
Coins: 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 and $2
 
Pricing: Australian prices occasionally end in a variant of 1¢ or 2¢. Where this occurs the price is rounded to the nearest 5¢ at the cash register.
 
CLIMATE
Brisbane has a sub-tropical climate that’s defined by blue skies and warm sunshine. Summer and Spring are embraced by locals with picnic lunches and trips to the beach. And even as the cooler months of Autumn and Winter arrive, outdoor activities and sidewalk dining remain an everyday part of life.
 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Mean monthly maximum temperature (ºC) 29.0 29.1 28.0 26.0 23.6 21.3 20.9 21.7 24.1 25.4 26.7 28.2
Mean monthly minimum temperature (ºC) 21.1 21.1 19.3 16.2 12.8 10.5 8.8 9.5 12.7 15.8 17.9 20.0
Mean monthly rainfall (mm) 113.0 121.6 76.1 63.5 122.8 70.6 27.1 35.2 32.7 65.3 106.8 114.2
Mean daily hours of sunshine 8.7 7.8 7.9 8.0 7.7 6.7 7.9 8.5 9.1 8.7 8.7 8.7
Source:  Australian Bureau of Meteorology
 
 
CUSTOMS
Customs in Australia is very strict. You must fill out and declare any items listed on your Incoming Passenger Card. If you are caught carrying undeclared or prohibited goods, you could be fined or prosecuted.  Items that need to be declared include:
 
•   Food, plants, animals and biological goods
•   Medicinal products
•   Currency - AUD$10,000 or over
•   Performance and image enhancing drugs
•   Firearms, weapons and ammunition
•   Protected wildlife and wildlife products
•   Heritage-listed goods
•   Veterinary products
•   Defence and strategic goods
 
ELECTRICITY
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor. If appliances are 110V, you may need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

ENTRY AND VISAS
As a general guide, travellers are encouraged to apply for their Australian visa well in advance of their planned departure date. European passport holders can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s eVisitor system. Passport holders from a range of other countries (including the United States of America) can apply for a visa online through the Australian Government’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system. Alternatively, passport holders outside of Australia can apply for ETA through a travel agent, airline office, specialist service provider or Australian visa office. (Note: The eVisitor and ETA systems provide the electronic equivalent of a visa for the short-term traveller which replaces the traditional passport visa label or stamp. Most applications are processed instantly.)
 
For conference organisers and delegates, specialised visa advice is available through the Australian Government’s International Event Coordinator Network (IECN). Located across the country, IECN staff work with event organisers to provide free advice and visa processing assistance for international travellers invited to speak at, perform in or attend an event in Australia.
 
LETTERS OF INVITATION
On advice from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, the Conference Organisers do not provide Letters of Invitation.   Their advice is that, if you meet the entry requirements for a visa, your paid confirmation letter and tax invoice will be sufficient evidence of your attendance at the Conference.
 
Please visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship - http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/event-organisers-participants/participants.htm
 
GETTING AROUND
Australia may be a big country but it’s easy to get around. Domestic air travel is the quickest way to cover ground and with several domestic airlines serving the cities and regional airports, fares are priced competitively. Driving Australia’s vast network of well-maintained roads is a great way to see some of the most beautiful parts of Australia. Coach and train travel are also convenient, affordable and scenic ways to discover Australia.
 
TIPPING
Tipping is not compulsory in Australia – it is your choice if you feel you have received excellent service.  
 
TIME ZONES
Brisbane operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time – GMT plus ten hours. Daylight savings times do not apply in Queensland.
 
TOURIST REFUND SCHEME
There is a mandatory Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent in Australia. This is usually included in the quoted price for any purchase. You may be able to claim a refund of the GST paid on goods bought here if you have spent AUD$300 or more in one store, no more than 30 days before departing Australia. Tourist Refund Scheme facilities are located in the departure area of international terminals. For more detailed information, see the Australian Government information on the Tourist Refund Scheme.
 
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We strongly recommended you obtain personal travel insurance before your trip to cover theft, loss, accidents and medical problems.
 
VACCINATIONS
You do not require vaccinations unless you have come from, or have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days of your arrival.