Climate

Brisbane's subtropical climate affords sunshine for an average of 300 days a year and is recognised as one of the most desirable climates in the world. June/July is the perfect time to visit Brisbane as you can look forward to mild winter temperatures of approximately 24°C (75°F) during the daytime and 12°C (53°F) in the evening.

Time

Brisbane remains on Australian Eastern Standard Time throughout the year. Local Brisbane time during June/July is Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours.

Currency Conversion

Check the International Currency Converter website for up- to-date and detailed exchange rate information. The rates should not be used in financial matters and are not guaranteed. Rates exclude all charges and taxes involved with international currency exchange.

Currency Exchange

While all banks can exchange foreign currency and travellers cheques to Australian currency, some major city branches provide specialist bureaux de change. Exchanges are also available at the airport and in downtown Brisbane.

Credit & Charge Cards

Major credit and charge cards are widely accepted. Many automatic teller machines (ATMs) provide currency to foreign cardholders. Look for the Cirrus symbol. EFTPOS (Maestro) services are available at many hotels and retail outlets.

Money

Notes:$5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.
Smaller numbers of cents are rounded up or down to the nearest 5c.

Taxes

A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and services including hotel accommodation, Conference registration fees, and restaurant meals and is included in prices.

Trading Hours

Banks

Banks are closed all day Saturday and Sunday. Exchange facilities are available at the airport and most major hotels. Automatic teller machine (ATM) facilities are available at a wide variety of outlets.

Post Offices

Electricity

Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC 50Hz. The sockets are flat three pin and you may need an adaptor. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels and multi-voltage appliances as well as adaptors are readily available in department stores and luggage shops.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed in any public area or building in Queensland. In addition, it is illegal to smoke within 4 metres of an entrance to a non-residential building, such as a bank, shopping centre or office, between flags at patrolled beaches and in major sporting stadiums.

Sun Protection

Sunshine is one of Queenslands greatest attractions, but enjoy it with adequate sun protection, including SPF30+ sunscreen, a broad brimmed hat, sunglasses and a shirt.

VISAS

Overseas visitors seeking to attend or participate in a conference or event in Australia should, in most cases, apply for a short stay business visitor visa (subclass 456). Please check with your airline, travel agent or nearest Australian Consulate, as immigration laws are very strict.

Some delegates will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). You can apply for an ETA via the Internet www.eta.immi.gov.au or through a travel agent, an airline office or a specialist service provider to arrange an ETA on your behalf. Travellers holding the following passports may apply for an ETA (please check the website at www.eta.immi.gov.au for eligibility and other information):

Holders of UK British National (Overseas) (GBN) passports are not eligible to apply for an ETA.

Non-ETA Countries

Non-ETA country delegates need to lodge a subclass 456 visa application at the nearest Australian Mission overseas. The application form (also number 456) can be downloaded from the website www.immi.gov.au . It is recommended that you lodge your visa application a minimum of 8 weeks before your travel date, however please check your Australian Mission for details.

Invitation letter and visa

The Department of Immigration has advised that the Registration Confirmation Letter you receive when registering for the Conference will be sufficient to apply for your visa. This is the only invitation letter that will be supplied to delegates for visa applications. Please check your nearest Australian Mission to confirm all the requirements for obtaining your visa.