Travel and host city

Location

As a destination for international and local delegates, the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical rainforest combine to make Cairns one of the most attractive in the Asia Pacific region.  Access via the multiple airline carriers who fly directly to Cairns make this a readily accessible location despite not being a capital city.  Delegates will be able to take advantage of the lower costs without lacking any of the quality in accommodation or restaurants.  There are many top quality 5 star luxury hotels through the range of 4 star and apartment style properties, and even excellent back packer lodgings.  Providing for all range of travellers is what this most popular tourist destination does best.

The Cairns Convention Centre (CCC) regularly receives global recognition as a world class conference venue.  It was voted “World’s Best Congress Centre 2004” and “World’s Top 3 Congress Centres 2005 & 2008” in the prestigious annual client survey by the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) Apex Award.  The Centre features state of the art audio visual and IT facilities with professional inhouse technical and IT services.  This is complimented by excellent local industry partners including staging and theming suppliers and exhibition service providers who are all highly skilled in the delivery of event requirements.  The CCC offers world class hospitality services with menus featuring fresh local produce to enhance the delegates enjoyment of the conference.

In addition to the superb natural environment tour and recreational experiences awaiting delegates, the City of Cairns enables visitors to engage with the local Aboriginal culture.  A feature of the meeting will be many opportunities to explore the outdoors well as experience fabulous culinary treats and Aboriginal traditions, dance and folklore.

Airport and Car rental information

Airport and Car rental:

Cairns Airport has an international and domestic terminal and is located approximately 7kms from the Cairns CBD. For more information please visit the Cairns International Airport website. There are a number of car rental companies that operate within the airport terminals. They have staffed reception desks during all arrival times. Car rental companies can also be found in the CBD. There is further information regarding car rental companies on the Cairns Airport website.

Local Transport information

Taxis (Cabs)
Free taxi telephones are located in the arrival halls and the taxi ranks of both the International and Domestic Terminals. Black & White Taxi ranks are located immediately outside the International and Domestic Terminals. The taxi fare to Cairns CBD ranges from $15 - $20 depending on destination point. Taxis are also available from the main taxi rank in the City Place or along the Esplanade and in front of the reef Casino.

Bus Services
Australia Coach and Sun Palm Express operate airport shuttle bus services to hotels, city centre, Northern Beaches, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Both companies pick up immediately in front of the arrivals area at both terminals and both operate an information desk within the terminal, which if not staffed, have direct-dial telephone. Public buses run from City Place and service areas all over Cairns. Buses also service the northern beaches. ($10 to CBD/Hotels)

Traveling to Australia

Traveling to Australia

Passport And Visa

On 23 March 2013, the department implemented changes to the types of visas available to persons wishing to travel to Australia to attend, participate at, or compete in events being held in Australia.

Under Australia's universal visa system, all visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia (other than New Zealand passport holders who will normally be granted a Special Category visa on arrival, provided they meet health and character requirements; and permanent residents of Norfolk Island who may be granted a Permanent Resident of Norfolk Island visa on arrival).  For more information, see the fact sheet: http://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/17nz.htm

There are many visa options available to people wishing to visit Australia. The appropriate visa option will depend, amongst other things, on the person's purpose for visiting Australia.

Click here for the new visa fact sheet, effective from 1 July 2013.  This fact sheet includes information about the visa options available for those who are travelling to Australia as business visitors, including the new arrangements in place for online applications for the Visitor (Subclass 600) visa and the Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400). For the purposes of attending this event, you may wish to consider applying for one of these visas, based on your role at the event.

Please note that only certain passport holders are eligible to apply for these visas online.

If your sole reason for coming to Australia is to attend this conference, please apply for this VISA:

For information on who can apply for the eVisitor (subclass 651) visa online, please go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/651/applicants.htm.

 

For any other circumstances, please view the below VISAS:

For information on who can apply for the ETA (Subclass 601) visa online, please go to:  http://www.immi.gov.au/visas/visitor/601/applicants.htm.

For information on who can apply for the Visitor (Subclass 600) visa online, please go to:  http://www.immi.gov.au/Visas/Pages/600.aspx

For information on who can apply for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400) online, please go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/short-stay-activity.htm

IMPORTANT:

We recommend that applicants applying for a paper-based visa lodge their application at least 6-8 weeks before their intended travel date to Australia. All travelers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. Travelers to Australia cannot apply for a visa on arrival.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

Family Activities

A favourite holiday destination of many Australians, Cairns’ tropical climate welcomes families with children of all ages. A wide range of child - friendly activities and locations are available and can be found on several websites.
When you’re out enjoying the tropics, don’t forget the classic Australian Summer motto- Slip, Slop, Slap! Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen and slap on a hat- be sun smart at all times.
http://www.cancer.org.au/preventing-cancer/sun-protection/campaigns-and-events/slip-slop-slap-seek-slide.html

Cairns Kids Activities- Keeping our Kids Inspired and Active
(http://www.cairnskidsactivities.com.au/index.php)

This website provides extensive information on indoor and outdoor activities. They are grouped according to the location, price, age groups, weather, and your family’s mobility. The website is easy to use and Cairns Convention centre is easily visible on the map as a reference point.

Muddy’s Playground
http://www.cairnsattractions.com.au/cairns-esplanade-lagoon.php
“Muddy's Playground features so many fun activities for children; it is touted as being one of the best playgrounds in Australia.
The playground is divided into three distinct sections with each one containing equipment and activities geared towards specific age groups. While the playground as a whole is generally more suitable for children aged 10 and under, older children often enjoy playing there too.
Muddy's Playground has a large café and seating area conveniently located in the middle of the playground or there are BBQ and picnic table facilities located close by. While children have a great time at Muddy's Playground, there are plenty of nearby spots in the shade for parents to relax.”

Babysitting services

Several child minding services are available.

Busy Bees babysitting services: http://www.busybeesbabysitting.com.au/
Lil Treasures Babysitting Service:http://www.cairnstoday.com.au/cairns/companyView.html?companyId=73106

Currency Exchange

Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.

Disabled Facilities

If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the secretariat by indicating on your registration form.

Disclaimer

In the event of industrial disruptions, the Congress Organisers and Hosts cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates. The programme is correct at the time of printing, but the Congress Organisers and Hosts reserve the right to alter the programme if and as is deemed necessary.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.

Invitation Letters

Are available to download from your online profile once all funds have been paid.

Liability

The Organising Committee and/or Congress Organiser shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Congress. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

Tax

Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-Australian delegates may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.

Travel

For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Congress commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be returned on the return journey.