Information

Your Host City - Melbourne

Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, known as Australia's Garden State, is situated on the picturesque tree-lined banks of the Yarra River. It is a thriving cosmopolitan city with a unique balance of graceful old and new architecture surrounded by parks and gardens. Melbourne has a wealth of culture, is Australia's leader in theatre, sport and fashion, and has some of the finest restaurants in the country.

Airport And Transport

The central business district is about 30 minutes from the International Airport. A taxi costs approximately A$30.00. A regular airport to city bus service (Skybus) departs the airport every 15 minutes for A$16.00.

Banking/Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1)  Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.  Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. 

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.  Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business Hours

General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.  Banks are generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday. 

Climate and Clothing

July is mid-winter in Australia, you can expect daytime maximum temperatures ranging from 12-16°C, with nights dropping to 3-7°C.  Rain is possible, so bring an outdoor jacket.

Generally Australians are relatively informal dressers; however, we suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions. Please refer to the information on the social program for dress at social functions organised as part of the Conference.  Scientific field trip participants should bring appropriate outdoor clothing including sturdy shoes and warm waterproof clothing.

Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

www.melbourne.com.au has a good guide to eating out in Melbourne.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.  If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter.  Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods and 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.

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$300.00 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.

Language

The official language for the conference is English: all information and published material will be in English. Although French is also an official language of the IAG, to cater for the greatest number of attendees, presentations are also requested where possible to be in English, as no interpretation facilities will be available as part of the Conference. If you would like to arrange your own personal interpreter service please contact the Conference Managers on +61 2 9265 0700 or e-mail geomorphology2009@tourhosts.com.au. Please note interpreter service will be at your own expense.

Parking

Parking is available at the Conference venue at the rate of approximately A$26.00 per day.

Passport and Visa

All travelers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry VISA prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements.  Please see your travel agent or airline for further details. It is advised to apply for your visa as soon as possible to ensure processing time. The minimum time frame stated for an Australian visa application is six (6) weeks.

Australian Visa Application Supporting Documentation

Delegates applying for a non-ETA visa may present their paid confirmation letter to an Australian visa office to support their application. No other letters will be issued for this purpose. As a Conference delegate, you are not guaranteed to be granted a visa

Planning Your Travel

Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by Sunday 5 July 2009. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the conference.

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a ‘delegate list’ of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.   Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries.  Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. If you are unsure about any material you are carrying, declare it at Customs.  The penalties for being caught with prohibited materials can be severe.

For more information see the ‘Information for International Travelers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.

Shopping    

Shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays most shops are open from 0900 to 1600 hours.

Time

Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

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. If you do choose to tip it is customary to tip about 10 per cent..

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.