General Information

Host City
Melbourne, located on the east coast, is the 2nd largest city in Australia. Over 3.5 million people live in the city, which has been voted The World's Most Liveable City on a number of occasions.

Dates
The Conference will take place from 5 -8 March 2008.

Conference Abstracts
Abstracts will be available on the website one week prior to the Conference. It is the delegate’s responsibility to bring a copy of the abstracts to the Conference.

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 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 Desk will be located on level 3 of the Melbourne Convention Centre.

Delegates are kindly requested to visit the Registration desk on Wednesday 5th March to register and collect Conference nametags and materials. The desk opening times are listed below.

The registration desk will operate as an enquiry / information desk for the duration of the Conference. The registration desk will be operational between:

Internet Facilities
There will be an internet centre available for delegates' to use in John Batman Suite 2. The internet centre will operate during the following times:

In addition to these facilities the Melbourne Convention Centre also has wireless access.

Speaker's Preparation Room
The Speaker Preparation Room is located  in John Bateman Theatre Suite 1 and will be operating at the same times as the registration desk.

Transportation
Tullamarine International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne, there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram. For more information on getting around Melbourne, click here.

Local Time
The time in Melbourne in February/March is 11 hours ahead of G.M.T. (daylight saving time is in effect during summer).

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.

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.

Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques a safe and convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Travelex are widely accepted in Melbourne , and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing travellers cheques sometimes vary from bank to bank.

Visas
All visitors to Australia (except residents of New Zealand) require a visa before entering Australia. Please visit the Visa Information page of this website for more details.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
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.

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

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.

First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room will be available to delegates during the conference. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Parking
Parking spaces managed by Wilson Parking (entrance is off Siddeley Street ), are located in a multi-storey car park. Parking is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.  Costs are:

• Early bird $10 Mon-Fri (enter by 9am, out by midnight)
• First hour $6.00
• Maximum charge $26
• Weekend $10 per 24 hours (from 6am Saturday until 6am Monday)

Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and every cuisine is available throughout the many restaurants.

Climate and Clothing
With its variable climate, Melbourne is warm to hot in summer (December to February), with temperatures averaging 24 C (75F) during the day and 14C (57 F) at night. It is recommended that visitors bring clothing.

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 home wares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have stacks of street side 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.

Bargains
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.

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