Melbourne – The Sporting Events Capital of Australia

Melbourne is a dynamic, exciting and evolving city. Melbourne captures Australia's friendly nature but with an added sense of style. It is our nations fashion capital, the cultural events heartland and a city passionate about sport.

Within an hour’s drive of the city, visitors can enjoy some of Australia’s most spectacular coastlines, wildlife reserves, wineries, temperate rainforests, surf beaches and historic townships.

Melbourne is also Australia's most user friendly city for holding major events and conferences with daily direct flights to Melbourne from European cities and many South East Asian countries.

General Information & Information to Visitors to Australia

Airfares - International and Domestic
The Convention Secretariat operates a licensed travel agency and can provide competitive airfares for your travel to Australia. Please indicate your preferred travel times and carrier on the Registration Form.

Car Rentals
Car rental companies are located at the Melbourne airport. These include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. Make sure you ask about our tricky ‘hook turns’.

Climate
October in Melbourne is the middle of Spring and we generally enjoy extended periods of mild weather and clear skies. The average temperature ranges from 19- 23ºC during the day and down to 11ºC in the evening.

Eating Out
Melbourne prides its self on its year round outdoor eating environment with most cafes warming their guests with heaters. Visit www.thatsmelbourne.com.au for more information.

Getting Around
It is easy to explore Melbourne using the city's efficient public transport system of buses, trains and trams. You can pre purchase tickets that allow you to travel on all forms of public transport from most convenience shops or newsagents. If you choose to purchase your ticket on the tram or platform, please take coins with you as notes are not accepted in the ticket machine. The City of Melbourne offers a free City Circle tram service which loops around the CBD.

Insurance - Travel & Health
Your registration does not cover delegate insurance. We recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover your medical and travel expenses. Please indicate on your Registration Form if you wish to be send insurance information from the Conference Secretariat.

Shopping
Melbourne is famous for its shopping districts and unique arcades, laneways and boutiques which house local, national and international designer wears. There is also major department stores located along Bourke Street Mall in the city.

Transport from the Airport
Melbourne Airport is located 20kms from the CBD. All delegates must make their own transport arrangements from the airport to the hotel and/or Convention. The Airport Sky Bus is conveniently priced at $17 one way and leaves regularly and the taxi rank is located at the front of the arrivals and may cost between $40 - to $60 depending on the time of travel.

Taxis
Yellow Cabs 13 2227
Arrow Taxi Service 132 211
Embassy Taxis 131 755
Or for a chauffeured service call Hughes Limousines on (03) 9482 2422

Visas
As a general rule all visitors to Australia (other than citizens of New Zealand travelling on a new Zealand passport) require a visa to enter Australia. Please check with your airline, travel agent or nearest Australian Consulate for details and application procedures, as immigration laws are very strict.