General Information
Please watch this space regularly for updates.
Climate for February
Melbourne enjoys manageable summers, glorious springs, mild autumns and crisp winters.
Melbourne's warmest months are generally January and February, which are often dry and prone to hot spells, although some respite is provided by the cooling sea breezes of Port Phillip Bay.
|
Temp ( °F) |
Temp ( °C) |
Rainfall |
|||
Average Daily |
Average Daily |
Average Monthly |
||||
Max |
Min |
Max |
Min |
in |
mm |
|
February |
79 |
60 |
26 |
16 |
1.9 |
50 |
For more information on average temperatures, rainfall and lots of other great information about Australian destinations, visit www.australia.com
Language
The official language of the Congress is English.
Time
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time
Driving License
International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.
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.
Exchange Rate
Australian currency fluctuates on the international monetary exchange. Therefore we recommend checking with your local bank for the exchange rate just prior to your arrival in Australia or visit www.x-rates.com for the current exchange rates.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% 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.
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 Congress sessions and associated activities.
Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.
First Aid and Hospital Services
A first-aid room will be available to delegates during the Congress. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance.
Restaurants
Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and countless cuisines are available throughout the many restaurants.
Shopping
Shops in Melbourne are generally open from 0900 to 1700, Saturday to Wednesday and 0900 to 2100 Thursday to Friday. In most 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 and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have numerous streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram or train.
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.
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 0900-1600 and Friday 0900-1700. All the major banks 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.
Transport in Melbourne
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
Bus Service
The Skybus service operates half hourly or hourly at other times during the day. This service takes approximately 30 minutes to the city and the cost is $16.00 one way ($26.00 return). For further information on this service visit www.skybus.com.au
The following transport options are available around Melbourne:
Trains
The nearest train station is Southern Cross Station (10 minutes on foot).
Tram
Trams run along Spencer Street every few minutes. Tram routes that travel past the Convention Centre are 96, 109, 112. Tram routes that travel along Flinders Street and pass the Melbourne Convention Centre are 48, 70 and 75. Please visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au for more information on trams, trains and buses.
Taxis
Taxi ranks are located at the Melbourne Convention Centre as well as all major hotels, Crown Entertainment Complex and Southern Cross and Flinders Street stations.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques are 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 vary from bank to bank.
Private Touring/Hospitality Arrangements
Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services, other than those organised for the official Program, please contact the Congress Organisers who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.
Private Functions
It is requested that you advise the Congress Organisers of any private/corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official Program. The Congress Organisers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.