Visas
It is the responsibility of individual delegates to ensure your documentation (visas, travel authorities) is correct and complete before you arrive in Australia. http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/
Insurance
Participants carry their own risk for personal injury or loss of property, including baggage, during the conference. We strongly recommend that at the time of booking your travel, you take out a travel insurance policy. This policy should take into account loss of deposit of cancellation, medical insurance, loss or damage of personal property, and financial loss incurred through disruption to accommodation or travel arrangements due to business failures, strikes or other industrial action. The organisers are in no way responsible for any claims concerning insurance.
Climate
Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather. A tip for any visitor is to be prepared for anything – take an umbrella and wear layers that can be worn or removed as needed.
Visitors to Melbourne in early March can expect pleasant weather with average highs of 24 degrees and average lows of around 13. Visitors should be prepared for hotter conditions that are not uncommon in early autumn. While Melbourne has a reputation for rain, the city actually receives less rainfall than either Brisbane or Sydney. For more detailed climate statistics for Melbourne, visit the Australian Bureau of Meteorology website.
General information
Time Zone
Melbourne Time Zone Difference
Melbourne is located in the Australian "Eastern Time" zone.
- Standard Time difference to UTC/Greenwich Mean Time: +10 hours
- Daylight Saving Time difference to UTC/Greenwich Mean Time: +11 hours
Currency
Australia has a decimal system with 100 cents to the dollar (AUD$). Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and $1 and $2; notes have values of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
The currency is the Australian dollar (AUD$). Automated teller machines (ATMs) compatible with most international credit cards are readily available in main cities. Foreign currencies are exchangeable at banks and international airports. All international hotels offer exchange facilities for foreign currency and
travellers' cheques. Business travellers, especially those travelling from developing countries, may have problems changing less widely accepted currencies. It is best to operate with a recognised credit card or travellers' cheques. All major credit cards are accepted.
Taxes: Goods & Services
There is a 10% Goods and Services tax.
Departure Tax
Departure tax is included in the cost of air tickets.
Tipping
Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion. If you receive good service you may choose to tip 10% at cafes and restaurants. In taxis, no more than rounding off the fare to the next dollar is generally followed.
Duty Free
The following items may be imported into Australia by persons over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:
- 25 cigarettes or 25g of tobacco or cigars
- 2.25l of any alcoholic liquorArticles for personal hygiene and clothing, not including perfume or fur apparel
- Other goods to a value of A$900 (A$450 if under 18).
Note: The Australian government has introduced limits on the amount of liquids, aerosols and gels that can be taken through the screening point for people flying to and from Australia. You may carry these on board in your hand-luggage only if they are no more than 100ml and in a sealed plastic bag. Larger amounts may be taken in your checked-in luggage. Exceptions apply for medicines and baby products. Check with your airline before travelling. More details are available from the Australian Customs Service (www.customs.gov.au).
Prohibited Imports
There are very strict regulations against the import of non-prescribed drugs, weapons, firearms, wildlife, domestic animals and foodstuffs (including meat, poultry and dairy; plants or parts of plants [including fruit, nuts and seeds]; animal products [including wool, skins and eggs] and any equipment used with domestic animals) and other potential sources of disease and pestilence (such as vaccines or viruses). There are severe penalties for drug trafficking.
Electricity
Australian Power Points use 3-Pin Plugs - an earthing pin that points downward, and two flat pins above that form an upside down V-shape. (see picture)Australian Power Points output 240/250 Volt AC 50Hz.
Multi-purpose Adaptors for international appliances can be easily purchased from Electrical Retailers throughout Melbourne.
Drinking Water
It is perfectly safe to drink water straight from the tap in Australia. However, for those who prefer bottled mineral water, local supermarkets and grocers usually carry a sizeable selection.
Safety
Australia is one of the safest destinations in the world, but you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home.
Talk to other travellers about their experiences for advice, and invest in comprehensive travel insurance before departing. Tourists should always take care and be especially cautious when using ATMs.
Emergency
Triple Zero (000) is Australia's primary Emergency Call Service number and should be used to access emergency assistance from all telephones (landline, mobile phones and payphones) in the first instance.
Smoking
You are not able to smoke in public buildings and enclosed workplaces (this includes restaurants/cafes, licensed premises and shopping centres). Smoking is also prohibited at covered areas of train platforms, bus and tram shelters, at underage 'music/dance' events and enclosed licensed premises (including gaming rooms).
Smoking is permitted in outdoor dining or drinking areas, unless the outdoor area has a roof, as well as walls that cover more than 75% of the wall area. At Crown Casino, smoking is only permitted in certain high roller rooms.
Melbourne visitor information
Melbourne is Australia’s second largest city with 4 million residents and is the capital city of the state of Victoria. It is also hailed as Australia’s cultural, culinary and fashion capital boasting Victorian-era architecture, extensive shopping, museums, galleries, theatres, cafes, restaurants and European-style parks and gardens. Melbourne also boasts an eclectic and exciting nightlife with an array of pubs, trendy bars and dance clubs. See the links below for more suggestions for your free time.
Culture and tourist attractions