CONFERENCE LOCATION
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Set on the shores of picturesque Port Phillip Bay, the southern-most city of mainland Australia is rich in aesthetics, with its beauty enhanced by the meandering Yarra River, immaculate parks and gardens, public art, classical buildings, and innovative design.
Melbourne’s charm is characterized by its enchanting laneways, stunning waterfront precincts and trendy neighbourhoods, and provides an endless choice of shopping hot spots and culturally-diverse, award-winning restaurants, cafés and bars in weird and wonderful locations. There are plenty of things to do in Melbourne. Easily navigated on foot, the city’s confidence and success are infectious; whether closing a deal or relaxing with colleagues and new friends, Melbourne is the perfect destination.
CITY ATTRACTIONS
- Melbourne Aquarium
- Federation Square
- Eureka Tower
- Brighton Beach
- Royal Exhibition Building
- Old Melbourne Gaol
- Gippsland
- St. Kilda
- Melbourne Cricket Ground and Museum
- Grampians National Park
Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne is the home, workplace and leisure centre of one of the world's most harmonious and culturally diverse communities.
Melburnians love the city's vibrant energy, restaurants, fashion boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, spacious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character. Melbourne is a young city and as such it never sits still. Modern, cutting-edge designs add to the fascinating mix of heritage architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing.
Melbourne and its inhabitants are said to be sports mad. We can’t get enough sport; we play it, we watch it, we love it. Australian Rules Football, Cricket and Basketball are some of the games that you will see. Watching a game of Australian Rules Football with up to 100,000 other spectators is an experience that you must not miss. In your first week in Melbourne you will be required to choose a football team to support as those you meet will often ask you, “What team do you barrack for?”
For more information on events, dining, shopping and much more in Melbourne, go to the following website for everything to see and do in the city.
ENTERING OR LEAVING AUSTRALIA
Visit the website below to read about what to expect at the border and what you can bring into Australia.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
ARRIVING AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT
ELECTRICITY VOLTAGE
Australia’s electricity voltage for domestic use is AC 240 volts and we use a distinctive three-pronged pin. Adaptors can be bought at the airport or at hardware stores.
In Australia the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
BANKING
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar is the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10 and A$5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1 and A$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, and American Express.
Banks and post offices open from 0930 to 1600 hours Monday to Friday. Business office hours are 0900 to 1700 hours Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available 24 hours in many locations.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are several options available for travel around Melbourne. Myki is Melbourne’s ticket to travel on the city’s trains, trams, and buses. It’s a smartcard with a stored value which can be topped up and re-used again. Purchase your myki online at the PTV website, premium train stations such as Flinders Street Station, retail outlets displaying the myki sign such as 7-Elevens, or by calling 1800 800 007 (free from a landline) in Australia.
Uber
You can request a ride from Uber when you arrive at Melbourne Airport from any of the following ubers: UberX, Uber Assist, Uber XL and Uber Black. When requesting any of the Ubers, you will be asked to confirm your terminal number. Be sure to meet your driver at the “Uber pick-up” area nearest to your terminal. A regular Uber (UberX) ride to Melbourne CBD costs approximately between A$40 to A$60. For more information on Uber in Melbourne, visit Uber.com.
WEATHER
Melbourne’s weather can vary greatly and it is often said that you can experience four seasons in one day. In the summer months (December-February) temperatures can range from 15 to 40 degrees Celsius. Hot days are usually bearable because the heat is dry rather than humid. In winter (June-August) temperatures can range from 8 to 15 degrees Celsius with the nights as low as 3. You can get a 7-day forecast by visiting the Bureau of Meteorology website or download the app bom.gov.au