Special rates will be available to delegates of the Healthy Cities Conference 2009.  You will be able to book accommodation at the event’s preferred venues on the registration form which will be available from mid November 2008.

 

Further travel and accommodation information is provided below.

 

Australian Visas
Visitors to Australia must have a valid passport and the appropriate Australian visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of the visit. Overseas visitors seeking to attend or participate in a Conference or event in Australia should, in most cases, apply for a short stay business visitor visa (subclass 456). You must apply for your visa early to ensure that details are confirmed prior to your departure for the Conference.

Information about this important requirement can also be found on the Australian Government website at www.immi.gov.au/visitors/business/iecn.htm Some participants will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).  You can apply for an ETA via the Internet www.eta.immi.gov.au or through a travel agent, an airline office or a specialist service provider to arrange an ETA on your behalf.

Invitation Letter and Visa
If you require an invitation letter for visa purposes please indicate this on your registration form or contact the Conference secretariat.

 

Please note this procedure is intended to assist participants who need to obtain a visa or permission to attend the Conference.
It is not an official invitation covering fees and other expenses.
It does not imply any financial support from the Conference.
 
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia - dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank and on-line at www.xe.com
 
Banking
Banks in Australia are open Monday to Thursday 0930 to 1600, and 0930 to 1700 on Fridays. Some banks are open on Saturday. Exchange facilities are available at airports and most major hotels. Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are available at a wide variety of outlets. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
 
Travel and Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.
 
Electricity
Electricity in Australia is 220-240V AC 50Hz. The sockets are three pin and you may need an adaptor. Universal outlets for 240V or 100V shavers are found in most leading hotels. Multi-voltage appliances as well as adaptors are readily available in department stores and luggage shops.
 

Taxes
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices. Overseas visitors may be able to claim a refund of the GST through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). Further information available at: http://www.customs.gov.au/webdata/resources/files/travellersenglish1.pdf
 
Climate
Queensland boasts an enjoyable sub-tropical climate year round with temperatures during August-September in the range of 12°c – 26°c. October is an ideal month for holding an international Conference on the Gold Coast.
 
Tipping
Tipping is acceptable in Queensland but it is not compulsory. Generally tips are only given for good service but even then it is not mandatory. If you do want to leave a tip, ten percent of the bill is customary.
 
Water quality
The water in Queensland (and throughout Australia) exceeds the standards for safe drinking water set by the World Health Organisation. It is safe to drink water straight from the tap in Queensland.
 
Smoking
In Queensland it is illegal for people below 18 years of age to be sold cigarettes or other tobacco products. Smoking is not allowed in public buildings, on public transports, in taxis and most restaurants and stores.
 

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Gold Coast Tourism and Transport Information
Please visit Gold Coast Tourism or Gold Coast City Council for more information on all that Gold Coast has to offer!

Surfside Buslines  provides Gold Coast's public bus service as well as the Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle to help you get around the Gold Coast.
 
Considering a day trip to Brisbane?  Queensland Rail will get you there.

Brisbane International Airport - AirTrain Connect from Brisbane - Domestic or International

Airport Shuttle Buses - Distance from airport: 90km - Time by taxi: 1 to 1.25 hours

 

The following are the most commonly used options for airport transfers. Your accommodation provider will gladly arrange airport transfer bookings for you. Just advise the reservations desk of your choice of transfer when booking your accommodation.
 
Airtrain Connect   [visit website for timetables and prices]

A door-to-door rail and road service that transfers visitors to and from the Brisbane airports (domestic and international) and their Gold Coast accommodation. The road portion of the transfer uses sedan limousines.
Rail platforms are located at the front of the airport terminals and the service runs every 15 minutes from Brisbane and every 30 minutes from the Gold Coast. The service connects to stations at:
 
Helensvale: For Labrador, Biggera Waters, Runaway Bay and northern Gold Coast

Nerang: For Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and central Gold Coast

Robina: For Broadbeach and all areas south to Coolangatta
Tickets can be booked in advance and can also be purchased at the station.
 
Motor Coach Shuttle Services
Several bus companies operate door-to-door transfers between the Brisbane and Coolangatta airports and your accommodation. Travel will usually be in mini coach vehicles with a trailer for luggage. Airport pick-ups and drop-off are in the designated coach zones.

Travel times to Brisbane Airport are approximately:

1hour 15min from northern Gold Coast (Labrador, Runaway Bay area)

2 hours from central Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach area)

2½ to 3 hours from southern Gold Coast (Coolangatta, Tweed Heads)
 
Tickets need to be booked in advance and a minimum of 48 hours notice is recommended.
 
Suggested motor coach transfer companies are:

Coachtrans  [visit website for timetables and prices]

Con-x-ion  [visit website for timetables and prices]
 
Limousine Services
Limousines need to be booked well in advance and are available from both the Brisbane and Coolangatta airports. Suggested limousine companies are:

 

Sovereign Limousines  [visit website for vehicles and prices]

Quicksilver Limousines  [visit website for vehicles and prices]