GENERAL INFORMATION

Climate

Entry into Australia
Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving the origin of their country. Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Booking your travel to Melbourne
Melbourne Airport is serviced by several international airlines. Find out more.

On your arrival at Melbourne Airport
Please note that all food, plant and animal related material (such as feathers, skins or bone) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials.  If in doubt, declare it.  The process is usually very efficient, but failure to declare prohibited goods leads to severe penalties.

Transport from Melbourne Airport
Melbourne’s main airport is located approximately 30-minutes’ drive (24 km) from Melbourne CBD.

Airport transfers are readily available from the airport and there is a regular bus service straight to the city. If you have any problems, you can visit the Information Desk located in both the International and Domestic terminals for help with transfers.

Skybus
SkyBus runs a Melbourne City Express service, between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD, every 10 minutes (9am – 5pm) and every 15 minutes outside these times. They operate between the hours of 4am – 1am, 7 days a week. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or purchased at the SkyBus ticket booth at each Bus Terminal at the Airport. To purchase tickets online, please visit the SkyBus website for more information.

Rideshare
Rideshare drivers pick up travellers from two locations: Qantas, International and Virgin Australia passengers from lane 3 of the forecourt; Jetstar, TigerAir, Rex or AirNorth passengers from level 2 inside the T4 Ground Transport Hub. An access fee applies per trip. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere along Departure Drive and the T4 Transport Hub drop off zone on level 1. This is the same for all the public drop off zones.

Taxi
Taxi ranks are located across from the terminals. Melbourne CBD is approximately a 30-minute fare. Estimate your fare here. There is an access fee that is paid by the passenger to the taxi driver and is included in the taxi fare. There is no airport charge for drop off.

Rental Cars
Melbourne Airport offers six car rentals companies and are conveniently located directly opposite Terminal 2, International departures and arrivals. Each car rental company is accessible via the walkways from the terminals, and returns through the Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 & 3.  Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to Conference delegates.

Accommodation
If you need to change your reservation, please advise The Conference Company rather than the hotel direct: email pcspsummit@theconferencecompany.com.

Currency/Banking
The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0930 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout Melbourne’s business district. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country banks, most hotels and city stores.

Disclosure of Registration Information
If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.

Dress
Dress for all sessions is smart casual.

Electricity
Australia uses a 240 volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.

Good and Services Tax
Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on some goods bought in Australia. Visit the Australian Customs website for details about what you can claim and how.

Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to Australia.

Name Badges
Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance or catering, please give details required on your registration form.

Time
The time zone for Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of GMT in May.

Venue Parking
Wilson Parking operates a secure underground car park at MCEC with a range of flexible rates. It is recommended to book online before you visit to ensure you are guaranteed a great spot.

If you are arriving by taxi or being dropped off to the Convention Centre, the entrance near DFO is the closest drop off point.

Visitor Information Centres
Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge, find out more.