(contents stolen from a variety of websites)

Banks

Major banks are open from 9.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Thursday and 9.30am to 5.00pm on Friday. Some building societies open Saturday mornings. Most banks have electronic banking facilities operating 24 hours a day.  Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks.

Car Rental

Cars can be rented in Australia from local or international companies. Average cost per day for a medium sized car is A$70.00. All cars are right-hand drive.

Credit cards

Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognized cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and the local Bankcard.

Churches

Most denominations of Christianity are represented throughout the Rockhampton and Central Queensland.

Currency exchange [current exchange rate]

Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, $ .50, $.20, $.10, $.05 cents.

Disabled Facilities

If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the secretariat by indicating on your registration form.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers. 

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.

Liability

The Organising Committee and or Conference Organiser shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Conference. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

Limit on numbers

Attendance at some sessions, social events and tours will be restricted in numbers. It is strongly recommended that you book for these functions with your registration to avoid disappointment. Preference will be given in sequence as registrations are received.

Medical

A wide range of medical services both public and private are available throughout the region. Remember the “Slip, Slop, Slap” sun protection to ensure a great holiday. Passport and Visa

All international visitors require a valid passport and visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only). A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in 29 countries including the US, UK, parts of Western Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This system also includes pre-clearance for entry which reduces the time needed to process passengers on arrival. Your local Australian Embassy or Consulate can advise of the availability. For non-ETA countries, visas are issued from Australian Embassies and Consulates around the world at a cost of AUD $60.00. In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa.

For further information, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au

Program

A complete up-to-date program will be available at the time of registration.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

Shopping

Major shopping centers open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and until 2.00pm on Saturdays. Many offer extended trading hours through the week.

Tax

Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%.

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.

Travel

For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Conference commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be returned on the return journey.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against cholera and yellow fever is required if you as a passenger come from or travel through infected areas. Consult your airline in this regard.