The Gold Coast

Mention the Gold Coast and various images come to mind... stunning beaches, a surfing paradise, exciting theme parks, sun-kissed locals, sophisticated style, the list goes on. It's a place where you can let loose and feel free, all with a smile on your lips and the sun on your cheeks.

With its signature 52 kilometres of golden surfing beaches, world class accommodation, award-winning dining, amazing shopping and thrilling attractions, the Gold Coast has something for everyone

Surfers Paradise:
Surfers Paradise is the jewel of Queensland's Gold Coast and one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia. Surfers Paradise is where you'll find the perfect fusion of city and beach lifestyles set amidst a spectacular skyline and brilliant stretch of coast. Once you arrive, you'll soon feel that you've literally arrived in paradise.

Vibrant and eclectic, Surfers Paradise provides non-stop action. With an abundance of theme parks and family attractions all in easy access, you're never short of finding things to do. The trouble instead may be finding enough time to do everything.

Surfers Paradise invites exploration. Whether it's through the winding streets lined with alfresco dining restaurants or the art galleries that showcase local artists' works and Aboriginal exhibitions. There's the unending shopping options from top-end designers to outlet bargains and night-time beachfront markets. And when nightfall comes, Surfers bursts into action with 24-hour excitement. Bars and nightclubs start pumping with live music and dance beats, while non-stop events keep you entertained.

Click on the images to view

Climate
The Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with plenty of sunshine year round (in fact an average of 300 days a year).
Summer temperatures range from 19 to 29 degrees Celsius (66 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit).
Winter temperatures range from an average of 9 to 21 degrees Celsius (48 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit) - it's no wonder the Gold Coast is Australia's favourite playground.

The Venue - How to get there!

The region is serviced by the Gold Coast Airport with frequent domestic services including daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide and frequent flights to other national and international destinations.

Brisbane Airport offers passengers direct connections to 26 international and 39 domestic destinations.

Getting to the Venue

• Bus/Shuttle Services

• Several bus companies operate including those who provide 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.


• Airtrain Connect
• Train including Airtrain Connect - [Website, Timetable and Pricing]

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.

Getting Around

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.

Outrigger Surfers Paradise

At Outrigger Surfers Paradise, guests can experience everything the Gold Coast has to offer, right at their fingertips.  Where the only decision required is what to do first. Beaches, attractions, shopping, nightlife or dining are just moments away.

While guests might find it hard to leave their deluxe hotel room and private balcony with fabulous ocean, hinterland or city views, all the fun and excitement of Surfers Paradise beckons below.

Just a one minute walk to the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, or one block from the dining and entertainment hotspots found on Cavill and Orchid Avenues, guests can discover why Outrigger Surfers Paradise is the perfect base to explore everything the Gold Coast is famous for.

The hotel features 411 spacious hotel rooms offering a large flat screen television, work area with high speed internet, in room safe and private balcony with sweeping views of Surfers Paradise and the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a spacious pool area, spas, tennis court, day spa, gymnasium, business centre and conference facility, Outrigger Surfers Paradise is the ideal choice for business and leisure travellers.

Conference Rates
The Outrigger Surfers Paradise is offering special accommodation rates for all Conference Delegates. Bookings can be made directly with Outrigger
here

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 http://www.immi.gov.au/ . 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.

General Information

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.

Shopping
Most stores in Gold Coast open Monday to Saturday until around 1700 to 1800. Some retailers may remain open until 2100 week nights, and between 0900 to 1800 Sundays. Grocery and department stores generally open seven days a week, with late night trading until 2100 on week nights.

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 is available at:

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4646.asp

Tipping
Tipping is acceptable in Australia 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 Australia exceeds the standards for safe drinking water set by the World Health Organisation. It is safe to drink water straight from the tap.