General Information
ABOUT MELBOURNE
There is much to love about Melbourne. Just ask the locals. This sophisticated world city in the south-east corner of mainland Australia inspires a deep passion in those lucky enough to live here. They love its vibrant energy, staggering choice of restaurants, funky boutiques, café-filled laneways, cool bars, unbeatable galleries, luscious parks and village-like inner suburbs, each with its own special character.
Melbourne, a relatively modern city which is less than 200 years old, never sits still. New futuristic designs add to the fascinating mix of architecture and ensure the skyline is constantly changing. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle. It is no huge surprise to residents that their city has been named in an international poll as the world’s most liveable city.
Melburnians embrace three things in particular: sport (Australian Rules football is almost a religion); fashion (the look is chic with a dash of quirky); and festivals (the calendar is packed year round).They even embrace their notoriously changeable weather. A standing joke in Australia is that Melbourne can experience four seasons in a day. But, really, it’s just another example of how they have it all!
Sometimes, the best part of visiting a new city is when you unexpectedly depart from the tourist trail and glimpse the city’s “real” side. While the big attractions can be great fun, often it’s the more subtle “insider” experiences that leave you feeling really satisfied.
GETTING TO MELBOURNE
All major airlines fly to Melbourne. No official carrier has been nominated for the 30 APS Conference 2008 due to competitive airfares available via the internet. Melbourne is accessed domestically by two airports – Tullamarine and Avalon. Tullamarine is the international airport. It is located approximately 40 kms from the city (30 minutes by car). Avalon is a domestic airport located 55 kms from the CBD.
Taxis from Tullamarine Airport are available from the ground floor level of Airport, outside the International Terminal and both domestic Terminals. Expect to pay around A$45 for a trip between Melbourne Airport and the CBD or Melbourne.
Skybus offers a shuttle bus service from Tullamarine to Melbourne CBD and city hotels. For further information go to www.skybus.com.au or ph: (61 3) 9335 2811. This service operates 24 hours, 7 days. Buses run every 10-15 minutes throughout the day and every 30-60 minutes overnight.
Skybus Hotel Shuttle operates from the city 0600-2200 Monday to Friday and 0730-1830 Saturday and Sunday. Adult one way tickets cost $15 / $24 return.
The easiest way to get to the Melbourne CBD from Avalon airport is by Sunbus. A return ticket is $58.00. For further information ph: 61 3 9689 6888 or go to www.sunbusaustralia.com.au/about_avalon.shtm
EXTENDING YOUR STAY
Melbourne the sporting capital of Australia and with one of the most coveted sporting events just around the corner why not extend your stay and be a part of the atmosphere of the Spring Racing Carnival. If horseracing isn’t your thing, an evening at Her Majesty’s theatre might be more appealing. Or take a trip out to the Dandenongs for a ride on Puffing Billy or savour the flavour of some of Melbourne’s great wines in the Yarra Valley.
Whatever your desire, Melbourne’s got something for you. For more information go to www.visitvictoria.com
GETTING AROUND MELBOURNE
The easiest way to get around Melbourne is by public transport. You can purchase a Metcard when boarding a train, bus or tram. This ticket can then be used on all forms of public transport. Tickets can be prepurchased online www.metcard.com.au/store/
Or if in Melbourne
Ground Floor, Melbourne Town Hall
90 - 130 Swanston Street
Open: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
The Conference Venue is in Zone 1 when travelling to and from the CBD. A daily ticket costs approximately $6.00.
Conference Information
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF REGISTRATION
Your registration will be acknowledged upon receipt of your completed registration form. This will occur via electronic means if an online registration has been submitted or hard copy if a tangible registration form was provided. Receipts and tax invoices will be issued on request.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY
All cancellations must be in writing. Cancellations postmarked on or before 30 October 2008 will incur a fee of 50% of the registration amount. No refunds will be made for cancellations after 30 October 2008, however substitutions will be permitted. The Conference Organisers reserve the right to change dates, program and speakers without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
INTERNATIONAL DELEGATES
International Delegates MUST commence application for their Visa into Australia at least 3 months prior to their intended arrival. For further information and necessary forms please visit Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affaires
INSURANCE
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that participants take out their own general travel insurance. It is suggested that the insurance policy should also cover loss of fees/deposit, airfares, accommodation charges, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and repatriation expenses. No responsibility is taken by the conference organizers for any person not holding insurance.
DISCLAIMER
The 2008 30APS Conference reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers if necessary, without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control.
