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Australia’s landscape is a picture of amazing diversity, contrasts and natural wonder. From the ancient rock Uluru (Ayers Rock) to the Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s Red Centre reaches out to a magnificent azure coastline.
Scattered across this beautiful environment are thriving cities bubbling with sophistication and energy. Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant sub tropical capital, Sydney with its magnificent harbour, and Melbourne with its heritage of arts, fashion and fine food, are just three of Australia’s outstanding city destinations.
Australia, the world’s smallest continent and largest island, is like nowhere else on earth. It is as big as mainland United States but has only 20 million people. It is adventurous, stylish and friendly, has unique flora and fauna and a fantastic climate. Aussies (as the locals are called) enjoy sport, beaches, music, performing arts, outdoor cafes, pubs, multicultural restaurants and good friends. A rich cultural blend of fashion, languages and cuisine colours the streets of Australia’s major cities.
Australia’s diverse mix of environments and cultures offers an encounter like no other. Explore lively, sophisticated cities, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia’s natural wonders, discover the ancient mysteries of Aboriginal culture, and see and feel the rigours of life in the rugged Outback. Regardless of what you choose to see and do, Australia guarantees the experience of a lifetime!
Information on places to visit and things to do is available on a number of sites, including Tourism Australia, Tourism Queensland and the Australian Traveller magazine.
Useful Information
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 Congress 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 Congress.
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
Letters of invitation will not be issued for this Conference. To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the registration via the Conference website ensuring to include a valid fax number and credit card details. The Conference Secretariat will process your registration and sent to you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the Conference. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided.
Australian Lingo
Aussie salute. Brushing away flies with the hand
Barbie. Barbecue
billy tea. Tea brewed in a "billy" hung over a campfire. A billy is a metal container shaped like a large can with a wire handle. The water is boiled, a handful of tea leaves thrown in then stirred with a stick and left to brew for a few minutes
bingle. Motor vehicle accident
bushranger. Outlaw, highwayman
BYO. Bring your own (wine). Said of restaurants without a liquor licence
chemist. Pharmacy or drugstore
chook. Chicken
come good. Turn out okay
cooee. Call to attract attention. within cooee. Nearby
daks. Trousers
damper. Bread made from flour and water and cooked either in a camp oven (heavy cast-iron pot with lid, which you place in a campfire and heap coals around) or by wrapping dough on a green stick and toasting it over the campfire
drongo. Someone who is stupid/inept, a dimwit
esky. Insulated container (to keep beer/food cold)
fruit loop. A fool or crazy person
g'day. Casual greeting
good onya. Good for you, well done
knock. Criticise
lift. Elevator
Mexican. Someone from south of the Queensland/New South Wales border
port. School bag
postie. Postman, mailman
prawn. Shrimp
ripper. Great, fantastic
ropable. Extremely angry or bad-tempered
scratchy. Instant lottery ticket
she'll be right. It will be alright
shout. Buy someone a drink (I'll shout you a beer!)
snag. Sausage
stubbie. Small bottle of beer
sunnies. Sunglasses
thongs. Flip flops, cheap rubber slip-on footwear
tinnie. Can of beer
togs. Swimsuit
too right. Definitely
top end. Far north Australia
true blue. Patriotic
Vegemite. A brown yeast extract which is spread on toast and sandwiches - virtually a national food
More Australian slang can be found at: http://www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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Shopping
Most stores in Brisbane 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. For more information, visit our Shopping Guide. |
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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/travellers___english1.pdf |
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Climate
Queensland boasts an enjoyable sub-tropical climate year round with temperatures during August-September in the range of 12°c – 26°c. September is an ideal month for holding an international congress in Brisbane. For more information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology's website. |
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Tipping
Tipping is acceptable in Brisbane 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. |
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Water quality
The water in Brisbane (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 Brisbane. |
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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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