VUV14 - International Delegate Information
| All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars. |
| Please note:
It is vital to book your airfares and arrange your visa early
in order to minimize cost and inconvenience.
|
Cairns
Cairns is located in tropical North Queensland, in the north-eastern corner of the Australian continent. With its mountain backdrop and ocean views, Cairns is world-renowned for its pristine natural beauty and attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage listed rainforests.
Climate
The seasons in Australia are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere,
July being the middle of Australia's winter. However, Cairns has a tropical
climate and average temperatures in July range from 16C (60°F) in the evening to around 25C (77°F) during the day. A light jacket is recommended
for the evenings.
Enjoy outdoor activities in Australia’s beautiful weather,
but minimise your
exposure to the sun. Wear a broad-brimmed hat, cover up and apply
water-resistant sunscreen frequently. Australia is fringed with
superb beaches just waiting to be enjoyed. As with all beaches, it is
advisable to follow basic precautions. Always swim
or surf at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags, which
mark the safest area for swimming
Touring
Before booking your flights, consider all of your activities in
Australia. First, Northern-Hemisphere visitors would be foolish not
to partake in some once-in-a-lifetime touring in Australia, before or
after VUV14. Also, don't forget the Conference
Tours on Friday and Saturday, 23-24 July. Second, plenary, invited,
and contributing delegates should consider whether to attend the Satellite Workshop in Melbourne, before VUV14.
Travel (International)
Cairns is accessible directly from Asia, and, with a stop over, from Europe.
Most flights from the USA are via Sydney.
Cairns Airport is approximately 6 km from the city centre.
No special conference disconts are applicable for international flights.
International delegates can contact their local Qantas office for the
best fare of the day alternatively visit the Qantas website at
www.qantas.com
The primary international airlines servicing Cairns directly are Qantas,
Australian Airlines (a
new airlines with 26 flights per week from Asia), Cathay Pacific,
Continental Airlines, Air New Zealand and Air Nuigini. Many more
carriers service Cairns via Sydney.
Book airfares as soon as possible for the best available fare at the time.
Late bookings result in ridiculously expensive fares.
Visa Requirements
All visitors (except New Zealanders) require visas to enter Australia.
Visas are available from your local Australian Embassy, Consulate or
High Commission. For the location of your nearest Consulate visit
the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website at
www.dfat.gov.au/missions
Further information regarding visa requirements can be found at
www.immi.gov.au/business/iecn.htm
Customs Requirements
Please refer to the Australian Customs Service website at www.customs.gov.au
for items that must be declared at the time of arrival
into Australia.
Departure Taxes
The Departure Tax is $A38.00 per person and is included in the cost of
your international airline ticket.
|
|
Transport within Cairns
To and from The Airport
The Conference venue is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the Cairns
International and Domestic Airport. The cost will be approximately $A15.00.
Taxis Black & White Cairns can be contacted on telephone 131 008.
Alternatively, the Cairns International and Domestic Airport offer a
shuttle service operated by Australia Coach, which can transport people to
most hotels and the city centre.
| Cost: | Oe way $A7.00 for adults. Children under 14 are free.
|
| Frequency: | Buses are available at the arrival of each
flight |
Hire Cars
Major rental companies are represented at the airport, and there are many
additional rental companies with offices in Cairns and larger towns.
Reservations prior to arrival are recommended although not essential.
In Australia, vehicles are right-hand drive and you travel on the
left hand side of the road.
Public Transport
Public bus transport operates to all Cairns city areas, suburbs and beaches.
Timetables are available at hotels and bus depots.
|
General Information
Banks
Most banks operate between the hours of 9.30 am and 4.00 pm Monday to
Thursday, and between 9.30 am and 5.00 pm on Friday. Most major banks and
some stores have electronic banking machines operating 24 hours per day at
selected locations.
Travellers cheques, Credit cards and Foreign exchange
Travellers
cheques can be cashed at most banks, hotels and motels. Major credit
cards are acceptable in most establishments. Foreign currencies can
be exchanged at the airport and at foreign currency bureaus around
the city, many of which are open 7 days a week. In many cases you
will need to produce current, suitable identification to conduct
financial transactions. The currency denominations in Australia are:
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100 notes and 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, $2 coins.
Electricity
The electrical supply in Australia is 240 volts, AC 50Hz. The
Australian three-pin power outlet is different from some other
countries so you may need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V,
you may need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V
shavers are usually found in leading hotels.
Email and Internet
Internet and email access is available at numerous hotels, Internet cafes,
hostels and libraries. Australia uses RJ-45 telephone plugs and
Telstra EXI-160 four-pin plugs. Also check that your PC-card modem
is suitable in Australia.
Health Regulations
There are no compulsory immunisations required before arriving in
Australia unless
travellers have been in a quarantine zone within 14 days preceding
arrival. Travellers journeying to Far North Queensland via tropical
countries should seek medical advice about those countries before
departing home. There are no entry and exit requirements between
Australian states.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are available for rent, or bring your mobile phone with you.
Australia’s mobile network operates on the 900 and 1800 bands
for GSM and 800 for CDMA. Contact your telecommunications carrier for
activating international roaming while you are visiting Australia.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in Australia.
|
|
Home Page 
Updates: read this! 
Contact 
Announcements 
Abstracts 
Posters 
Registration 
Program 
Social Program 
Public Lecture 
Proceedings 
Committees 
Exhibition 
Venue 
Internet Access 
Accommodation 
Travel 
Delegate Information 
Satellite Workshop 
VUV15 
Links 
Acknowledgements 
