Useful Information

Airport and Transportclose

The central business district of Adelaide is very close to the International and Domestic Airport. The 10 minute ride costs approximately A$20.00 in a taxi and while general bus/coach services are available from the airport, taxi services are less expensive and more frequent. Most international flights arrive via Perth or Sydney. There are frequent direct flights from other state capitals and regional towns. Also available are car hire and campervans. In addition to the local buses in the city, the Adelaide Connector offers a free service connecting major facilities in the North Adelaide and city centre areas. Bus timetables are available from the Visitor Information Centre at the Western end of Rundle Mall.

Banking and Currencyclose

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1).  Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5.  Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations. 

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours.  Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

Business Hoursclose

Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday.  General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

Conference Venue – Adelaide Convention Centreclose

The Adelaide Convention Centre is located in the CBD of Adelaide, adjacent to the picturesque River Torrens and parklands. The Adelaide Convention Centre enjoys a global reputation for excellence and is consistently ranked among the world's top convention centres. The city of Adelaide was recently voted 1st in Australia and 4th in the world for preferred business destination, this is the result of our superior product & our world-class facilities.

Adelaide boasts Australia’s newest airport, a world class convention centre, some of the best wineries in the world, magnificent dining and even the world’s biggest rocking horse.  We trust you will find your visit to this spectacular city offers many rewards for both business and pleasure.

City of Adelaide - things to see and doclose

Adelaide is a compact city of approximately 1.2 million people, situated between the beautiful Adelaide Hills and the long white beaches of the Gulf of St Vincent. Settled in 1836, Adelaide retains much of the charm and tranquillity of the past while offering all the vigour, multicultural diversity, and conveniences of a modern city. With spacious boulevards and vibrant inner-city districts, sophisticated architecture and lush gardens, it's the perfect venue for all sorts of activities. 

There's so much to see and do in Adelaide - and we've packed most of it into the elegant city centre. Just stroll down the wide boulevards to find stunning museums, heritage buildings and an endless flow of shady parklands. Take the time to visit Adelaide’s concert venues which host some of the best international and national music acts or enjoy dinning out alfresco style while watching the world go by. You could shop around at some of Adelaide’s well-known boutique outlets located at the famous Rundall Mall or simple put your feet up and sample some of Adelaide’s tasty wines at one of our many wineries or welcoming pubs. 

Eating Outclose

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Electricityclose

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V converter switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)close

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted on this website are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Languageclose

The official language for the Meeting is English.  

Parkingclose

Parking is available at the Adelaide Convention Centre at various rates. Please contact the car park manager directly on +61 8210 6740 or email charles.savage@adelaidecc.com.au for further information regarding car parking rates and services. Alternatively click here to download an information sheet on car parking rates and a map of the centre.

Passport and Visaclose

All travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are legally required to hold a valid visa to travel to Australia. Please review the following Visa Information Sheet, or alternatively visit The Australian Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs

Download Visa Information (PDF , Size: 39KB)

Places of interest includeclose

National Wine Centre - The showcase for Australia's wine industry and includes a wine-tasting gallery, an interactive exhibit that covers all aspects of winemaking and a working vineyard.

Adelaide Central Market - Well known fresh produce markets, which have been trading since 1869.

Port Adelaide - The old maritime heart of South Australia and our first declared heritage area. It features some of the finest historic buildings in South Australia.

Botanic Gardens - Adelaide's best-loved park. Located right near the Adelaide Zoo Both not to be missed when visiting Adelaide.

City of Adelaide Golf Links - Wrapping around the west and south of beautiful North Adelaide, these two fully watered courses cater for all levels of golfers. Majestic trees and wonderful views of the city and Adelaide Hills make this one of the most envied public courses in Australia.

Located in the historic Adelaide Railway Station, SKYCITY Adelaide offers an exciting combination of restaurants, bars, live music and gaming facilities.

Rundle Mall - You'll find more than 600 retail stores, three major department stores and 15 arcades there. There are also outdoor cafes and bars to relax in.

Greenhill Galleries Has been recognised as one of Adelaide's most important commercial art galleries since 1972 when it was established. The galleries deal in fine art by prominent Australian artists, and are leading the way forward with works by emerging talents in a variety of media.

For more information on Adelaide and its surrounding regions, please visit the following websites:
SouthAustralia.com.au
www.discoveradelaide.com

Planning your Travelclose

Because of time change and jet lag the Organising Committee suggests you consider arriving in Australia by 14 October 2008. This will enable you to relax and familiarise yourself with your hotel and its surrounds before the start of the meeting.

Privacyclose

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Meeting Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Meeting will be used only for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Meeting and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Meeting and to include the individual’s details in such a list. Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Meeting.

Quarantineclose

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. For more information see the ‘Information for International Travellers’ on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting www.affa.gov.au.

Shoppingclose

Whether you're after fashion bargains, designer labels, shoes of all shapes and sizes, jewellery, fresh fruit and veg, furniture, or that special bottle of wine, South Australia can satisfy your shopping urges.Trading hours are generally Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 11am - 5pm.
There's late night shopping in Adelaide city stores every Friday until 9pm.

Timeclose

South Australia time is calculated as Greenwich Mean Time plus 9.5 hours.

Tippingclose

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 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

Vaccinationsclose

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.

Weatherclose

October is Spring in Australia. Average daily maximum and minimum temperatures at this time of year are 19 and 8 degrees C (66 and 46 degrees F) respectively. Please visit the Bureau of Meteorology for daily weather forecasts in Adelaide.