About Australia
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.
About Brisbane
At the time of the conference, Brisbane will be experiencing winter which is usually mild and very pleasant. The nights and early mornings are cool; however most winter days are sunny perfect for soaking up Brisbane's outdoor lifestyle. The average winter maximum temperature is 21 o C and the average minimum is 10 o C. Brisbane offers the excitement and diversity of a big city; yet peaceful bush and rainforest hinterland, the islands of Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are all within an hour's drive. Brisbane's inner suburbs display excellent examples of Brisbane's early architecture. Typical Queenslander weatherboard homes with corrugated iron roofs and shady verandahs balance on wooden stumps in the hilly streets and terraces of the city.
Culture
The cultural heart of Brisbane is the Queensland Cultural Centre at the South Bank Precinct. Here you'll find the Queensland Art Gallery, State Library and Queensland Museum, with the new Queensland Gallery of Modern Art. The latest addition to Brisbane's cultural life is the Brisbane Powerhouse at New Farm. Built on the site which once powered the city's tram system, the Powerhouse offers a mix of theatre, workshops, site tours, public art programs, performances, forums, lectures and readings.
Parks and gardens
Brisbane is home to two world class botanic gardens, the City Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. The City Gardens, located on the banks of the Brisbane River adjacent to Parliament House, were established in 1855 and are popular with visitors and city workers alike. The Brisbane Botanic Gardens are located at the base of Mount Coot-tha in the historic inner suburb of Toowong. The sixteen-hectare Roma Street Parkland, opened in April 2001, is Brisbane's newest public park. The parkland is a green oasis of subtropical plants surrounding a one-hectare lake located in the heart of the city.
Sport and the outdoors
If the outdoors is your passion, the Kangaroo Point cliffs offer excellent rock climbing and abseiling. The cliffs are floodlit for night climbing if you're really keen.
Golf enthusiasts are well catered for with two public golf courses, both close to the city: St Lucia Golf Links and Victoria Park Golf Complex St Lucia:, Victoria Park. Further golfing information may be found at: http://www.ourbrisbane.com/lifestyle/health-sport-and-fitness/golf-brisbane.
Maybe you'd like to visit the Queensland Cricket Ground at Woolloongabba close to the city - 'The Gabba' hosts one day and test matches during the summer cricket season. Over the Australian Football League season the historic sports ground is home to Brisbane's own AFL team, the Brisbane Lions.
Dining
Brisbane offers a diverse array of dining options to satisfy your appetite. Choose from sipping coffee and people-watching from an alfresco café, gazing at the views from a gourmet riverfront restaurant, tasting local delicacies at the weekend riverside markets or enjoying a relaxed meal at one of hundreds of superb restaurants located around the city and suburbs.
A River Lights Dinner Cruise aboard the Kookaburra River Queen is a great way to enjoy a delicious buffet dinner including fresh Queensland seafood while experiencing the sights of Brisbane cruising the Brisbane River.
For more information visit: http://www.ourbrisbane.com.au and http://www.brisbanevisitorsguide.com.au.
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 http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/. Some participants will be able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). You can apply for an ETA via the Internet http://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. Please include a valid fax number and credit card details. The Conference Secretariat will process your registration and email a delegate confirmation letter and 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.
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.
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia - dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank and on-line at http://www.xe.com.
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.
Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent. Asian Finance Association will not take any responsibility for any delegate failing to insure.
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. A late night general convenience store is located close to the Brisbane Hilton - concierge staff can provide directions.
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 transport, in taxis and most restaurants and stores. Designated smoking areas are provided in many popular entertainment venues.
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.
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.
Water
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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