Brisbane - Host City

Brisbane looks forward to welcoming you for the
34th International Geological Congress

Brisbane. A city that talks to head and heart.
The place to play and the place to do business in Australia.

Enjoy the journey. Embrace the destination. Easy entries, exits and explorations are the order of the day in Brisbane thanks to a first-class network of travel and transport links and one of the country’s most compact, foot-friendly city centres.

Out at the airport …

Flights

Getting to Brisbane has never been easier. The city offers an extensive network of domestic and international flights with almost 30 airlines collectively operating more than 2,700 domestic and international flights per week.

Brisbane Airport

Brisbane’s domestic and international airports sit side-by-side in what is rapidly becoming a global Airport City of trade and commerce. Both airports – modern, super-efficient, centrally-located hubs of activity – offer a diversity of flight options. Add in the convenience factor – both domestic and international airports are open 24-7 and are conveniently located just 20 minutes from the city centre – and it’s not hard to understand why the city is home to Australia’s second-busiest international air terminal.

Brisbane bound delegates can also anticipate even better access to the city, thanks to a $340 million (AUD) expansion project currently being undertaken by the Brisbane Airport Corporation. The expansion – due for completion by the end of 2008 – will make Brisbane Airport one of approximately 60 airports in the world that can accommodate the new generation of aircraft.

Find out more. Visit www.brisbaneairport.com.au

Airtrain

Brisbane’s award-winning Airtrain is the quick and easy way for conference delegates to transfer from the domestic and international airports straight through to the city centre and the convention centre precinct. Delegates can sit back in air-conditioned comfort and take the express pathway to the city. The 20 minute Airtrain airport to city service runs every 15 minutes during peak hours. Discount rates can be arranged for conference groups. Tickets can be purchased online, at the domestic airport or at Queensland Rail and Airtrain stations.

Find out more. Visit www.airtrain.com.au

Coachtrans Australia

Coachtrans Australia runs a seven day a week, door-to-door bus shuttle service from Brisbane’s domestic and international airports. Coachtrans services can be pre-booked to meet flights and drop-off at major city-based accommodation. Tickets can be purchased online and at the domestic and international airports.

Find out more. Visit www.coachtrans.com.au

Taxis

Taxis are readily available from dedicated taxi ranks at both the domestic and international airports. From airport to city you can expect to pay around $35 (AUD).

Around the City …

City strolling

Brisbane is a compact capital that’s custom-made for strolling. This is a city where you’ll want to take to the footpaths and walkways and head out on a journey of urban discovery. The compact nature of the central business district and surrounding urban precincts ensures that most venues and facilities can be easily accessed on foot. And then there’s the RiverWalk – a 20 kilometre network of walking paths, floating boardwalks, parks and bridges designed for foot-friendly explorations of the city and river precincts. Step it out in the city sunshine and go from bed to business in a few minutes.

CityTrain

Brisbane’s speedy network of electric trains covers the broadest reaches of the city and provides direct access to key sites including the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank and Roma Street Parkland. There’s also special post-midnight services on Friday and Saturday nights for late night adventurers. Tickets can be purchased at Queensland Rail stations.

Find out more. Visit www.translink.com.au

Buses

Brisbane’s comprehensive bus service runs throughout the city connecting the outer and inner suburbs to the city centre, major shopping centres, railway stations and ferry terminals. There are also special NightLink bus services for night-owls after midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets can be purchased on buses. Frequent travel tickets can be purchased at most newsagents and selected retail outlets.

Find out more. Visit www.translink.com.au

Free City Bus Loop

Visitors based in the downtown area can also make use of the Loop – a free weekday bus service circling the central business district every ten minutes and stopping at visitor-worthy destinations including the Queen Street Mall, Conrad Treasury Casino, City Botanic Gardens and Riverside Centre.

Find out more. Visit www.translink.com.au

CityCats

Take to the water with one of our favourite ways to get around the city where commuting and sight-seeing go hand-in-hand. Brisbane’s CityCat and ferry services shoot around the winding river reaches providing visitors and locals alike with easy, breezy access to key city spots. Tickets can be purchased on CityCats. Frequent travel tickets can be purchased at most newsagents and selected retail outlets.

Find out more. Visit www.translink.com.au

Taxis

For those days when you’re running late (or feeling a little lazy) it’s good to know that Brisbane is well serviced by a range of taxi companies. Taxi ranks can be found throughout the city and easy walking distance from most major hotels and venues.

Car hire

For those times when you want to put aside the timetables and tickets and explore on your own, nothing quite beats the freedom of a lovely set of wheels. Brisbane offers a range of car rental options from all of the big names and several local operators. For those who would rather sit back and let someone else do the driving, the city also offers a comprehensive range of limousine and chauffeured car services.

VITAL VISITOR INFORMATION

Banking and money

Banks: As a general guide, most banks are open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Automatic teller machines (ATMs/Cash Points): ATMs that accept a wide variety of cards are conveniently located throughout the city.

Credit cards: Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are happily accepted by most outlets.

Currency exchange: Services are available at the Brisbane International Airport. There are also several Bureaux de Change located in the city centre. Most banks throughout the city have currency exchange services.

Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100

Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2

Climate

Pack a hat and think alfresco. Get ready to smile and soak up the sunshine. Brisbane boasts mild winters and sultry summers.

Electricity

Mains supply in Australia is 220/240V-AC, 50Hz. Three-pin plugs are used Australia-wide. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt international sockets for electric razors. Adaptors for plugs can be purchased from the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre in the Queen Street Mall and all good travel stores, chemists, department stores and hardware outlets.

Emergency contacts

In an emergency dial 000 (free call) and ask for police, fire or ambulance. Stay calm and wait to be connected to the appropriate service. If you’re calling from a mobile, be ready to tell the operator the town and state you are calling from.

Goods and Services Tax

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a flat tax of 10 per cent included in the shelf prices of most goods and services across the country. The Tourist Refund Scheme allows international travellers to claim a GST refund (subject to certain conditions) on goods purchased in Australia.

Health and medical

Public hospitals offer accident, emergency and outpatient services. Private medical practitioners can be located through the Yellow Pages telephone book.

Find out more. Visit www.yellowpages.com.au

Information services

The Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre – is located at the lower end of the Queen Street Mall in the heart of Brisbane’s busiest shopping precinct. The Centre operates seven days a week (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 5:30pm; Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm; Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm; and Sunday 9:30am to 4:30pm. (On Anzac Day the Centre is open 1:00pm to 5:00pm. On public holidays Sunday times apply.)

The South Bank Visitor Information Centre is located on the Stanley Street Plaza is also open seven days a week. Opening hours: 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Language

English is the official language of Australia. Translation and interpreter services can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling 13 14 50.

Passport and Visas

All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australia. The most common and preferred travel document is a passport, but other types of travel documents may also be accepted.

All international travellers (with the exception of our trans-Tasman New Zealand travellers) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. The good news is: Australia offers travellers a straightforward, streamlined visa application system. Through the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, travellers can apply for an ETA on the Internet or through a travel agent, airline or specialist service provider. (The ETA is the electronic equivalent of a visa for the short-term traveller. It replaces the passport visa label or stamp, is valid for 12 months with stays of up to three months on each visit, and can be used for single or multiple entry travel.) For most people who apply online their application will be approved in less than 30 seconds. Approved applications are electronically recorded on Australian Government systems and can be electronically confirmed by airline check-in staff prior to boarding.

Find out more. Visit www.immi.gov.au

Population

Brisbane has a population of 1.8 million and lies at the heart of the fastest growing region in Australia. In fact, Brisbane is the second fastest growing city in the western world, behind Phoenix Arizona. We’re a young and culturally-diverse community: the average resident is 35 years old and more than 28 per cent of us were born overseas.

Post offices

Brisbane’s General Post Office is conveniently located on Queen Street in a stately heritage building. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm. Other Australia Post outlets (with varying opening hours) are located throughout the city and suburbs.

Shopping

Big spenders and retail therapists take note. The majority of downtown retailers trade seven days a week. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00am to 6:00pm; Friday 9:00am to 9:00pm; Saturday 9:00am to 5:30pm; and Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm.

Telephone assistance

Most newsagents and convenience stores and the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre on the Queen Street Mall sell public telephone cards and recharge cards for mobiles.

Directory assistance: 1223

International dialling code: 0011 followed by the country code and number

Common country codes:

Time zones

Brisbane operates on Australian Eastern Standard time – GMT plus ten hours. Daylight saving times do not apply.

Tipping

It’s an option not an obligation. Feel free to tip if you think the service has been exceptional