Host City

Melbourne is located on the south/east coast , is the 2nd largest city in Australia. Over 3.5 million people live in the city, which has been voted The World's Most Livable City on a number of occasions.

Dates

The Meeting will take place from 15-19 June 2008

Venue

The Melbourne Convention Centre (MECC) is located in the heart of the Central Business District. Encompassing a state-of-the-art convention centre with Australia's largest exhibition space, the MECC is a multi-dimensional complex offering a range of facilities and services to meet any requirement.

Featuring two theatres, banquet space for up to 2000 guests, a variety of meeting rooms and 30,000m2 of uninterrupted exhibition space (the largest single floor, pillarless exhibition area in the Southern Hemisphere), the Convention Centre provides unrivalled flexibility for meeting organisers.

The Convention Centre has consistently been named' Australia's Best Convention Centre' by Meetings Events Australia and in 2000 the prestigious International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) named the Centre the first 'World's Best Congress Centre'.

Exhibition (Commercial/Non-commercial)

A centre for commercial exhibitions, including bookstores and souvenir booths, will be organized during the meeting. Furthermore, non-commercial exhibitions for international professional organizations, will take place. Please visit the Exhibition page of this website for more details.

Transportation

Tullamarine International Airport is located approximately 25 minutes from the city centre. Once in Melbourne, there are many transport options including taxi, train and tram. For more information on getting around Melbourne, click here.

Visas

All visitors to Australia (except residents of New Zealand) require a visa before entering Australia. Please visit the Visa Information page of this website for more details.

Climate and Clothing

With its variable climate, Melbourne is cold in winter, with temperatures averaging 15 C during the day and 5C at night. It is recommended that visitors bring clothing suitable for cold days and nights.

Local Time

The time in Melbourne in June is 10 hours ahead of G.M.T. (daylight saving time is in effect during summer).

Currency & Banking

Australian currency is the dollar. Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and AUD$1 and AUD$2; notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.

Banks and Foreign Exchange

Melbourne's banking hours are generally Monday to Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am-5pm . All the major banks, have offices in and are equipped to exchange foreign currency. You can also exchange foreign currency any day or night at the airport, or during normal business hours in Melbourne's central business district.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques a safe and convenient way to carry funds. Brands like American Express and Travelex are widely accepted in Melbourne , and can be cashed at banks, foreign exchange brokers, larger hotels and restaurants, and for car rental. Passport ID is required when you cash travellers cheques. Fees for changing travellers cheques sometimes vary from bank to bank.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

Australia has a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent on most goods and services such as accommodation, day tours, guides, translators, food, transport (including coach, rail and cruise) and other tourism services within Australia. International airfares do not attract GST. For international visitors, all prices quoted for a Victorian holiday will include the 10 per cent GST, payable at the time of ticketing.

Tipping

Tipping is not a general custom in Australia, and is at your discretion.

Electric Current

Electric current is 240 Volt, AC 50 cycles. Two or Three pin rectangular plugs are used. For more information, please visit your local travel store.

First Aid and Hospital Services

A first-aid room at the venue will be available to delegates during the meeting. In the event of an emergency, transfer to the nearest hospital will be provided by ambulance. 

Driving License

International Driving Licenses are recognized throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Restaurants

Melbourne is a multi-cultural city and every cuisine is available throughout the many restaurants. For a list of just some of the restaurants in Melbourne, please click on the restaurants link on the Useful Links page of this website.

Shopping

Most shops in Melbourne are generally open from 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday to Wednesday and 09:00 to 21:00 Thursday to Friday. In all stores and shopping centres major credit cards are accepted and tax-free shopping is possible within the city.

Walking is the best way to shop, especially along Melbourne's arcades and laneways. Outside the city centre, visit shopping precincts like Chapel Street in South Yarra, Acland Street in St Kilda and Brunswick Street in Fitzroy, especially on weekends. Here you'll find everything from retro homewares to funky shops selling cult-in-the-making jewellery. These strips also have stacks of streetside cafes. Travelling between Melbourne's suburbs is best done by tram, although you'll need a car to visit larger suburban malls like Chadstone, where many of the major retailers are found.

Bargains

For bargains, head for Richmond (especially Bridge Road and Swan Street), where designer outlets and factory seconds sell jeans, swimwear, trainers, tops and bags at heavily reduced prices. Big savings can also be made during sale times (normally at the end of summer and winter, and some public holidays) held by David Jones, Myer and other department stores.