TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel to Australia

All major international airlines travel to Australia and depending on the airline and origin of flight will arrive at one of the following international airports:

• Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport
• Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport
• Brisbane International Airport
• Adelaide International Airport

Visa requirements
Visitors to Australia will need to apply for an Australian visa before they travel to Australia.  Information on visa types and how to apply can be found on the Department of Home Affairs website. International travellers entering Australia are not currently required to be provide evidence of vaccination status but please check the latest updates before you travel to Australia for changes.

Official language
Our official language is English. Hotel, restaurant and shop staff will most likely only speak English. The conference will be held in English only. Translation will not be possible during the conference.

Unofficial language
Australians are unique for how they talk. Their language or ‘slang’ is an unconventional word or phrase that expresses something old but in a new way. On your visit to Australia, you may here some of these 33 phrases that will help you talk like an Aussie - (Aussie Slang)

Climate and Clothing
In December it will be early summer in Australia and the temperatures in Shepparton can vary from 13 / 28°C (low/high). Please make sure you have brought adequate clothing and sun protection (hat and sunscreen). Weather information and forecasts can be found at the Bureau of meteorology: http://www.bom.gov.au/

Electricity
In Australia, the standard electrical voltage is 230V. Travel adapters will be required to charge iPhones, laptops and other electrical devices.

Banks and currency exchange
The currency here is Australian dollar (A$). Most businesses (restaurants, hotels, tourist sites, shops etc.) will accept credit cards such as American Express, Mastercard and Visa. Some businesses may have a minimum amount of A$10 to accept credit cards so carrying a small amount of cash or coins is advisable. Cash is also widely accepted.

You may withdraw cash at local ATM’s which are available in town or from check-outs in supermarkets (eg. Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Food Works, IGA etc.). The big four banks (Australia New Zealand – ANZ, Commonwealth bank of Australia - CBA, Westpac, National Australia Bank – NAB) and smaller regional banks (Bendigo) should exchange foreign currency for $A.

Banks are generally open:

• Monday – Thursday: 9.30am – 4.00pm
• Friday: 9.30 am – 5:00 pm
• Saturday and Sundays: closed

ATM Machines will accept most international cards.

Taxes
The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you pay on certain goods purchased in Australia. For more information, visit: Melbourne Airport Passenger Advice.

Tipping
Service is included as part of the bill in restaurants. You are not obliged to tip as waiters in Australia are paid a minimum wage. You may leave a tip or round up if you wish, however there is no set amount.

Phone calls
When calling nationally, the number will include the [ 0 ]. Example: 02 (NSW) 1234 5678

Australian Area Code List

The international code for Australia is +61.
When calling internationally, the number will exclude the [ 0 ]. Example: landlines +61 3 1234 5678, cell (mobile) phone +61 412 345 678

Travel to Shepparton

The best way to travel to Shepparton is from Melbourne by car or coach. Several domestic flights are available from all international airports to Melbourne. Domestic airlines that fly between Melbourne and other major airports are Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex Airlines. Please check airport web pages for transfer options between international and domestic terminals.

Car rental
All major rental car providers are located at Melbourne airport. The travel time by car between Melbourne Airport and Shepparton is 2 hours. Drivers can use their overseas driver’s licence in Australia if they held it for a minimum of 12 months. If the licence is in a language other than English you will be required to provide an official translation or an international driver’s licence.

Travel by coach and train
Trains and coaches to Shepparton departs daily from the Southern Cross railway station. Travel to Southern Cross train station from Melbourne airport can be by Skybus or using the taxi services located near all terminals. Information on rail and coach travel and schedules can be found at the Vline Website.

Travel between Shepparton and Tatura
Tatura is 20 minutes’ drive from Shepparton. Alternatively taxi services are available. A complimentary shuttle service will be available between the conference venue in Tatura and Shepparton for the duration of the conference.