Travel information
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 hear some of these 33 phrases that will help you talk like an Aussie — Aussie Slang.
Climate and Clothing
January is the peak of summer in Australia and the temperatures in the Greater Shepparton area can fluctuate between 15 and 32°C (low to 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.
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 ATMs 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
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
Insurance
Organisers of the conference do not accept any liability for personal accidents or injury or loss or damage to private property of any participant indirectly arising from travelling to Australia and/or attending the conference. Participants are advised to purchase adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their own countries.
Safety and Security
In general, Australia is a very safe country. Traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road so be careful when crossing roads. It is advisable to keep passports and other important documents in the safe located in your hotel room. We also recommend having copies of your passport and credit cards with you in case of loss or theft. There is no need to carry large amounts of cash as most businesses accept credit cards.
Travel to Tatura or Shepparton
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
We recommend booking flights to the Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport, as it is only a 2-hours’ drive to the symposium venue.
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.
The best way to travel to Tatura or Shepparton is from Melbourne by car or coach.
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. The shuttle service can be booked at an extra cost during the registration process.
Taxi
These taxi companies cover all of Melbourne's suburban areas:
13CABS 13 22 27
Crown Cabs (03) 9310 5422
Silver Top 131 008
Taxi fares in country and regional areas and are set by local taxi operators. These taxi companies cover regional Victoria:
Crown Cabs 1300 12 13 14
Regional Cabs +61 (3) 9090 0003
Emergency calls (Fire / Police / Ambulance) Dia 000
Car rental agencies (Melbourne airport)
AVIS (02) 9353 9000
SIXT (03) 9241 6100
Hertz (03) 8312 9590
Budget 1300 362 848
Europcar (03) 9241 6800
Thrifty (03) 9241 6100