USEFUL INFORMATION
Location
Brisbane is the largest city and capital of the state of Queensland
(population 4 million). The city is located in the Southeast corner
of Queensland and has a population of about 1 million. It is 1000
km north of Sydney, and situated on the Pacific Coast of Australia
at a latitude of 27�S (c.f. Miami, Taipei, Canary Islands approximately
27�N; Sao Paulo 27�S). The beautiful Brisbane River is a central
feature throughout the city and its surrounds, with the waterway
well utilized. The city center is compact and contained within a
single bend of the river. Brisbane is a modern, rapidly growing
city with three internationally recognized universities.
Local Transport
All delegates will be issued a complimentary transport pass for
the Greater Brisbane area for the duration of the General Assembly.
Delegates can travel to cultural and sporting attractions, fauna
and flora reserves, and other places of interest with this pass.
Climate
Brisbane is located in the subtropics and is recognized internationally
as having one of the most desirable climates in the world, particularly
in July, which is mid-winter in Brisbane. Days are typically dry
and sunny with approximately 7.5 hours of sunshine a day, and the
nights are cool. July temperatures typically reach 20-22 �C (68-72
�F) during the day and fall to approximately 5-10 �C (41-50 �F)
at night. If you plan to travel to southern Australia, additional
warm clothing may be required.
Travel to Brisbane
Access to Brisbane is available through the Brisbane International
Airport and also via international airports in Cairns, the Gold
Coast, and Sydney. International delegates can fly into any of the
Cairns, Gold Coast, or Sydney airports and still have ready and
easy access to Brisbane via domestic airlines. Regular air connections
to Brisbane are available from all major Australian cities and regional
areas through the domestic air terminal. Qantas has been appointed
the official Congress airline. Special Congress airfares are available
to both international and domestic participants. International delegates
should contact their nearest Qantas office or agent in the first
instance. Travel insurance is recommended for all delegates.
Visas
All travelers to Australia require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority
(ETA) for their visit. An Australian Government guide for visitors
to Australia, including important information about visas, customs
clearance, quarantine, health issues, communications equipment,
and other issues that have an impact on all visitors to Australia,
can be found on the Australian Government Immigration web site at
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors.
This site is regularly updated.
Airport/Hotel Transfers
Transfers by taxi from Brisbane airport to the city center take
approximately 20 minutes and cost approximately AUD 25. Alternatively,
Coachtrans operates a shuttle service every half-hour between Brisbane
airport and Roma Street bus station adjacent to the city center.
The service runs every 30 minutes from 5:00 to 20:30 and costs approximately
AUD 10.00 one way.
Visitor Information
Brisbane is conveniently located for travelers wishing to explore
Queensland and the rest of Australia. Trips can be planned to the
Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Fraser Island, or further afield to
the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock, or Sydney. Queensland has four
World Heritage-listed National Parks.
