Conference Venue
Crown Promenade
8 Whiteman St
Southbank Victoria
Crown Promenade Hotel is located in Melbourne’s vibrant Southbank entertainment precinct. Directly linked to the exciting Crown Entertainment Complex by air bridge, it is also close to the Central Business District, the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and many of the city’s most famous arts and sporting facilities.
General Tourist Information
Visit Victoria
Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau
That's Melbourne
Tourism Australia
Airport Transfers
Easy access is available from the Melbourne Airport to the city centre via bus and taxi. Skybus operates a shuttle between the airport and the city, departing every 10-15 minutes between 06.00 and 21:30 and half hourly or hourly at other times. Skybus operates 7 days a week, including public holidays and is a 20 minute average trip.
Transport
The Crown Entertainment Complex has over 5,000 car parking spaces in two very accessible car parks. A two level basement car park and a multi-level car park provide convenient access to all facilities in the complex. Parking for those with disabilities is provided in both the multi-level and basement car parks, in various locations adjacent to lift lobbies.
Tram number’s 55, 96, 109 and 112 run past Crown. Flinders Street and Southern Cross Stations are within walking distance. Crown also is highly frequented by taxi cabs.
In addition, the Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle is a free service that runs in a one-way circuit every fifteen minutes from 10:00 to 16:00 daily. The route contains 15 stops, beginning at the Melbourne Museum and Carlton gardens. Stop nine (Southbank) is the most conveniently located stop to the Crown Entertainment Complex.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, shops, restaurants and airlines. The following cards will be accepted for the conference: Visa, MasterCard and AMEX.
Currency and Banking
The Australian Dollar ($AUD) is the official currency for Australia. All major international banks or their agencies have branches in Melbourne. Most banks are closed on weekends although banking services, including use of major international cards, are readily available in Australia. Major credit cards are commonly accepted for shopping, in restaurants and entertainment venues.
Climate
Melbourne has the reputation that its weather can sometimes be a little unpredictable. However, February is summer in Melbourne, with an average maximum temperature of 26˚. For more information visit the Bureau of Meteorology.
What to wear
Smart casual clothes are suitable attire for the conference including the welcome reception.
Catering
Morning and afternoon tea will be served in Crown Conference Centre pre-function area for the duration of the conference. Lunch is not included in the registration fee and therefore, will not be provided unless attending sponsored lunch symposia on Monday 25 February (GlaxoSmithKline, Updates and Conundrums for the Universal Traveller) and Tuesday 26 February (Sanofi Pasteur, Smart Immunization for South East Asia Travel). Attendance at sponsored lunch symposia is open to all registered delegates, however limited catering is available, therefore prompt attendance is recommended. Includes lunch box dining and theatre style seating. RSVPs are not required.
On Wednesday 27 February lunch is not provided unless attending the Asia Pacific Travel Health Society General Meeting. This general meeting is open to interested delegates – sandwich lunch provided.
Restaurants
Information about a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, bars and theatres can be sourced by visiting the following Citysearch Melbourne. In addition, Crown Entertainment Complex offers a variety of bars, dining and entertainment.
People with Special Needs
Every effort is made to ensure people with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance, please include a notation with your registration form to enable us to make your stay in Melbourne a pleasant and comfortable experience.
In addition, the Travellers Aid Society of Victoria offers travel and support services to people with disabilities and those with vision or movement impairments access Melbourne. Alternatively, the City of Melbourne’s mobility map provides highlights facilities such as wheelchair accessible toilets and telephones, public TTY phones, disability designated car parking spots, accessible off street parking, train stations, accessible pathways, taxi ranks, public seating and street gradients.
Business Centre
A fully serviced business centre is conveniently located adjacent to the Crown Conference Centre on Level 1 offering hotel and conference centre guests the following (at delegates own expense):
Child minding
No official arrangements have been made for child care during the conference. Please check with your hotel as they should be able to assist you with child minding services.
Goods and Services Tax
Goods and services tax (GST) is a broad-based consumption tax charged at the rate of 10% on the sale of most goods and services and other things in Australia.
Travellers to Australia may be able to claim back GST on some purchases, more information can be found here.
Visas
Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone, except travellers with an Australian or New Zealand passport, require a visa. Contact the Dept of Immigration and Citzenship for more information.