SLAQ / IASL 2010 Conference

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Brisbane, Qld, Australia
27 September - 1 October 2010

Diversity Challenge Resilience
SCHOOL LIBRARIES IN ACTION

Travel information & tourist attractions

About Brisbane

Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, Australia. Queensland boasts about outstanding weather, a relaxed lifestyle and a great place to work, play and live.

Brisbane is a compact capital city with easy access to public transport, a range of accommodation venues and a great variety of cultural and recreational opportunities.

About the airport

Brisbane airport is conveniently located approximately 20 minutes drive from the Brisbane city centre. The international and domestic terminals are co-located side-by-side.

The Airtrain service offers city and convention centre 20 minute express transfers straight from the international and domestic terminals. Services run every 15 minutes during peak hours and delegates can access discount rates by booking online. Your exit station is South Brisbane.

Coachtrans Australia – Airport arrivals can enjoy a door-to-door drop-off service. The seven day a week bus shuttle service meets all major flights and services all major city-based accommodation. Services should be pre-booked.

Taxis – Dedicated taxi ranks are located at both airports. Expect to pay around AU$ 40.00 to 45.00 for a typical airport to city trip. Black & White Cabs and Yellow Cabs Co at your service.

Driving safely

If you wish to drive in Australia you must hold a current, valid driving licence issued in the country in which you live. Carry it with you at all times when driving. While each Australian state has its own road rules, they are all based on the Australian standard. If you wish to drive in Australia you must know the rules of the road. Some of the rules and driving guidelines include:

  • All vehicles travel on the left side of the road.
  • Do not travel faster than the signed maximum speed limit.
  • When planning each day of travel spend some time to calculate how long it will take to drive between destinations. Be realistic about how far you can drive in a day. Share the driving with your companions and stop for a rest at least every two hours.
  • Always carry a current road map.
  • When you leave your vehicle unattended, make sure it is locked and parked safely. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave property in the vehicle, keep it out of sight.
  • Always drive with caution near schools and other places where children may be walking or cycling.

For more information visit the Queensland Tourism and Travel web site.

Visitor information

Banking and money – Banks across the city are generally open for business Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are conveniently located throughout the city. Credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club are accepted as a means of payment by most major outlets. The currency in Australia is Australian dollars. Australian currency notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Coins: 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2.

Currency Exchange – Licensed money change services are available at the Brisbane airport and at numerous Bureaux de Change located throughout the city. Vist a currency converter website to check the exchange rate.

Climate – End September/Early October: Minimum ~ 11 to 15 degrees Celsius – Maximum ~ 24 to 25 degrees Celsius. Visit a temperature conversion website to check the temperature in your terms.

Electricity – Mains supply in Australia is 220/240V-AC, 50Hz with three-pin plugs used across the country. Most hotel rooms have 110 volt international sockets for electric razors. If you forget to bring an adaptor they can be purchased at outlets at the airport and all goods travel stores, chemists and major department stores.

Public transport facilities ? The Translink public transport network helps travellers get around - trains, bus, CityCat ferry service ? Visit the Translink site for timetable information, to service and ticketing enquiries, to planning a journey.

Jet lag - Tips to deal with jet lag.

Passport and visas – All international travellers must present a valid and approved travel document (generally a passport) as evidence of their identity and nationality to allow entry into Australian. In addition, all international travellers, (with the exception of New Zealand passport holders) must also obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship website for more information.

Tipping – If the service is worthy of a tip, it is appreciated, but the ruke of thumb is "service with a smile".

Quarantine and customs – There are certain items you must declare on your arrival. Before you travel please take the time to check what you can and cannot bring into Australia.

Tourist attractions

Queensland Holidays - Queensland Tourism and Travel  

  • Rainforest, reef, outback, adventures, natural wonders and city sights. Go to Queensland Tourism and Travel website and point your compass to "Themes".
  • Take a virtual tour at EyeOnQ.

Talk to Ozaccom, our conference accommodation and 'before and after' tour organiser.

Extra web links

Lonely Planet -- Brisbane

The World Clock Time Zones

Last updated 3 April 2010