Airports
Online registration allows delegates to book limosine airport transfers when registering for the conference and booking accomodation. The following transport services are available should delegates prefer to investigate alternative transfer options. These will need to be booked direct with the provider.
There are two airports into which delegates can fly:
Gold Coast airport (Coolangatta - OOL)
This airport is the closest to the Griffith University Gold Coast campus and the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. It is approximately 30km south of the central Gold Coast area.
Airport transfer options
- Limousine from Gold Coast Airport to Hotel - approximately 30 minutes travel to central Broadbeach
- Shuttle bus transfers Gold Coast Airport to Hotel - approximately 45 minutes to central Broadbeach - available at airport
- Regent taxi service Gold Coast Airport to Hotel - approximately 30 minutes travel to central Broadbeach - available at airport
- Coach transfer from Gold Coast Airport to Hotel - approximately 45 minutes to central Broadbeach - website Con-X-ion
Brisbane airport (Kingsford Smith - BNE)
This airport is approximately 110km north of the central Gold Coast area.
Airport transfer options
- Limousine from Brisbane Airport to hotel on Gold Coast - approximately 1.25 hours travel to central Broadbeach - Corporate Limousines
- Brisbane Airtrain to Helensvale station/Limousine to hotel - approximately 1.5 hours travel to central Broadbeach- train runs regularly from Brisbane Airport Airtrain then limousine Corporate Limousines
- Coach transfer from Brisbane Airport to hotel on Gold Coast - 1.25 hours approximate - Con-X-ion
The easiest option (if available) is to fly into Brisbane airport and then use one of the transfer options above. However, if delegates can only fly into Sydney airport, they will need to clear customs there and transfer to the domestic terminal and should allow about 2 hours to do this. They can then fly to the Gold Coast airport.
Travel Tips
- Alcohol
- Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring photographic identification to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).
- Electricity
- 240/250 volts AC 50Hz universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments, motels.
- Emergency
- Dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone. Police, ambulance, fire.
- Language
- English. Translation and multi-lingual tours available. Telstra’s Foreign Language Service offers telephone assistance in 9 languages.
- Measures
- Metric system. OnlineConversion.com
- Post Offices
- Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays. Australia Post
- Religion
- Australia is multi-cultural. Discrimination is an offence. Mosques, temples, Christian churches and prayer rooms are located on the Gold Coast. Specific dietary requirements are available (halal, kosher).
- Road Rules
- Left hand side driving. A 50kmh speed limit applies in most residential areas.
- Open highways
- 100-110kmh. View speed limit signs. Seat belts mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply. Bring your current driver’s licence if you want to hire a vehicle. Queensland Transport
- Smoking
- Queensland has strict tobacco laws with new legislation being phased in. There is no smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years. Queensland Health
- Sun/Surf Safety
- Australian beaches are beautiful. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and heed life guards’ advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (weekends). Queensland Health
- Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital – always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sun block and avoid the heat of the day 10am – 2pm. Workplace Health and Safety Queensland
- Telephones
- Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
- Tipping
- Tipping is not mandatory in Australia. Some restaurants charge surcharges on public holidays
Currency and Money
- Travellers’ cheques can be cashed at banks and major hotels.
- ATMs widely available 24 hours a day.
- Major credit cards accepted at shops, hotels, restaurants. Common credit cards include American Express, Bankcard, Diner’s Club, MasterCard, Visa.
- Bank hours: 9am to 4pm (Monday to Thursday), 9.30am to 5pm (Friday).
- Bureau de Change offer more flexible hours.
Currency exchange facilities
Are available at airports, hotels, key tourist centres. Australia has a Federal Goods and Services Tax on all goods and services. Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure through Customs. Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Travellers must declare substantial amounts of foreign currency (valued at $10,000 AUD or more) through Customs. Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Australia’s Gold Coast has some of the nation’s largest duty free stores. View Customs for allowances. All shoppers in Australia are protected by consumer legislation. Some heritage items may be protected against export. Australian Customs and Border Protection Service
Passports and Visas
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority.
Visa types depend on length of stay and the visit’s purpose. Lodge online applications for ETAs or acquire forms from more than 300,000 travel agents, 75 airlines and Australian diplomatic offices worldwide. If you do not hold a passport approved for ETA, get a ‘label’ visa from Australian embassies, high commission offices or consulates. View Immigration website.
Letter of Invitation
Should you require a letter of invitation to attend APAIE 2010, after registering for the conference, please email apaie2010@griffith.edu.au and include your full name as it appears on your passport. A letter of invitation will be sent to you within 14 days of receipt of your email.
Online registration now open