Airport and Transport

Brisbane’s International and Domestic Airports have recently been recognised as the world’s most efficient and customer-focused privatised airports by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is located approximately 20 minutes drive (13 km) from Brisbane’s CBD. Whether you are an international or interstate visitor, there is a large range of accessible, reliable and cheap transportation options, including shuttle buses, Airtrain, taxis, car rental and hotel transfers to and from the CBD. Handy parking is also situated at both the International and Domestic Terminals with various parking options to suit your travel plans. Here are some options you will find useful when travelling to and from the airport:

Shuttle Buses
Shuttle buses are a convenient, fast and comfortable way of travelling to and from the Airport.
Services from Brisbane City operate daily every 30 minutes from 5.00am to 9.00pm from Roma Street Transit Centre and door to door of all CBD hotels.
If leaving from Brisbane Airport, buses depart every 30 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm. All bus services meet flight departure and arrival times so you’ll always be on time. If you miss one, wait just half an hour for the next service.
For prices or to book visit https://www.con-x-ion.com/ or call Con-x-ion on 1300 266 946.

Airtrain
For single travellers on the go, the Airtrain, operating 5.00am to 9.00pm 7 days a week, is the most time efficient option.
If you’re in a hurry and require a direct line from the Airport to the City, jump aboard for a quick 22 minute train trip!
Stations are conveniently located near most CBD accommodation and attractions. For on-line bookings visit www.airtrain.com.au.

Taxis
For service with that personal touch, wait for one of Brisbane’s friendly and reliable taxi drivers to transfer you to your hotel. At Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal, taxi ranks are located at both the Qantas and Virgin Blue ends of the terminal. At the International Terminal taxi ranks are available on Arrivals Level 2.
All Brisbane taxis have standard taxi meters so you won’t have to worry about being stung by overpriced fares. Keep in mind that a fare to Brisbane CBD is approximately $35-$40 plus a $3 fee for departing taxis. Go to www.brisbaneairport.com.au for more information about Airport travel. Looking for a number? Black and White Cabs: 131 008, Yellow Cab: 131 924

Hotel transfers
Most Brisbane hotels provide coach transfers to and from the airport. Just ask the hotel representative when making your reservation. All you need is your flight itinerary; it’s that easy!
Important note: International and interstate visitors should allow approximately 20-30 minutes for processing through customs. In peak periods waiting times may increase slightly.

Business Hours

Banks generally open from 9.30am – 4.00pm, Monday-Friday. General office hours are 9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday – Friday. Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.

Car Hire/Parking

All major car hire companies, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty, operate in Australia and vehicles may be hired at Brisbane Airport. Parking is available at the Congress venue.

Eateries

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called “BYO” restaurants, an abbreviation for “bring your own”.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Australia levies a Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the GST (and also the Wine Equalisation Tax (WET)) paid on goods bought in Australia and taken out of the country. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped “TRS sighted” and at that point you can check in the large item with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia. Goods which are to be exported can be used before departing Australia.

Language

The official language for the Congress is English.

Visa Information

All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia. Welcome letters can be requested from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. following the completion of your Congress registration. For VISA information please click here to download an information factsheet from the Australian Immigration Office.

Privacy

The Congress Managers comply with the Australian “Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000? which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information. Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Congress will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Congress and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events. It is also usual to produce a “Delegate List” of attendees at the Congress and to include the individual’s details in such a list. Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Congress. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Congress Managers.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, including most food products, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information see the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website.

Time

Brisbane is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Vaccinations

A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.