AUSTRALIA'S GOLD COAST IS VERY ACCESSIBLE.
Here’s a guide for international visitors to make your visit as easy as possible.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
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. The Immigration Department’s website offers an Event Co-ordinators’ Network to help event managers. View Immigration website. www.immi.gov.au
DUTY FREE AND QUARANTINE
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure. Incoming visitors may bring in limited quantities of duty free products. Business travellers need permits for carrying commercial goods through Customs. If you enter Australia with doctor’s prescriptions or medicines, get a permit. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Australian Customs enforces strict controls. Australia is the largest island in the world which is free of many diseases. Please declare animal and plant material, herbal medicines, food, eggs, seeds and wood. Coral, shell, reptile and whale products are banned. Restrictions may or do apply for currency, firearms and ammunition, heritage items and defence and strategic goods. Ask officers if you are not sure. The future health of Australia’s native animals, plants and primary industries depends on your honesty. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Safeguarding our heritage for the future - Australia’s Gold Coast. Very serious.
TWO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Brisbane International Airport (BNE) is the best airport for Europe and Ameraicas. You can easily get to the Gold Coast on the Airtrain which is approximately a 90 minute journey and transfer to the Tram for easy connection to the Convention Centre and Hotels. For more information on the Airtrain click here.
Gold Coast International Airport (OOL) offers direct routes from Asia and SE Asia. Transfers from the Gold Coast Airport to Broadbeach on the Skybus.
GETTING AROUND
Delegates are able to purchase a GoSeeQ Card. A card specifically designed for visitors to travel across the Brisbane and GoldCoast Public Transport network. For more information please click on the following link - https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/ticket-types/visitors-and-tourists/go-seeq
CLIMATE
The trickiest part about travelling is working out what weather to expect and in turn, what to pack.
Here’s a quick guide to Gold Coast weather so you can focus less on packing and more on planning the fun stuff!
The Gold Coast averages 245 days of fine and sunny weather each year, and those rainy-day exceptions typically fall in the summer period (December - February).
During summer the average temperature on the Gold Coast is a pleasant 20-28°C (68-83°F). It can be humid in summer but this is usually offset by cool sea breezes.
In autumn (March - May), sunny days are followed by warm nights – making it ideal for outdoor water activities such as fishing and sailing. Autumn temperatures fall between 16-26°C (61-77°F).
Winter (June - August) on the Gold Coast is generally sunny and dry with comfortable temperatures of 11-21°C (52-70°F). Many Australians escape the cooler weather in the southern states for a holiday in Queensland at this time of year. The humidity is lower, there is less rain, but the temperature is still nice and warm.
Spring (September - November) on the Gold Coast offers sunny days followed by mild tropical evenings. September can sometimes be windy, making it great for sports such as kite-surfing, kite-boarding, windsurfing and sailing. The temperatures fall between 15-25°C (59-77°F).
AN A-Z OF INFORMATION TO ASSIST YOUR PLANNING
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring ID to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).
Beach Surf App: For the latest updates on beach conditions please download the app via - http://lifesaving.com.au/beach-safety/beach-safety-app/
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 nine languages.
Measures: Metric system. www.onlineconversion.com
Post Offices: Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays. www.australiapost.com.au
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. www.transport.qld.gov.au
Safety: Common sense approach to personal safety encouraged. www.transport.qld.gov.au
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. www.health.qld.gov.au
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). www.health.qld.gov.au or
Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital – always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sunblock and avoid the heat of the day 10am – 2pm. www.whs.qld.gov.au
Swimming: There is no nude bathing permitted in Queensland.
Telephones: Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. There is no daylight saving in Queensland.
