Perth, Western Australia

Welcome to Perth

With exquisite coastal scenery and a relaxed atmosphere, Perth is a vibrant and contemporary city, rich in culture and commerce. Surrounded by pristine natural environs including the Swan River, Kings Park and the Indian Ocean, Perth is breathtakingly beautiful with plenty to see and do. Boasting magnificent weather and an average of eight hours of sunshine every day (that’s more than any other Australian capital city), a thriving local food and wine scene and modern facilities, Perth ticks all the boxes.

A welcoming community that is brimming with new and established hospitality venues, retail outlets and business centres, Perth’s urban landscape continues to grow and evolve, while still retaining its stunning natural beauty and sense of space. Supported by a robust economy, the city is booming and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years that continues to improve and broaden the scope of what’s on offer.

CLIMATE

Western Australia boasts a truly diverse climate – from the arid desert in the east, to the tropical conditions in the far north. Perth and the southwest enjoy an idyllic Mediterranean climate.

Late October generally experiences warm, dry conditions as Perth moves into the summer months, though sporadic rain and cooler weather is not uncommon during this time.

TAXES

All prices quoted for this conference are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax), unless otherwise specified. GST applies to most goods and services in Australia.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by the Australian Customs Department and enables travellers departing from Australia to claim a refund of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. For detailed information on the TRS, visit the website of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services of the Australian Government.

VACCINATIONS

There is no vaccination required for entering Australia. However, if you enter Australia from a yellow fever declared country but do not hold a vaccination certificate you will receive a Yellow Fever Action Card for further information. More information can be found on the Department of Health of the Australian Government website.

HISTORY
The Noongar Aboriginal people are Perth’s indigenous inhabitants and original custodians of the land. In 1829, Captain James Stirling founded Perth as part of the Swan River Colony.
EXPERIENCE PERTH
TIME ZONE
Western Australia operates on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) which is UTC+8 hours. WA does not observe daylight saving.
BANKING & CURRENCY
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10 and A$5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1 and A$2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa and American Express.
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.
LANGUAGE

English is Australia’s main language, with more than 300 other languages spoken within its diverse local communities. Multilingual interpreters are available at international entry points, major hotels and department stores.

EXPERIENCE WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Flights

There are 18 international, 12 domestic and regional, and 4 general aviation airlines that operate at Perth Airport, connecting travellers to more than 110 destinations around Australia and overseas. Perth Airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is one of Australia’s closest airports to South East Asia, Europe and Africa.

Perth Airport is well connected to Perth’s CBD and beyond by regular public bus and train services.

See Perth on Google Earth

Getting Around Perth

Perth is a modern city with many convenient transport options to get you around. Transperth provides the Perth metropolitan region with bus, train and ferry public transport services, allowing you to safely commute across the city. Information about accessibility, fares and timetables can be found here.

FREE CITY TRANSPORT
There is a Free Transit Zone (FTZ) within Perth City on any form of public transportation at all times. Within the CBD, Transperth CAT buses offer a free and convenient means of getting around the city.
TAXIS
Taxis are plentiful in Perth with dedicated ranks available throughout the CBD, major shopping hubs and entertainment precincts. A taxi fare from Perth airport terminals to the CBD is around $43 (approximately 20 minutes one-way). On demand transport providers also operate across Perth.
CAR HIRE

Several car hire operators are located at Perth Airport and throughout the metro area.

BUSES
An extensive and economical bus network provides the main transport option in Perth. Perth Busport in the CBD is a fully underground station. Bus Route 40 offers the most direct route to Perth Airport from Perth City. In addition, Perth Connect is a designated airport shuttle service that runs to and from the domestic and international airports and Perth City.
FERRIES
The main ferry terminal is at Barrack Street Jetty in the CBD. The jetty services ferry travel to and from South Perth, Fremantle and Rottnest Island, and is the departure point for Swan Valley and river cruises.
TRAINS
Perth Station, Perth Underground Station and Elizabeth Quay Station are located in the heart of the city. Clean and modern trains link Perth’s suburbs with hubs at Fremantle, Joondalup, Mandurah, Midland and Armadale.

Visa Requirements

If you are from a country other than Australia or New Zealand you will need a visa and a valid passport or other acceptable travel document to enter Australia.

Important things to note
Apply for your visa in advance to allow for variances in processing times.

Participants required to lodge paper-based visa applications should do so at the Australian visa office nearest to their current country of residence.

Visa letter
If you require a visa letter which states the dates, venue and times of this conference, please contact the Conference Convenor. Include your name as it appears on your passport, your personal (not professional) address, and date of birth.

Please note
We do not seek or assist with visas on your behalf. Please visit this website for more information on visa requirements for Australia

Insurance

Registration fees do not include insurance.  It is strongly recommended that attendees take out insurance covering cancellation fees for registration, travel and accommodation, as well as personal injury and loss or injury to property, including baggage.

Neither the Conference Host nor the Conference Managers take any responsibility for any attendee failing to arrange their own insurance, and are in no way responsible for any claims concerning insurance. In the event of industrial disruptions or force majeure, the Conference Host and the Conference Managers accept no responsibility for losses incurred by attendees.

Health Warning

Please check the Australian Government travel restrictions which are updated regularly
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus