Airport and Transfers

The nearest airports are Melbourne, Tullamarine and Melbourne Avalon.  Transfers from Tullarmarine Airport to the Novotel Forest Resort can be arranged through the Conference Manager, arinex, at the time of registration for an additional fee.  Schedules and fees can be found here.

If you are planning to drive to the conference, please refer to the directions below:

Driving directions from Melbourne CBD
Driving directions from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport
Driving directions from Melbourne Avalon Airport

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations received in writing at the Conference Managers’ Office by 18 June 2010 will be accepted and all fees refunded, less $100.00 administration fee. Cancellations received in writing at the Conference Managers’ Office on or before 6 July 2010 will receive a 50% refund of fees paid. Cancellations received after this date cannot be accepted and will not be refunded.  However, transfer of your registration to another person is acceptable. The full name and details of the person that will replace you must be advised in writing to the Conference Managers’ Office prior to the Conference. No refunds will be made for non-attendance at the Conference.

 Registration Fees

• Before 18 June 2010 will incur $100.00 cancellation fee
• On or before 6 July 2010 will receive a 50% refund of fees paid
• After 6 July 2010 there will be no refund

 Accommodation

• Deposit must be paid or credit card details provided at time of booking to guarantee accommodation booking
• Deposit is non-refundable at 6 July 2010

Climate

A temperate climate in line with the changing seasons:  August is Winter in Creswick, Australia with cool daily temperatures and cold nights.  Fresh eucalypt forests invigorate the air and offer visitors the perfect environment to rejuvenate and revive your senses.

Current weather conditions

Credit Cards/Currency/Payments

Currency for Conference Registration is Australian Dollars and payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard.  The Novotel Forest Resort accepts all credit cards (1.5% surcharge applies).

Electricity

Australia operates on 240V / AC 50Hz.  Most electrical items from outside Australia will require a 3-pronged adapter.  Check your electrical item to ensure it accepts 240V.  If it only accepts 110V, a voltage converter will also be required.

Going Green

The SQAO Conference Organising Committee is striving to reduce the impact on the environment associated with hosting a Conference. In addition to hosting the event at the Novotel Forest Eco-Resort, the following activities have been implemented to reduce the negative impacts:

• Minimising the amount of print collateral
• Printing on recycled paper
• Electronic marketing
• Promoting electronic registration

The SQAO Conference has recognised that the largest impact of any major event is the transport related emissions and more than half of the delegates will use air transport to attend the Conference.  If you choose to offset your carbon emissions for this event, we recommend visiting Carbon Neutral’s website to make a donation. From this site you can calculate your off-set and make a donation. Please visit the website for further information or contact the friendly staff who will be able to assist you.  www.carbonneutral.com

Green Printing

Delegates are asked to be mindful of printing materials from the Conference website or pre-arrival information sent to you. All information and more will be in your Conference Program book given to you upon registration. Please do not print unless necessary.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

In 2000, Australia adopted a taxation scheme that incorporated the Goods & Services Tax (GST).  In Australia, GST is charged at 10% and is included in all listed prices (food, shopping, hotel rates etc), except where stated.  All prices on this website are inclusive of GST.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia.  To claim a refund you must:

• Spend $300 (GST inclusive) or more in the one store and get a single tax invoice
• Buy goods no more than 30 days before departure
• Wear or carry the goods on board the aircraft or ship and present them along with your original tax invoice, passport and international boarding pass to a Customs Officer at a TRS facility
• Claims at airports are available up to 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of your flight.
• Claims at seaports should be made no earlier than 4 hours and no later than 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time of the vessel.

More information can be found here.

Parking

Complimentary outdoor carparking is available at the Novotel Forest Resort. 

Passports and Visas

All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand passport holders, require a valid entry visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) prior to travel to Australia. A Business ETA should be aquired for people planning to attend this conference.  More information can be found here, or please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

Quarantine

Due to our unique flora and fauna, Australia is subject to very strict quarantine rules.  Many plant or animal products cannot be brought into Australia at all and those that can often require a permit.  We strongly recommend complete adherence to these rules.  For more information, please visit the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service website.

Tipping

Tipping in Australia is a reward for good service and is not regulated or an expectation, as in some other parts of the world.  A gratuity of 10% is usual in restaurants (for good service) and it is customary to tip hotel porters.  Taxi fares are often rounded up to the nearest dollar or two.