Exclusive 5% Travel Discount for C&T 2011 Delegates
We have negotiated an arrangement with the Qantas Vacations travel agency in the US to offer C&T 2011 delegates a 5% discount off their trip. Please visit their website for more information and to book your airfares to Brisbane:
http://qantasvacations.com/comtech2011/
Travel and Transport
A first-class network of travel and transport links and one of Australia’s most compact, foot-friendly city centres make Brisbane a city of easy entries, exits and explorations. From the country’s most modern Airport to the fully-integrated public transport system to the dedicated network of city walkways and bike paths, delegates are delivered to their destination in style.
Brisbane Airport
Brisbane’s domestic and international airports sit side-by-side in what is rapidly becoming a global Airport City of trade and commerce. As Australia’s most modern air facility, and with the recent unveiling of the world-class $340 million expansion to the International Terminal, Brisbane Airport is a super-efficient hub of activity that’s guaranteed to set the perfect opening scene for your delegates’ Brisbane experience.
Located just 20 minutes from the city centre, Brisbane Airport is an award-winning facility that offers one of the most attractive arrival and departure points in Australia. Along with wide open spaces and bay and river views, the Airport offers the convenience of 24 hour operations, a superior network of road, rail and sea transport links and easy passenger transport. The Airport also offers excellent services for groups with close parking for coaches, along with dedicated check-in and signage opportunities. Brisbane Airport recent awards include: 2008 Australian Airports Association Capital City Airport of the Year, 2008 Best Airport Asia-Pacific in the prestigious Skytrax Awards and the world’s best water saver in the 2008 International Water Association Awards.
Flights
As Australia’s second busiest airport, Brisbane offers advanced facilities and frequent air services, accommodating 2.6 million travellers a year at the award-winning international terminal and 9.5 million passengers at the domestic terminal. Travellers to Brisbane enjoy an extensive network of domestic and international flights, and access to 28 airlines that collectively operating more than 2,700 domestic and international flights per week. Easy access to frequent, flexible and fast flights opens up a world of pre and post touring options for delegates.
Visas
All international travellers (with the exception of New Zealand passport holders) must obtain a valid visa before travelling to Australia. For international delegates, this process is extremely simple. Through the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, travellers from a range of countries can apply for an ETA on the Internet, through a travel agent or airline. The ETA is the electronic equivalent of a visa for the short-term traveller, which replaces the passport visa label or stamp. Most online applications are processed instantly with travellers enjoying the added benefit of faster processing at the airport. Approved applications are electronically recorded on Australian Government systems and can be electronically confirmed by airline check-in staff prior to boarding. For visitors who are not eligible for an ETA, Australian visitor visas may also be issued on the spot or in most cases within 24 hours at Australian Embassies and Consulates overseas.
Airport Transfers: Brisbane’s Airtrain
Brisbane’s award-winning Airtrain is the quick and easy way for conference delegates to transfer from the Airport’s domestic and international terminals straight through to the city heart. Delegates can sit back in air-conditioned comfort and take an express ride through to five inner-city stations. The 20 minute Airport to city service runs every 15 minutes during peak hours and conference organisers have access to discounted group rates.
Local Transport
Brisbane’s public transport system offers delegates ease and efficiency. Delegates can take their pick from an integrated network of trains, buses, CityCats (high-speed catamarans) and ferries – all safe, reliable, environmentally-friendly and easy on the hip pocket.
- CityTrain: The speedy, air-conditioned network of electric trains covers the broadest reaches of the city. Inner-city hotels such as the Sofitel Brisbane and Holiday Inn Brisbane enjoy direct access to train stations as do key sites including the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank and Roma Street Parkland. Special post-midnight train services run on Friday and Saturday nights.
- Buses: Brisbane’s comprehensive bus service runs throughout the city connecting the outer and inner suburbs to the city centre, major shopping centres, railway stations and ferry terminals. Special NightLink bus services run on popular transport routes after midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- City Loop: Visitors based in the downtown area can also make use of the Loop – a free weekday bus service circling the central business district every ten minutes and stopping at visitor-worthy destinations including the Queen Street Mall, Conrad Treasury Casino, City Botanic Gardens, Riverside Centre and King George Square.
- CityCats: Take to the water and combine commuting and sight-seeing on the iconic Brisbane CityCats. A favourite with locals and travellers alike, Brisbane’s CityCat and ferry services scoot around the river providing easy, enjoyable access to key city spots.
