The conference venue, in the heart of Melbourne’s entertainment precinct, is within 5 minutes’ walk of Melbourne’s CBD, featuring beautiful tree lined streets, heritage buildings and retail arcades such The Block Arcade which dates back to the 1880’s. You will be amazed by the stark contrast between the architecture of Federation Square, the green parklands of Birrarung Marr and the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. Heading towards the bayside beaches, the CBD is replaced by lush parks and gardens on the left and the National Gallery of Victoria and The Arts Centre on the right.
Optional tours and activities will be available to ensure you have the opportunity for some work-life balance. Wonderful day or overnight trips from Melbourne include visits to the Great Ocean Road, featuring the rugged Bass Strait coastline and the pristine wilderness of the Otway ranges; the Yarra Valley brings you to the heart of Victoria’s wine and gourmet industry; or Phillip Island and one of Australia’s most frequently visited tourist attractions, the nightly procession of 4,500 penguins returning to their nests.
For more information about Melbourne, please visit the following sites:
State Library of Victoria
Visit Melbourne
Melbourne Citysearch
That's Melbourne
ACCOMODATION AND TRAVEL
The Conference will be held during Melbourne’s Spring Racing Carnival and coincides with the 2008 G-20 meeting. Conference delegates are encouraged to make their travel arrangements and book accommodation as early as possible. The following websites include useful travel and accommodation information:
http://www.visitmelbourne.com.au
http://www.melbournehotelsaccommodation.com
The best hotel rates may be obtained from a hotel booking site rather than from the individual hotel. Some of the best rates can be obtained at:
http://www.au.lastminute.com/
http://www.flightcentre.com.au/hotels/
http://www.wotif.com/
A list of hotels are located close to the Conference venues (there are others) follows:
Saville On Russell (4 star)
222 Russell Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
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Hotel Ibis Melbourne
15-21 Therry st MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
Saville Park Suites – Melbourne (3.5 star)
333 Exhibition Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
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The Victoria Hotel (2.5 star)
215 Little Collins Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000
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Hotel Grand Chancellor - Melbourne
131 137 Lonsdale Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
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Victoria Hall (Backpacker – shared and single rooms available)
380 Russell Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
Marriott Melbourne (4 star)
Exhibition And Lonsdale Street MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
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Hotel UniLodge Melbourne
(From $89 a night, directly opposite the State Library)
339 Swanston Walk
MELBOURNE, VIC, AU 3000 |
AIRPORT TRANSFERS AND CAR RENTALS
A taxi from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the centre of the city costs AUD $40-45. This is generally only economical for 3 or more people.
A bus service called Skybus departs every 10-15 minutes and takes around 20 minutes from Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) to the city centre. The cost is AUD 15 one way, AUD 24 return trip. You can purchase tickets online. See http://www.skybus.com.au/.
For more information, including information about car rental, see http://www.melair.com.au/to_from_airport/.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne is well served by public transport, including an extensive and convenient tram network in the inner city. See http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/.
