Essential Information for Travelling to Australia from Asia
Flying to Australia
The following Airlines fly regularly to Australia from Asia:
|
| Approximate flight times to Melbourne, Australia from Asia are as follows: | |
| Singapore | 7 hours – direct flight |
| Kuala Lumpur | 8 hours – 1 stop in Singapore |
| Beijing | 15 hours - connecting flight via Singapore |
| Tokyo | 11 hours - direct flight |
| India | 15 hours – 1 stop in Singapore/ Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur |
Weather
Any time is a good time to be in Australia! During the dates of the Congress the average temperature range
in Melbourne will be 7-14 degrees Celsius (44-57 degrees Fahrenheit).
For those wishing to travel outside of Melbourne, the weather at the Great Barrier Reef will be hot and humid,
with average daily temperatures of 31 degrees Celsius (87 degrees Fahrenheit). At Uluru, or Ayers Rock, the average daily temperature will be 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) and for Sydney, 16 degrees
Celsius (62 degrees Fahrenheit).
Value
Once you have arrived in Australia, you will notice that your dollar will go further compared to other countries. Please find below examples of pricing in Australia:
| PRODUCT | $AUD | ¥YEN | CNY | $SGD |
| Accommodation | $130 - $200 per night |
¥12,885 – ¥19,825 per night |
 850 -  1305 per night |
$165 - $255 per night |
| Can of Coke | $1.20 | ¥199 |  7.85 |
$165 - $255 per night |
| Big Mac | $3.45 | ¥342 |  22.50 |
$4.40 |
| Glass of beer | $3.10 - $3.50 | ¥307 – ¥346 |  20.25 – 22.85 |
$3.95 - $4.50 |
- The accommodation per night costs are based on a 4 star hotel
- The prices are based on the currency rate in December 2007
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are included in your registration
Accommodation
A range of accommodation, ranging from five star to budget will be available for booking when registering
for ISSHP 2010. Information regarding Congress accommodation will be posted on the congress website
in 2009 at http://www.isshp2010-melbourne.org.
Below is some useful information for planning your trip to Australia. More detailed information can be found at http://www.isshp2010-melbourne.org.
Foremost among Australia's many attractions is the natural beauty of its landscape, which varies from sunbaked beaches to tropical rainforests, majestic desert plains and lush vineyards. Australia's cities are scattered along
its coast, and blend a European enthusiasm for art and food with a laid-back love of sport and the outdoors.
A vast country, almost twice the size of Europe, Australia offers affordable domestic travel through its major
air carriers, Qantas (www.qantas.com), Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com.au) and Jetstar (www.jetstar.com.au), which fly to all major cities and holiday destinations.
Victoria
Your host city is dubbed Marvellous Melbourne for a reason! A leafy bayside city, set on the banks of the
Yarra River, Melbourne is renowned for its sense of style and elegance, and boasts numerous festivals and
events, Australia's best shopping, a lively passion for eating and drinking, and a thriving interest in the arts.
Within 2 hours drive of Melbourne you will find a host of options for day trips or longer breaks. From the sumptuous vineyards of the Yarra Valley, to the natural splendour of the Great Ocean Road and Phillip Island's nightly Penguin Parade, Victoria has something to offer every traveller. For more information on Victoria's attractions please visit www.visitvictoria.com.au.
Sydney
Just over an hour’s flight from Melbourne, Sydney is blessed with sun-drenched natural attractions, dizzy skyscrapers, delicious and daring restaurants, superb shopping and the world famous attractions of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House. For further information on visiting Sydney and its surrounds, please
visit www.sydneyaustralia.com.
Queensland
With its tropical climate, shimmering turquoise waters and world famous Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea and sand. Queensland offers a range of accommodation, from
five star resorts, to budget and family options, and is within 3 hours flight of Melbourne. For more information
on visiting Queensland please visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au.
Currency
Australia’s currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD$), which operates on a decimal system with 100 cents
to the dollar.Coins have values of 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, AUD$1 and AUD$2. Notes have values of AUD$5, AUD$10, AUD$20, AUD$50 and AUD$100.
Visas
All visitors to Australia are required to obtain a visa. Holders of Canadian or US passports are eligible to
apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), a visa which can be obtained online. To apply for an ETA
visit www.eta.immi.gov.au, or ask your travel agent to arrange on your behalf.