Banks
Monday – Thursday: 0930 – 1600
Friday: 0930 – 1700
Most branches have 24 hour ATMs
Climate
Expect average temperatures of 17° – 26° Celsius (62 – 78°F). The season in Australia in April is autumn and usually has approximately 9 days of rain out of 30 for the month
Currency
Australia – units are dollars and cents. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods, and is included in retail prices, the price displayed in store is the final price
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240/250 volts, 50Hz. Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments and motels. The connection for appliances is a flat, 3-pin plug of unique design
Mobile Phones
Australia operates on a digital network. There is no analogue mobile/cell network. The Gold Coast is serviced with the 3G, 4G, and 5G networks
- Dial +61, (the Country code for Australia)
- Next Dial mobile/cell phone number (9 digits for mobile) Do not include the 0
- e.g. +61 4xx xxx xxx
- Dial +61, (the country code for Australia)
- Next dial 7 (Queensland area code)
- Finally dial landline phone number (8 digits)
- e.g. +61 7 xxxx xxxx
Personal Security
Australia has a stable political system
Low crime rate on a world scale
Australians experience a safe lifestyle
Tourists enjoy unhindered travel experiences in terms of their personal safety and security
Observe the same precautions you would at home with your personal safety and possessions
Public Transport
The Gold Coast is serviced by trains, light rail, buses, taxis, ferries, and rideshare options. Tours and transfers are available through hotels and motels. All transport is at your expense. A list of rideshares available on the Gold Coast can be found at https://ride.guru/cities/gold-coast-queensland-australia
Shopping
An extensive range of shopping options exist from malls, boutiques and high end designers. See what the Coast has to offer – http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/things-to-do/shopping/
Major credit cards are accepted
Smoking
Queensland has strict tobacco laws. There is no smoking in indoor places.
Sun/Surf Safety
Gold Coast beaches are beautiful
The water can at times be powerful
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled beach
Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards 7 days a week
Always wear a shirt, hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen lotion, even on cloudy days
Reapply sunscreen regularly
Stay out of the sun during the middle of the day
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
Time Zone
Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC/GMT +10)
Tipping
You may tip hotel staff and restaurant wait-staff if you wish to acknowledge exceptional service. Tipping is not expected at any time
Drive times to Gold Coast
Brisbane International Airport to Gold Coast and Bond University – 1 hour drive
Brisbane Domestic airport to Gold Coast or Bond University – 1 hour drive
|Gold Coast Airport to Bond University – 20 mins drive
Taxi
Call 131 008 to arrange a taxi during conference, if when at Bond University arrange pickup from the Bond Clock Tower on University Drive, Varsity Lakes
Airport Transfers
Attendees may be required to arrange their own transfers from and to airports. See Gold Coast Airport transport options
Visas
There are many visa options available for visiting Australia. Click here for information on the visa that is suitable to you for attendance at the YTVC conference
COVID
The rules relating to COVID have significantly relaxed in QLD (CLICK HERE FOR QLD HEALTH WEBSITE). The following is the current policy for QLD:
Face masks are NO LONGER required for domestic flights in Australia
Face masks are NO LONGER required on public transport, in a taxi, rideshare vehicle or commercial shuttle. This includes while waiting on a platform, at a stop, taxi rank or pick-up area
Face masks are required to be worn in Australian airspace for international flights
Face masks are still required in indoor spaces that are, or are part of a residential aged care facility, shared disability accommodation service, hospital, healthcare setting where face-to-face services are provided, corrective services facility, and a detention facility
If you display symptoms of COVID you are required to isolate yourself in your accommodation for 5 days and wear a mask for a further 5 days upon leaving isolation when in public
Face mask exemption conditions exist in QLD. You are NOT REQUIRED to have evidence/proof of a face mask exemption in QLD. A list of exemption conditions are listed here
Liability
By registering for the Conference, participants agree that the QPS and/or the organising YTVC committee, do not assume any responsibility for damages or injuries to persons or property during the conference Participants are recommended to have their own health, travel and personal insurance