The attractions of the Gold Coast bring smiles to people of all ages and stages. With exhilarating rides, exotic animals and endless waterslides to help you cool off on hot summer days, your Gold Coast holiday offers a full spectrum of interactive entertainment - from dazzling big budget Gold Coast theme parks to small, hilariously kitsch museums.
With the conference being held at Sea World Resort, why not extend your stay either before or after the conference. Speak to the Conference Managers to add on entry to the theme parks, including Movie World, Sea World, Wet n Wild, Paradise Country and Outback Spectacular for a discounted pass.
There are also many other things to do on the Gold Coast including going to our world famous beaches or up to the Gold Coast Tablelands for a scenic rainforest walk and wineries.
For more details on what you can do while on the Gold Coast, click on the below button.
Here’s a guide for international visitors to make your visit as easy as possible.
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
Visa types depend on length of stay and the visit’s purpose. Lodge online applications for ETAs or acquire forms from more than 300,000 travel agents, 75 airlines and Australian diplomatic offices worldwide. If you do not hold a passport approved for ETA, get a ‘label’ visa from Australian embassies, high commission offices or consulates. The Immigration Department’s website offers an Event Co-ordinators’ Network to help event managers. View Immigration website. www.immi.gov.au
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure. Incoming visitors may bring in limited quantities of duty free products. Business travellers need permits for carrying commercial goods through Customs. If you enter Australia with doctor’s prescriptions or medicines, get a permit. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Australian Customs enforces strict controls. Australia is the largest island in the world which is free of many diseases. Please declare animal and plant material, herbal medicines, food, eggs, seeds and wood. Coral, shell, reptile and whale products are banned. Restrictions may or do apply for currency, firearms and ammunition, heritage items and defence and strategic goods. Ask officers if you are not sure. The future health of Australia’s native animals, plants and primary industries depends on your honesty. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Safeguarding our heritage for the future - Australia’s Gold Coast. Very serious.
Take advantage of our many beaches but always remember to follow basic surf and water safety. Always swim or surf at patrolled beaches between the red and yellow flags which mark the safest area for swimming. For further information on swimming and surf safety, as well as detailed information about all of the beaches on the Gold Coast, visit the BeachSafe website.
The standard emergency number in Australia is 000 which will direct you to an operator tasked with coordinating police, ambulance and firefighter services.
All travellers to Australia should consider health insurance. Have a look at the Australian Medicare site (www.medicareaustralia.gov.au) to see if we have a reciprocal health care agreement with your country.
Alcohol: Legal drinking age is 18 years and older. Bring ID to prove your age. Alcohol can only be purchased in liquor outlets and hotels (not in supermarkets).
Electricity: 240/250 volts AC 50Hz Universal outlets for 110 volts (shavers only) standard in hotels, apartments, motels.
Emergency: Dial 000 from a fixed line or 112 from a mobile phone. Police, ambulance, fire.
Language: English. Translation and multi-lingual tours available. Telstra’s Foreign Language Service offers telephone assistance in nine languages.
Measures: Metric system. www.onlineconversion.com
Post Offices: Australia Post offices are generally open 9am to 5pm weekdays, 9am to 12pm Saturdays. www.australiapost.com.au
Religion: Australia is multi-cultural. Discrimination is an offence. Mosques, temples, Christian churches and prayer rooms are located on the Gold Coast. Specific dietary requirements are available (halal, kosher).
Road Rules: Left hand side driving. A 50kmh speed limit applies in most residential areas. Open highways 100-110kmh. View speed limit signs. Seat belts mandatory. Strict drink driving laws apply. Bring your current driver’s licence if you want to hire a vehicle. www.transport.qld.gov.au
Safety: Common sense approach to personal safety encouraged. www.transport.qld.gov.au
Smoking: Queensland has strict tobacco laws with new legislation being phased in. There is no smoking in indoor public places and no sales to children under 18 years. www.health.qld.gov.au
Sun/Surf Safety: Australian beaches are beautiful. Never underestimate the power of the Pacific Ocean. Always swim between the red and yellow flags in a patrolled beach and heed life guards’ advice. Gold Coast beaches are patrolled by professional life guards and volunteers (weekends). www.health.qld.gov.au
Swimmers must accept responsibility for their own safety. Sun protection is vital – always wear a hat, collared shirt with sleeves, maximum sunblock and avoid the heat of the day 10am – 2pm. www.whs.qld.gov.au
Swimming: There is no nude bathing permitted in Queensland.
Telephones: Australian international code 61. Public telephones, international dial cards available.
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST): GMT + 10 hours. There is no daylight saving in Queensland.
