Travel Tips

WAYS TO ARRIVE INTO BRISBANE (PLANE, ROAD OR TRAIN)

By Plane
Brisbane’s Domestic and adjacent International Airports are located 30 minutes from the city centre, and the award winning Airtrain service provides a direct and fast journey (kids travel free), in air-conditioned comfort, between both airports and the city centre. The airports are also made very accessible via several public transport options. Both terminals are located adjacent to each other and are connected to the city via rail, bus and taxi.
Brisbane Airport Corporation - T 07 3406 3000
 

Airport Transfers
Airtrain - T 07 3216 3308
Coachtrans Australia - T 1300 664 700
Sun Air - T 1800 804 340
Veolia Transport - T 07 3248 6141
Village Bus - Free bus running between the Airport Village and shopping precinct.

By road
For up-to-date information on road conditions, rules, and traffic click here.
Click here to plan your car trip.

By train
Brisbane’s rail service is a comprehensive network that provides easy access to key destinations including the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank and the Roma Street Transit Centre, as well as Moreton Bay, the Scenic Rim and various destinations around Queenslands. While the award-winning Airtrain service provides a direct and fast journey (kids travel free), in air-conditioned comfort, between both airports and the city centre.
Queensland Rail Holidays - T 1300 132 722 
Air Train (Brisbane Airport Transfer) - T (+61 7) 3216 3308

TRANSPORTATION IN BRISBANE (PUBLIC TRANPORT OPTIONS)

Public transport
Brisbane’s public transport network (TransLink) is clean and green network of trains, ferries (CityCats) and buses that have been integrated so commuters can travel seamlessly between each service.

go CARD
With the TransLink go card you can travel seamlessly on all TransLink bus, ferry and rail services across south-east Queensland.
You can buy a go card from selected retailers and QR stations, online or over the phone, and top up your card balance like a prepaid mobile phone whenever it suits you. Visit the TransLink website (translink.com.au) for more information.

‘THE LOOP’ FREE SERVICE
The Loop is a free and convenient bus service travelling in both directions around the CBD. Operating Mon-Fri 7am-5.50pm, every ten minutes from any red CBD bus stop.

NIGHTLINK
Brisbane runs all-night bus and train services, known as NightLink services from the CBD and Fortitude Valley on Friday and Saturday nights. NightLink flatfare taxis are also available from selected taxi ranks in the CBD and Fortitude Valley. Taxi fares are capped depending on the number of passengers and distance travelled.

CITYCAT FERRY SERVICE
The Brisbane CityCat and ferry services are a favourite among the locals, and an enjoyable and handy way to get around Brisbane. Enjoy the ample sightseeing opportunities as you wind your way around the river with access to key city stops including New Farm Park, South Bank and Bulimba.

CityCycle
A first in Australia, CityCycle will offer up to 2000 bikes for pick up and drop off at up to 150 bike parking stations across inner city Brisbane. CityCycle is primarily for short trips within the inner city, offering free 30 minute hire for subscribers. Casual users and visitors to Brisbane can also make use of the scheme via a daily access charge.
For more information contact:
www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call (07) 3403 8888

Taxis
Taxi ranks can be found in and around the city centre, major precincts, shopping centres and Brisbane Airport’s international and domestic terminals. Dedicated taxi ranks are centrally located at the arrivals area in front of the Brisbane Airport international and domestic terminals. Expect to pay around $40 (AUD) for a typical airport to city trip. On Friday and Saturday nights, discounted flat-fare share-ride services can be accessed from dedicated NightLink taxi ranks.

Brisbane City also offers an eco-friendly and affordable inner-city transport option- Green Cabs. Trips start from $5 per person. Operating on weekends and during special events, the pedicabs primarily service the central business district and neighbouring precincts of South Bank, West End and Fortitude Valley. 

Black & White Cabs - T 13 32 22
Yellow Cab Co - T  13 19 24
Oz E-Cab - T 1300 693 222
Green Cabs - T 0447 336 222

By foot
Walking is a great way to explore Brisbane, as it’s compact and connected with walkways and bridges linking South Bank to the nearby contemporary arts precinct and the heart of the city just across the river.

RiverWalk is a network of walking paths, floating boardwalks, parks and bridges that stretches 20 kilometres along the river and over bridges, making Brisbane ideal for walking, bike rides and even roller-blading. Click here for more information.

Travel to Moreton Bay, North and South Stradbroke Islands, Peel and Coochiemudlo islands
A variety of passenger and vehicle ferry services sit along Brisbane shorefront and provide a short trip to beautiful Moreton Bay, North and South Stradbroke Islands as well as many of the smaller islands in the bay, like Peel and Coochiemudlo islands. For details please click here. 

***We are pleased to announce a special rate on Airtrain fares. An Airtrain 'return fare' discount letter can be accessed by  clicking here. Delegates just need to print abd present the letter at an Airtrain ticket office at airport terminals to receive their discount.

Visa Information

AS AN OVERSEAS DELEGATE, HOW CAN I OBTAIN A VISA?

Please note that all travellers to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane. Travellers to Australia cannot apply for a visa on arrival. For many countries, the visa is paperless and added automatically to your air ticket. Check with your travel agent if uncertain or use the following website links.

Information about attending an event in Australia can be found at http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/index.htm (Visa Arrangements for Events, Conferences and Meetings in Australia)

You can apply for an ETA (an ETA is an electronically stored authority for travel to Australia) directly using this link. For more details about ETA or to find out if your nationality is included in this easy system please visit; www.eta.immi.gov.au

Details for contacting the appropriate visa office closest to the applicant's place of residence can be found at http://www.immi.gov.au/contacts/overseas/index.htm

VISA INFORMATION FOR CHINESE DELEGATES

You may be aware that the Hon Andrew Robb MP, Minister for Trade and Investment, and the Hon Scott Morrison MP, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, announced on 7 February 20414 that Chinese business visitors would now be eligible to apply for a three year multiple entry visa.  A copy of this announcement is available at:  http://www.trademinister.gov.au/releases/2014/ar_mr_140207.html

China delegates (whose participation is not being covered by the conference) will need to apply for the Visitor visa (Subclass 600) in the Business Visitor stream.  This is currently a paper application process for Chinese passport holders.  This process is explained in both Chinese and English at the following link:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/DIMA03020101.html

The instructions for the Chinese business visitors are as follows:

1. Determine where and how to lodge your visa application, based on the information at the following links:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/DIAC07092012p23en.html and http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/files/bjng/Where-to-submit-a-visa-application.pdf

2.  Submit the visa application form (see:  http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1415.pdf) and supporting documents.  First time visitors should use the document checklist at:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/files/bjng/Checklist-600-Business-Visitor-Stream-First-Visits-China.pdf.  Repeat visitors should use the document checklist at:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/files/bjng/Checklist-600-Business-Visitor-Stream-Repeat-Visits-China.pdf

3.  Ensure that the visa application charge is paid at time of lodgement.  Information on payment options is available at:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/DIACtemp.html

4.  Ensure that the visa application is lodged within a reasonable timeframe.  Information on visa processing times is available at:  http://www.china.embassy.gov.au/bjng/DIMA03020104.html

Click here for the most current visa fact sheet, outlining the various visa options and visa application processes for conference participants.