Information & Tips for attendees of the 1st Australasian-Pacific Conference on Parareurbanology and Serenology
Visa
All visitors to Australia need a visa. A tourist visa allows you to stay in the country for 3 months. For some nationalities, including most European citizens (but not Romania) the tourist visa is free. For all South American citizens, Romanians and many other countries there is an application fee of A$190.
You can apply for your visa online here:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/evisitor-651
Travel to Australia
If you are coming from South America or Europe we recommend you arrive in Australia at least 4 days before the conference to give yourself time to adjust to the new time zone.
From Brazil: You have two main options. You can fly via the middle east with stop overs in Dubai or Doha (Emirates and Qatar airlines) or you can fly via Chile and across the Pacific (LATAM airlines). Either way the travel time will be around 30 hours depending on stop-over time. The only airline on these routes that flies directly into Adelaide is Qatar. With any other you would arrive in another Australian city first and change planes to Adelaide.
Conscientiology volunteer and travel agent Micheli Souza can help you with your travel arrangement if you wish. You can contact Micheli on +55 41 92004-5882
From Europe: You have the option to fly via the middle east with stop overs in Dubai or Doha (Emirates and Qatar airlines) or via eastern Asia with stop overs in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Hong Kong (Singapore, Malaysian or Cathay Pacific). Sometimes there can be special deals on other airlines and alternative routes such as via Japan.
Singapore Airlines and Qatar airlines are the only ones flying directly into Adelaide at the moment. With any other you would arrive in another Australian city first and change planes to Adelaide.
Money
At the time of preparing this 1 Australian Dollar (A$1) costs about Reis 3.21, Euros 0.6 or US$0.65.
In Australia you can pay for almost everything with your Visa or Mastercard, but check overseas transaction fees with your credit / debit card provider. Also let them know you are travelling so they don’t think your card details were stolen and block it.
There are several exchange booths in the city. It can be worth comparing exchange rates. First Easter FX in the Central Market and WorldEX on King William Street generally have good rates.
Accommodation Options & Cost
The venue is in the city of Adelaide (the Central Business District or CBD) close to the Central Station so you can stay in the city, but also in some beach suburbs on the train or tram network. Best beach options are: Glenelg (35 minute tram ride), Brighton (25 minute train ride) and Grange (25 minute train ride).
Tip: Pair up with others and book a larger AirBNB or Serviced Apartment to save on accommodation costs.
Apartment Hotels in the City with various numbers of bedrooms
Oaks Horizons
https://www.oakshotels.com/en/oaks-horizons/rooms (1-2 bedrooms for up to 4 people, directly opposite the venue) (one bedroom apartment about $280/night, 2 bedroom apartment about $360/night) – to confirm
Franklin Apartments
https://www.franklinapartments.com.au/ (1-3 bedrooms for up to 6 people) (1 bedroom apartment about $225/night, 2 bedroom apartment about $390/night)
iStay Precinct
https://www.oakshotels.com/en/istay-precinct (1-2 bedrooms for up to 4 people)
(1 bedroom apartment about $240/night, 2 bedroom apartment about $360/night)
Budget Accommodation
Adelaide Youth Hostel
https://www.yha.com.au/hostels/sa/adelaide/adelaide-backpackers-hostel/
Clean and simple accommodation walking distance to venue.
Bedroom with ensuite from A$202/night. Rooms with shared bathrooms from A$150/night. Groups of 3, 4 or 6 people can book entire rooms with bunk beds significantly reducing cost to about $50/person per night.
Adelaide Caravan Park
https://aspenholidayparks.com.au/adelaide-caravan-park/accommodation/
A lovely 2km walk to the venue through the Adelaide park lands, or quick bus and tram ride. Standard cabins start at $179 per night and can accommodate up to 4 people so if you share as a group this can be a good way to save money.
AirBNB
AirBNB is very big in Australia. You need to have a look for accommodation that suits your needs, but there are plenty of options in the city and in the seaside suburbs from which you can catch public transport.
The current price range during the conference period for a 2 bedroom apartment is between $200-$300/day. 1 bedroom apartment start at about $165/night in the city and $140 at Glenelg.
Getting Around
Public Transport: The tram is free within the city centre and there is also a free tourist bus that loops around the centre. For trips outside of the centre you can buy your tickets at machines on the trams or at the central train station before getting on a train.
Uber: Ubers are the main alternative to taxis in Australia. You need to install the Uber app on your phone and book them through the app.
Taxi: there are taxi ranks throughout the city or you can call a taxi on 132 211.
Hire Car: Book through www.rentalcars.com for the best prices. A hire car can be a good option if you want to do some site seeing outside of the city while you are. Parking at the convention centre is $18/day
Meal choices and costs
Adelaide has a wide variety of food options (some say it has the best food variety in Australia). Cost will vary substantially between restaurants and snack bars. For a lunch allow between A$10-A$25 and for a dinner between A$20-A$40 depending on your preferences. Of course you can always spend more than that.
City site seeing
North Terrace is the main cultural hub. Here you will find:
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- The State Library www.slsa.sa.gov.au/home
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- The South Australian Museum ` www.samuseum.sa.gov.au/
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- The Art Gallery of South Australia www.agsa.sa.gov.au/
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- Botanic Garden www.botanicgardens.sa.gov.au/visit/adelaide-botanic-garden
Other key cultural and tourist areas in the city centre
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- Central Market on Victoria Square – cultural experience and many nice lunch options as well as great fresh fruit and vegetables https://adelaidecentralmarket.com.au/
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- Main shopping stretch – Rundle Mall
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- Main dining areas – Rundle Street, Gouger Street, Hutt Street
Adelaide City Self-guided audio tours
Regional / Interstate siteseeing
There are many interesting and beautiful places to visit within 1-2 hours of Adelaide if you hire a car. Let us know if you are planning this and we can share some ideas. You can contact us on conference@isicons.org or WhatsApp +61 4370 63336.
There is also an option if you are staying a few days in Sydney to join us for a tour of the city. Click on the following link for more information: https://apc.isicons.org/sydney-tour/