Location and Dates
The 2000 SuperDARN Workshop will be held at La Trobe University's Beechworth Campus
in north-eastern Victoria, Australia, from Tuesday May 23 to Friday 26, inclusive.
BEECHWORTH
A small historic former gold-mining town founded in 1853, located 3 hours drive north-east of Melbourne, current population 3000.
During the 1850's gold rush Beechworth became the administrative center of north-east Victoria and was an important
stop on the old Sydney to Melbourne coach road. Mining operations ceased many years ago and the town now depends largely on tourism.
It is a good location for a quiet few days away from city life.
Beechworth has retained its 19th Century charm, many of its historic buildings have been restored, and it is now only
one of two towns in Victoria classified as notable by the National Trust. Over 30 buildings
are on the Trust's register.
The region produces some of the finest fresh produce in Australia and includes a number of
notable wineries. Located in the foothills of the Australian Alps, the Beechworth area provides opportunities for recreational and leisure activities. A range of facilities and
services are available to cater for everyone, from the more active: Bushwalking (Hiking, Tramping);
Mountain Bike Riding; Horseriding; 4WD tours; water sports (in the summer) and alpine activities
(in the winter) - to the less strenuous: historical tours; wineries; cafes; restaurants; galleries;
museums and antique shops.
Where is Beechworth?
THE VENUE
The La Trobe University Beechworth campus is
approximately 1km from the center of town, within easy walking distance (15 - 20 min). It is located in a
picturesque environment containing heritage gardens and buildings dating from the 1860's that
have been classified as being of historical significance. The conference center consists of modern
and extensively renovated buildings containing the latest facilities.
CLIMATE
May is the end of autumn in Australia so the temperatures will be dropping and the days shortening.
At Beechworth in May the mean daytime temperature maximum is 13.9 C and the mean nighttime minimum is 5.3 C.
While many days in May are very pleasant, you should be prepared for cool days and chilly nights.
"Beechworth in May"
The Workshop
WORKSHOP PROGRAM
The workshop is aimed at presenting and discussing both technical aspects (hardware and software) of the coordinated
operations of the radars and the scientific work going on in the various laboratories involved in the SuperDARN venture.
Presentations on collaborative activities, including use of other instruments, are also welcome.
Some relevant topics are:
- Radar Reports
- Analysis Techniques
- Ionospheric Convection
- Ionospheric Response to Dayside Reconnection
- Ionospheric Response to Substorms
- Resonant MHD Waves
- Plasma Instabilities
- Meteor Winds
- Gravity Waves
- Magnetosphere/Ionosphere Coupling
- SuperDARN and Space Weather
- Missions and Opportunities
SuperDARN Working Groups will convene during the Workshop and report on their activities.
A preliminary schedule for the workshop is the following:
Accommodation
We have organised a range of accommodation on campus, from "student style" single rooms with shared facilities at AUD$54
to executive suites at AUD$141 (per double). All accommodation includes a full buffet breakfast. Family accommodation is
also available on request.
CONFERENCE HOTEL/HOTEL SCHOOL
Premium accommodation consisting of Single Suites and Double Suites and Executive Suites, all with private facilities.
Each room has TV, mini-fridge, IDD telephone, coffee and tea making facilities.
Some rooms have an additional single bed at extra cost. Rooms with facilities for disabled persons are available.
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AUD $141 per night (double)
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(Conference Rate - inc. breakfast)
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AUD $101 per double per night
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(Conference Rate - inc. breakfast)
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AUD $68 per single per night
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THE COTTAGES
Three large turn-of-the century cottages, fully remodeled to provide superior group or "student style" accommodation.
Each has between 10 and 11 bedrooms suitable for between 1, 2 and 4 guests and 2 shared "group" bathrooms. All linen
is provided. Each cottage has a fully equipped kitchen with microwave oven, TV lounge (with VCR) and central courtyard.
Cottages contain disabled person bathroom facilities.
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AUD $54 per room per night |
(Conference Rate - inc. breakfast) |
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AUD $81 per room per night |
(Conference Rate - inc. breakfast) |
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- Family Rooms available on request
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Money and Credit Cards
CURRENCY
The official currency for the workshop will be the Australian Dollar (AUD$). Exchange rates are determined by the international
money markets and fluctuate daily. In mid-January 2000 exchange rates were:
CREDIT CARDS
Nearly all Australian business accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards. Most will also accept at least one of American Express
or Diner's Club. La Trobe University only accepts VISA or MasterCard so you will have to pay your Workshop accounts with these
cards or by cash.
BANKING
24hr Automatic Banking Machines are widespread so money can be easily obtained at any hour of the day either by credit card or
direct from a bank account linked to international access by machine. Over the counter bank hours vary and are not always
convenient for travellers.
Travel to Australia
The closest international airport to Beechworth is Melbourne and the closest commercial airport is Albury.
Local air services operate between Albury and both Melbourne and Sydney. However, you might like to travel
to Melbourne or Sydney, stay a few days, then travel to Beechworth - see Travel in Australia.
VISAS
All visitors to Australia other than Australian and New Zealand citizens require a visa, however in most
instances, if you travel to Australia by a major airline, the airline will automatically obtain your visa in
the form of an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
The ETA is an electronically-stored authority to travel to Australia for a short-term tourist or business entry.
The ETA does away with the need for an application form and a visa stamp in your passport. It enables genuine
short-term visitors to Australia to obtain authority to enter Australia at the same time as they book their travel
arrangements. There is no need for the traveler to complete an application form for a visa. The ETA is issued
electronically through the computer links between the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
(DIMA), travel agents, airlines and specialist service providers around the world.
The list of countries using the ETA system is found at
http://www.immi.gov.au/eta/countries.htm.
If the ETA system is not available in your country (e.g. China, South Africa, Russia) you will need to contact your
nearest Australian diplomatic office. It may then take several weeks to process your visa application.
CUSTOMS
Australia, as an island, is fortunate that many diseases and pests are not present. Strictly enforced customs regulations
prohibit the importation of a range of goods - particularly food and animal products.
For more information we recommend you view the Australian Customs web site.
Travel in Australia
There are a number of travel options within Australia - here are a few suggestions.
HIRE CAR
Hire a car from Melbourne, Sydney or Adelaide. South Eastern Australia has an extensive network of sealed roads, good signage
and services - of an equivalent standard to North America and Western Europe. Beechworth is a 3 hour drive from Melbourne,
7 hours from Sydney, and 10 hours from Adelaide. There is an extensive range of things to see and do on the way - so if you
are able plan a few days of sightseeing. Free car parking is available at the workshop venue.
TRAINS & BUSES
There is a twice daily (on weekdays) train and bus service between
Melbourne and Beechworth (via Wangaratta) - total travel time is around 3.5hrs.
There is a twice daily fast train between Sydney and Melbourne with stops in Albury
(~7.25hrs from Sydney) and Wangaratta (~8hrs) - travel time Sydney/Melbourne ~10.5hrs.
WORKSHOP BUSES
Subject to sufficent demand we will be arranging coach transport from Melbourne to Beechworth on Monday, May 22 and from Beechworth
to Melbourne on Friday, May 26. The cost will be AUD$50 each way.
For delegates arriving at Albury airport or railway station, transfer to Beechworth has been arranged as part of the workshop program.
For delegates arriving in Beechworth via the Vline train and bus service, transfer from bus stop to the workshop venue has been arranged.
