Victoria
is about three fifths the area of Japan or the size of England, Scotland and Wales.
Covering nearly 228,000 square kilometres with 1,200 kilometres of coastline facing the Pacific,
Southern and Indian Oceans.
Although Victoria is the second most populous State, it is ranked sixth in terms of geographic
size. Its relatively small size is emphasised by the observation that no
point of the state is more than 380 kilometres from the sea. All parts of the State are within a one day's drive from Melbourne.
The Conference will be held in the north-east Victorian township of Beechworth.
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?
Victorians enjoy short wet cool winters, and long warm to hot dry summers. It can be cold but
snow usually falls only in the high country. Click here for the current weather reports issued by
the Bureau of Meteorology.
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"
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.
Transport between Albury airport or Wangaratta railway station can be arranged if required - costs to be determined.
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.
