General Information
Banking/Currency
Banks in Australia are open from 09:30 - 16:00 Monday to Thursday and from 09:30 - 17:00 on Fridays. Most banks are closed weekends and public holidays. Automatic Teller Machines are open 24 hours and are located throughout the city and surrounds. Facilities for exchange of currency are available at the airport, larger hotels and banks
Business Hours
Banks generally open from 0930 – 1600, Monday ‐ Friday. General office hours are 0900 – 1700, Monday ‐ Friday. Post Offices operate during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.
Climate
Darwin has a tropical climate and an average temperature of 32 degrees celsius all year, with varying humidity. The dry season, from May to October, has warm, sunny days and cool nights with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. In the Northern Territory climate it is important to consume adequate amounts of water to prevent dehydration. People should drink at least 2 litres of water each day.
Clothing
In tropical areas like Darwin, Kakadu and Katherine, the weather is always warm, so lightweight summer clothing is worn all year round. Casual clothing is very much a part of the Territory lifestyle. Pack light, comfortable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, swimwear and sunglasses. The Territory is home to mosquitoes and other biting insects so a reliable insect repellent will make your stay more comfortable.
Dress
The dress for all sessions and social functions is smart casual attire.
Eating Out
Dining in Darwin City is an attraction in itself, with a diversity of culinary choices promising memorable taste adventures. Exotic cuisine from all over the world along with authentic Northern Territory fare like mud crabs, barramundi, kangaroo and crocodile are on offer. There's a dining experience to match any mood – from fine dining to al fresco meals with a harbour view or platters of seafood over a barbeque.
Downtown Darwin is brimming with restaurants, cafés and pubs, some with live entertainment to match. Outside the city centre, dining waterside in Fannie Bay or Cullen Bay means indulging in seafood, from local specialties to fish and chips. Stokes Hill Wharf offers a variety of take-away food to be relished while watching activity on the harbour.
For a gastronomic expedition, visit Darwin's famous markets. The food stalls of Mindil, Parap and Nightcliff provide a globe-trotting experience loved by locals and visitors alike.
Darwin City Centre
Café Uno
Casual café menu with great pizzas, pastas and seafood. Try the popular toasted avocado, tomato and cheese croissant.
Char Restaurant
The main attraction is the gourmet steak menu but also on offer are seafood and vegetarian dishes. Try exotic specialties such as the crocodile and crab lasagne.
Manolis Greek Taverna
The menu is a perfect fusion of Italian and Australian cuisine. Irresistible specialties include the pan fried prawns and the Moreton Bay Bugs.
Hanuman Restaurant
Renowned Darwin chef Jimmy Shu serves up fresh local produce in Thai, Malay and Indian styles in this elegantly appointed, award-winning eatery.
Moorish Café
Mediterranean, North African and Spanish cuisine. An extensive tapas menu features over 20 dishes. Open until late with varied entertainment fare.
Monsoons
Stylish setting and a diverse, multi-cultural menu draw locals and visitors alike. Try the crocodile and prawn spring rolls, bucket of prawns, local barramundi and lamb rack.
Noodle House
Located in the heart of Mitchell Street, the Noodle House prepares award winning Asian dishes with a warm and friendly smile.
Roma Bar
A favourite meeting place for writers, musicians, politicians, and lawyers as well as those who just love good coffee. Lively tropical, traditional and Asian influences.
Shenannigans
Popular, award-winning Irish restaurant and bar with an al fresco dining area. Daily entertainment includes live bands and karaoke.
Sirocco
This relaxed bar-restaurant features buffet and à la carte dining by the pool. The perfect setting for enjoying Darwin's tropical climate and stunning sunsets.
Fannie Bay
Cool Spot
Trendy hangout and popular stop for ice cream, milkshakes and juices. Light snacks and meals, from hotdogs to pastas also feature on the menu.
Cornucopia Museum Café
Tropical gardens by the Timor Sea provide the perfect environment for this relaxed café famous for its weekend brunch. Grab a bite after visiting the museum.
Pee Wee's at the Point
Beachfront restaurant basking under palms, with great views of Fannie Bay. ‘Musts' on the gourmet menu include oysters, soft shell mud crab and tempura bug tails.
Waterfront Bistro, Darwin Sailing Club
Popular for viewing Darwin's jaw-dropping sunsets with an excellent selection of Asian and Australian cuisine to match. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual.
Cullen Bay
Buzz
Great music, mango daiquiris, an extensive wine and boutique beer list draw locals and visitors alike to this popular waterfront café.
Dragon Court
A true Asian experience of the highest quality, impeccable service, elegant décor and an extensive wine list are some of the features that complement the unequalled cuisine created by their Master Chefs.
Evoo
SkyCity's elegant restaurant with sweeping views of Darwin harbour. The menu lists mod Oz delectables like chilled yabby and scallop cocktails. Try the degustation menu.
Yots Greek Taverna
A café by day and cocktail venue/restaurant by night, Yots spills out onto the boardwalk to provide ambient waterfront dining.
Il-Piatto
Experience the true taste of Italy at SKYCITY Darwin’s newest restaurant – il Piatto. Translating as ‘the plate’ il Piatto welcomes guests for lunch and dinner every day.
La Beach
This spectacular Cullen Bay restaurant specialises in fresh seafood. Try the whole red emperor, or sample one of the 13 styles of oysters available. Relax on the balcony, while watching the sun disappear over the bay.
Parap
Cyclone Café
Popular stopover on a visit to Parap's famous markets. Try the great coffee, hearty all-day breakfasts, homemade cakes and the cafe's signature steak sandwich.
The Happy Garden
This family-run Chinese restaurant has been part of Darwin's dining scene for over 25 years. The sizzling Mongolian beef is a must.
For those who fancy Tex Mex and a lively fiesta atmosphere. Sample the “great balls of fire”, seafood quesadilla, barbequed ribs, Mexican meatballs and oven-baked salmon.
Raging Bull
Multi-awarded steakhouse and beer garden. Try the aged rump and the Reef ‘n' Beef. Imported beers and an great wine list make it a favourite watering hole.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that participants take out their own general travel insurance. It is suggested that the insurance policy should also cover loss of fees/deposit, airfares, accommodation charges, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and repatriation expenses. The Organisers do not take responsibility for any delegate failing to insure.
Parking
On-site underground parking offers 300 spaces and the cost for parking is $3.00 per entry. Easily accessible private parking is also available at a number of locations in the Darwin Waterfront Precinct.
Privacy
The Privacy Act 2001 provides that delegates must consent to their name, organisation and city/country details only being distributed to convention delegates and sponsors. If you DO NOT wish for your details to appear in the convention delegate list, please indicate on the registration form.
Special Needs
We endeavour to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require particular assistance, please make a note on your registration form or contact the Conference Secretariat.
Smoking Policy
The Darwin Convention Centre has a no smoking policy. This policy also applies to the majority of restaurants, bars and shopping centres in Darwin.
Invitation Letters
Letters of invitation will not be issued for this Conference. To assist in obtaining any necessary visas that you may require, it is essential that you complete the registration via the Conference website ensuring to include a valid fax number and credit card details. The Conference Secretariat will process your registration and send to you a confirmation invoice confirming receipt of your payment and attendance at the Conference. You will then be able to present this invoice to your Embassy/High Commission to assist with the application of your visa. In the event that your application is unsuccessful, a full refund will be provided.
Visas
All prospective visitors to Australia should make their own enquiries with their travel agent or the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship well before they travel to Australia to ensure that they have an appropriate visa to travel to Australia. All visitors should apply for a visa at least two months prior to the conference. Please note that participants from some countries may require a confirmation of registration. For further information, please visit: www.immi.gov.au
Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
The TRS enables you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4366.asp#e1157
Customs
Useful information for arriving travellers and what they must declare on arrival are available at http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4443.asp#items.
Information about prohibited and restricted imports is available at http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4369.asp
General Guidance for travellers bringing medicines to and from Australia
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/general-guidance-for-travellers-bringing-medicines-to-and-from-australiaAustralian Quarantine and Inspection Service: “What Can't I Take into Australia?”
http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/114242/whatcanti_take.pdf
Emergency Phone Numbers
Police, Fire or Ambulance: 000 (or 112 from mobile)
Royal Darwin Hosp – non urgent inquiries: 89 22 88 88
Northern Territory Police – General Inquiries: 89 22 33 44
Taxi: 131 008
Darwin Bus Timetables and bus stop map
http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/public/bus/routes.shtmlhttp://mapize.com/darwin/
Darwin monthly climate statistics
http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_014016_All.shtml
Darwin news
http://www.ntnews.com.au/Phone cards
http://www.telephonecards.com.au/