International Guests

Climate

Melbourne may be known for its fickle weather – the city has been described as having four seasons in one day – but it can still be enjoyed all year round. Plan ahead with this information on temperature and rainfall.

Winter (June – August)
In winter, average temperatures range from 6.5 – 14.2°C (43.7 – 57.6°F). The weather is frequently cold and cloudy, and nights can be accompanied by frosts. Heavy rain is rare at this time of year.

Time Zone

Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) which is 10 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

Currency

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = A$1). Notes come in A$100, A$50, A$20, A$10 and A$5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1 and A$2 denominations. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa and American Express.

Taxes

All prices quoted for this conference are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax), unless otherwise specified. GST applies to most goods and services in Australia.

The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is administered by the Australian Customs Department and enables travellers departing from Australia to claim a refund of the GST and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. For detailed information on the TRS, visit the website of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Services of the Australian Government.

Language

English is Australia’s main language, with more than 300 other languages spoken within its diverse local communities. Multilingual interpreters are available at international entry points, major hotels and department stores.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

COVID Update (January 2025)

COVID-19 Testing

You do not need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to meet Australian inbound travel requirements. Some countries and airline operators may require a pre-departure test result at check-in before you can board your flight. Check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling or transiting through, and your airline operator’s requirements.

Vaccination and Masks

You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to travel to and from Australia.

The requirements to wear masks in airports and on inbound international flights to Australia no longer applies. Travellers are encouraged to consider wearing a mask to reduce their personal risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.

Some airlines and countries may have different requirements and still require passengers to wear a mask on their services. Please check your airline operator’s requirements.

In relation to domestic travel, passengers are recommended to follow standard practices such as social distancing, cough etiquette and hand hygiene, to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 when travelling.

Further and updated information is available here.

Vaccinations (non-COVID)

There are no vaccinations required for entering Australia. However, if you enter Australia from a yellow fever declared country but do not hold a vaccination certificate you will receive a Yellow Fever Action Card for further information. More information can be found on the Department of Health of the Australian Government website.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. For more information please refer to the ‘Travelling to Australia’ section on the website of the Department of Agriculture.

Visa Information

Most international guests will require a visa to enter Australia. You are advised to apply for your visa as early as possible as it can take 4-6 weeks to process an application. Visit here to ascertain the relevant visa for your visit.

Should you require a letter of invitation to support your visa application, please email cdio2025@watermarkevents.com.au and an invitation will be emailed to you, noting this does not imply any financial support for your participation at the Congress. You must have completed and paid for your registration before you will receive your visa letter.