Located in sunny subtropical Queensland Australia, the famed Gold Coast offers stunning beaches, backed by a hinterland of rainforest walks and waterfalls. Beyond the beaches, discover laid-back neighbourhoods, a booming culinary scene and the Gold Coast's famous theme parks.
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Conference location:
The conference will be held at Novotel Surfers Paradise, in the heart of the Gold Coast, and a short walk to the famous beach.
Special rates for accommodation will be available with registration, while available:
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Free upgrade to Ocean View Deluxe Room
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Single room, with breakfast: $210 / night
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Twin / double room, with breakfast: $230 / night
Otherwise, a discount code for booking your own accommodation booking is available on the registration page. There are many other accommodation options available nearby.
Travel information:
Brisbane is the nearest international airport (code BNE).
Brief travel information from the hotel is here: https://www.novotelsurfersparadise.com.au/contact-us-2/
The Gold Coast Airport at Coolangatta is closer to the conference venue, but not many international flights arrive here. However, you can fly to Sydney and then catch a connecting flight to the Gold Coast.
You can book a shuttle transfer from either airport here:
The Surfers Paradise Transit Centre is just across the road from the hotel - you don't need door-to-door. The return trip is AUD\$100 from Brisbane airport, or AUD\$45 from the Gold Coast airport. It is slightly cheaper if you book for more than one person.
Alternatively, you can take the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport International to Helensvale, and then switch to the G:Link light rail, getting off at Cavill Avenue. Tickets can be booked in advance here: https://www.airtrain.com.au/booking-form/ (from Airport International to Caville Avenue) at a cost of $23.90 return. Tickets are valid for two days either side of the dates that you book. It is public transport - you are not able to book a service or a seat, but there is always plenty of capacity.
HOWEVER - you really don't need to book a ticket in advance - you can just hop on and off using your credit card - you just need to tap on and off with it. See instructions here: https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/smart-ticketing/customer-trials
This works across the rail and ferry network. However, if you are going to be in Brisbane and want to use buses (needed for UQ), you will need to acquire a Go travel card: https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card
You can hire a rental car from the airport as well, although there will be no need to have a car at the conference venue. Discounted car parking is available near the hotel at a cost of $22 / day - please register your car and number plate at the hotel reception on arrival.
Accommodation in Brisbane:
You might like to spend some extra time in Brisbane. We recommend hotels at Southbank, which has plenty of restaurants and good public transport connections to the University of Queensland.
