Melbourne, Victoria
The city of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia is proud to host the 22nd Australian International Aerospace Congress.
Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital, renowned for its vibrant arts scene, world‑class dining, and iconic laneways filled with cafés, boutiques, and street art. A dynamic and multicultural city, it offers a seamless blend of historic architecture, contemporary design, and diverse neighbourhoods. With a packed calendar of major events, excellent transport, and a reputation for innovation and creativity, Melbourne provides an inspiring setting for visitors and delegates alike.
Timezone
Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Program sessions at AIAC22 will take place in Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).
Please click here to use a timezone converter.
Arriving in Melbourne
Melbourne is a major international gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The city is served by Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine). Avalon Airport handles domestic and regional travel.
Melbourne Airport is 20 kilometres and approximately a 25-minute drive from central Melbourne.
Transport
Melbourne is easy to explore, with accessible public transport and walkable city streets.
- Trams: Melbourne’s iconic trams are free within the Central Business District (CBD). This map shows the boundaries of the free tram zone. A Myki pass is required for travel beyond the free tram zone.
- Public Transport: Trains and buses also operate with the Myki system.
- Other Options: Taxis, rideshare apps, e-bikes, and e-scooters are readily available.
Melbourne Cabs
1300 9091 9422 (airport transfers) | +61 3 9091 9440 (city transfers) | www.melbournecabs.com.au
Silver Top Taxis Melbourne
+61 3 131 008 | www.silvertop.com.au
Yellow Cabs Melbourne
+61 3 13 1924 | www.yellowcab.com.au
Wheelchair Accessible Taxis Melbourne
+61 448 317 383 | www.wheelchairtaxi.com.au
Accessibility
The Accessibility Guide offers details on accessible travel and services around Melbourne.
Banking and Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = AUD1). Notes come in AUD100, AUD50, AUD20, AUD10 and AUD5 denominations. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, AUD1 and AUD2 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.
Banks and post offices generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 from Monday to Friday. Business office hours are 09:00 to 17:30 from Monday to Friday.
Climate and Clothing
AIAC22 will be held during summer in Australia and it is a pretty great time to visit. A typical summer’s day in Melbourne, Victoria will see temperatures reaching a high of 27ºC (80ºF) and a low of 16ºC (60ºF).
Generally, Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket with you for special occasions. The important thing is to feel comfortable and be prepared for variations in temperature which can be quite extreme in Melbourne. A popular local expression that may help is “What do you do if you don’t like the weather in Melbourne? Don’t worry – wait ten minutes and it will have changed!“. The phrase “4 seasons in one day” was written for Melbourne! Be prepared.
Dining
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called “BYO” restaurants, an abbreviation for “bring your own”. There may be a corkage charge to do so.
Emergency
If there is an emergency while at any of the Congress venues during the Congress, immediately report to one of our onsite staff members at the registration or information desk. This is to ensure prompt and efficient response from emergency services. Outside the event, Fire, Police and Ambulance can all be reached by dialling 000 (triple zero).
Good and Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)
Most goods and services purchased in Australia are inclusive of 10% GST (Goods and Services Tax), unless otherwise specified.
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 Tourist Refund Scheme, visit the website of the Australian Border Force.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance. It is strongly recommended that you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include:
- Loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Congress or through cancellation of the Congress
- Loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason
- Loss of your monies through cancellation for any reason, including airline or related services strikes within Australia
- Failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay
- Force majeure or any other reason
- Medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover)
- Loss or damage to personal property
- Additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered
The Congress organisers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.
Shopping
Melbourne shops usually open from 09:00 to 17:00 during the week with late night shopping on Friday until 21:00. The hours in the Central Business District (CBD) and shopping centres on Saturdays are generally from 09:00 to 17:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is at your prerogative; a reward for service. A gratuity of about 10% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
Please note that additional charges for Sunday / weekend services may apply.