Visa applications
International delegates please note: You will need a visa to enter Australia.
All international visitors to Australia (the sole exception being citizens of Australia and New Zealand traveling on Australian and New Zealand passports) must obtain a visa in advance. You are urged to apply for a visa not later than six weeks prior to travel. Residents of many countries may now apply for a visa online, others will need to apply at an Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission. For information on how and where to apply for a visitor’s visa to Australia, please click here to go to the Department of Immigration Website.
You will need to register for the conference and pay your fees before you apply for a visa.
Getting Around Brisbane
Brisbane is a compact, connected city, ideal for walking and getting around via the many scenic river and bridge walks. The city’s efficient transport network makes it easy for visitors to find their way about the city.
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre’s central city location is convenient for visitors with easy and direct access to an efficient citywide transport network of buses, trains, taxis and the river’s high-speed regular catamaran service. The city to airport Air Train operates from the South Brisbane train station, adjacent to the Convention Centre.
The City’s international and domestic airports are only a 20 minute taxi ride from the city centre and the Convention Centre.
Airport Transfers
Brisbane’s international and domestic airports are approximately 20km north east of the Central Business District (CBD), a 15 to 20 minute drive. Visitors can reach the central business district by private transfer, taxi, shuttle bus or train.
Professional Car Service – Ozscott Limousines is a Brisbane based company which runs a large fleet of corporate cars with pick ups and drop offs all over South East Qld. Ozscott offers a flat charge of $55 for trips between the airport and the city. For further information and a full list of prices please visit www.ozscott.com.au.
Airtrain – Airtrain services run frequently from Brisbane Airport and stops at 4 major stations in Brisbane City: Fortitude Valley, Central Station, Roma Street and South Brisbane, with the journey taking approximately 20 minutes. The airport stations are located directly outside the Domestic and International terminals. Airtrain fares start from $16. Pre-book or estimate your fare at http://www.airtrain.com.au/ (book online to receive a 10% discount on your fare).
Tickets are also available for purchase during the conference from the Client and Visitors Services Centre located in the Main Foyer of the BCEC.
Bus Services – Buses connect South Bank and Brisbane’s airports. A single transfer starts from $16 with Coachtrans, which departs the airports and Roma Street Transit Centre (CBD) every 30 minutes. All major city hotels are serviced on request.
South Bank is serviced by two bus stations: The Cultural Centre Station on Melbourne Street and the South Bank Busway Station cnr of Colchester and Tribune Streets, South Bank.
CityCats – A popular and speedy way to travel the river. CityCats operate everyday and stop at the South Bank River Terminal on the Clem Jones Promenade. The inner-city ferry travels between the CBD, North Quay and Kangaroo Point, stopping at South Bank Terminal 1 and 2 on the Clem Jones Promenade.
Taxi – The taxi fare from the city centre is approximately A$40 – $50 which includes a $3 fee for taxis departing from the airport. To calculate your fare please visit Black and White Cabs or Yellow Cabs.
Taxi ranks are located outside the main entrance to the Convention Centre on Merivale Street, at Mantra South Bank on Grey Street. There is a taxi drop off located at the Convention Centre Grey Street entrance.
Trains – South Brisbane Railway Station adjacent to the Convention Centre on Grey Street.
For information about public transport visit translink.com.au for more information on go card, transfer rules and alternative services or call 13 12 30 anytime.
For more information about getting to and from the airport, please visit the Brisbane Airport Corporation’s website.
Quick Facts
- Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is an easy 10 minute walk from the CBD
- Airport to Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is a 22 minute ride by Airtrain
- CityCat river ferries operate daily and have a total of 17 embarkation points
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Transport Information
Car Parking
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre provides undercover parking for 1500 vehicles, with direct lift access to the Centre’s convention and exhibition facilities. To enter Grey Street building it is recommended participants park in Car Park 1 (entry via Merivale Street) and use Russell Walk, pedestrian route to the Grey Street entrance. For further information about parking at the Centre and for parking rates please click here.
Public Transport
A comprehensive network of trains, buses and city cats (ferries) link the Centre with Brisbane city and suburbs. Translink tickets are the best way to visit and travel around the city. The Translink website contains more details: http://www.translink.com.au/
Q. By Train?
The closest train station is South Brisbane; only a few minutes’ walk away. A regular Air Train service operates between Brisbane’s international and domestic airports. Travelling time is approximately 25mins. Tickets are available from the Information Desk.
Q. By Bus?
The Cultural Centre is the main hub for most bus routes, only a few minutes’ walk away adjacent to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. A Free Loop downtown bus service circles Brisbane’s Central Business District only.
Q. By River Cat?
The City Cat terminal is located outside the riverside restaurants on the Clem Jones Promenade. City Cats run daily from 5.30am-10.30pm.
Q. By Taxi?
BCEC has its own designated taxi rank, located at the main entry at the corner of Merivale & Glenelg Streets. Taxi phones allowing free calls to Yellow Cabs or Black & White Cabs are available for use at our Information Desks in the main foyers of Merivale Street and Grey Street. Taxis are also accessible in other locations in the South Bank precinct including the 2 hotels – Rydges and Mantra.