We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne, Australia, for the Data in Schools conference! Please review the following essential logistics to ensure a smooth journey and stay.
1. Before You TravelVisa Requirements for AustraliaVisa requirements for entry into Australia vary significantly based on your nationality.
- Mandatory Entry Permit: All foreign travelers, except New Zealand citizens, must obtain a visa or travel authority before traveling to Australia.
- eVisitor / ETA: Citizens of many countries (including the US, UK, and most EU nations) can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa online.
- Conference Letter: The conference can provide a Letter of Invitation to support your visa application upon request after you have registered and paid your fee.
- Official Resource: Always check the Department of Home Affairs website or contact your nearest Australian Embassy/Consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information before booking your travel.
- Only use the Australian Government's official website—do not use any third-party services or sponsored listings in Google, as several of them charge unnecessary fees.
If you are flying to Australia specifically for Data in Schools, we highly recommend flying directly to Melbourne where possible. Immigration queues, particularly in Sydney, can be lengthy. Tip: Use the automated Smartgates (electronic gates) if you have a supported passport... it's much quicker! You do not have to be an Australian citizen to use the electronic immigration gates.
General Entry Requirements
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from your date of entry into Australia.
- Travel Documents: You must have a confirmed onward or return ticket.
- Final Authority: The final decision on entry rests with the border officials at the port of entry.
- Local Currency: The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
- Exchange Rate: For the latest exchange rates for all major world currencies, please use the live converter: xe.com/currencyconverter.
- Payment: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted throughout Melbourne. Contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is the standard for most transactions.
- Tipping: Unlike the US, tipping is not mandatory or expected in Australia; it is a gratuity for exceptional service.
2. Accommodation
Melbourne Connect is an innovation precinct located in Carlton, on the doorstep of the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus.
- Address: Corner of Swanston and Grattan Streets, Carlton, VIC 3053.
- Important Note: June is the start of winter in Melbourne. We recommend booking early to secure the best rates and availability.
- Budget (all walking distance): Best Western Plus, Carlton; Clocktower Apartment Hotel Melbourne; Milano Serviced Apartments.
- Mid-tier (all walking distance): Zagame's House; Crowne Plaza Carlton; Mercure Melbourne Therry Street; The Eminence Apartments by CLLIX.
- Premium (in Melbourne CBD, tram ride or min 15+ minute walk to event): Pullman Melbourne; Marriott Melbourne; The Westin Melbourne; The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne; Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.
3. Getting Around Melbourne
Melbourne is an easy city to navigate, primarily via its world-class tram network.
Melbourne Airport is approximately 20km from the Melbourne CBD and the University campus. To get to downtown Melbourne or your hotel:
via public transport (cheapest if travelling alone):
- Skybus runs "turn up and go" services from 4am to 1am daily. A return ticket on the Skybus is A$41.20. Catch the Skybus from the airport to Southern Cross Station.
- At Southern Cross, you will need to purchase a Myki card (A$6) if you plan to use public transport to get to the University campus. Myki is an electronic ticket for Melbourne's public transport system. Depending on how long you're staying, preloading your card with $20 should be ample for 2-3 days in downtown Melbourne.
- Use Google to get the best directions to your hotel.
- If a driver approaches you at the airport and offers a taxi service, DO NOT ACCEPT. These drivers are operating illegally. Only take taxis or Uber from their designated pickup queues.
- Uber has pickup zones directly outside Terminals 1/2 and 3 and is usually a better option than a taxi service. Depending on traffic, your Uber fare should be between A$55 and A$75.
- Taxis are available at the far end of Terminal 1. Ensure that your driver turns on their meter, or use a fixed fare from the 13CABS app. Expect your fare to be somewhere between A$65 and A$85, depending on traffic.
- Use a Myki to catch the tram all the way to Stop 1 on Swanston St;
- or Get off the tram at the last Free Tram Zone stop (there are announcements on the trams), and walk 10-15 minutes to the University.
4. What’s Available at Melbourne Connect
As a conference guest, you will have access to the following amenities:
- Wi-Fi Access: Free, high-speed Wi-Fi will be available throughout the conference venue. Connection details will be provided at registration.
- Water Stations: Filtered water dispensers are available in the main areas.
- Sustainability: We encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle to help us reduce plastic waste.
5. Weather in Melbourne (June)
June marks the beginning of winter in Melbourne. The weather is typically cool and can be unpredictable.
- Temperatures: Daytime highs of 12–15°C (54–59°F) and overnight lows of 5–8°C (41–46°F).
- Clothing: Light layers are ideal. Evenings can be cold, so a warm coat, scarf, and sweater are recommended.
- Indoor Temperature: Air conditioning and heating can be strong in buildings; bringing a light layer for indoors is a good idea to stay comfortable during sessions.
6. More Information & ResourcesElectric Outlets
- Plug Type: Australia uses the Type I plug (three flat pins in a V-shape).
- Voltage: The standard voltage is 230V at 50Hz. Most modern laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage and only require a plug adapter.
- A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% is included in the displayed price of most goods and services in Australia.
