Gram-Negative "Superbugs" Meeting 2013
 
The Venue
Hotel Grand Chancellor, Surfers Paradise

 
Gram-Negative "Superbugs" Meeting 2013
Cnr Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Hanlan Street
QLD
Surfers Paradise
Australia
4217


SURFERS PARADISE, GOLD COAST

Climate

The conference will be held in winter.
 
Average temperature 11-21°C (52-70°F). Generally sunny and dry - a haven from the colder climates to the south. Casual clothing is recommended for most of the year although a jacket will come in handy on cooler winter night

Time difference
Gold Coast's standard time zone is GMT +10 hours.

How to get to and from the airport
Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle: www.gcshuttle.com.au
Surfside Buslines: www.surfside.com.au
Bus Info: www.translink.com.au

Local Bus to/from the Airport
Gold Coast Airport has a conveniently located Transport and Information Desk right outside International Arrivals. See the friendly staff for Surfside Buslines or Gold Coast Tourist Shuttle tickets.

Gold Coast Airport to Surfers Paradise/Southport
From directly in front of the Domestic arrivals/baggage collection area at the terminal, bus route 702 runs to Southport every half hour between the first and last flights of the day, connecting to other services on the Gold Coast Highway.

Typical dress sense
Dress is mainly casual to smart casual during the day. More formal clothing may be required during the evening depending on the type of venue you wish to frequent.

What to wear in our climate
Bring some warmer clothing to allow for occasional cold fronts. Hats and sunscreen are recommended if you will be spending time in the sun as the Australian sun can be particularly harsh.

Proximity
Surfers Paradise is the celebrated heart of the Gold Coast. It boasts a thriving local community and a reputation as one of Australia's favourite holiday destinations.
  • Surfers Paradise is home to more than 20,000 permanent residents
  • Surfers Paradise attracts nearly 20,000 overnight visitors every day
  • By 2031, it is estimated that the residential population will grow to 38,700
  • 3,700 businesses operate within Surfers Paradise
  • Each Friday and Saturday night 30,000 people visit Surfers Paradise entertainment precinct
  • During major events visitor number can reach in excess of 50,000.
Safety
Australia is one of the safest destinations in the world, but you should observe the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions as you would in any other country or at home.

Languages spoken
English is the most widely spoken language.

Transportation
Surfside Buses service the Gold Coast with a number of routes passing directly through Surfers Paradise: Plan your journey with Surfside Buses

Plan the easiest route by car to Surfers Paradise from your current location.

To book Gold Coast Cabs phone 131 008.

Tax and tipping
The unit of currency in Australia, is Australian Dollars (AUD $) and only Australian Dollars will be accepted. ATM, cash machines, can be found quite regularly around the Gold Caost. Tipping is not expected, however, if you do wish to tip someone for good services, particularly in the hospitality industry, then a small tip would be appropriate.
Australia has a Goods and Service Tax (GST) which is a 10% tax on most goods and service transactions in Australia. All prices shown must included the GST in the amount which will mean you will not be charged any extra when you pay your bill.

Internet connection
Most hotels will have internet connection available in the rooms, however, it will be at a small cost. Some cafes may have free wifi available, and internet cafes are located around the city.

Smoking:
All restaurants, cafes, licensed premises and shopping centres are now smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited in all covered areas of train platforms, tram and bus shelters.

GOLD COAST – OUT AND ABOUT
The Gold Coast has more to offer than just sun, surf and sand. After 50 years as one of Australia's leading tourist hotspots, it's evolved into much, much more. Where else can you go on wine trails, hike rugged mountains, jet-boat and hug koalas all within 50km of one another? Here's a list of just some of the must-do activities

 The Gold Coast is well on the way to calling itself Australia's adventure capital with no end of thrill-seeking activities available - think jet-boating, jet-skiing, off-road 4WD adventure drives, zorbing, surfing lessons, bungy jumping, tiger moth joy rides, helicopter tours, go-karting, Harley Davidson jaunts, WRX rally car racing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hot air ballooning, theme parks and Infinity... to name a few.

The Gold Coast's population is increasing at the rate of knots - and with it, its sporting power. A day at the footy, or rugby, or basketball, or local ironman contest is a great way to keep the whole family entertained. The Titans, in the NRL, and the Blaze, in the NBL, both turned two in their respective codes this season. An AFL team looks set to join the fun by 2011 officially and Gold Coast United is the A-League's most colourful new addition.

Even the most conservative visitor should take a moment before snubbing this suggestion. Sure, it's a no brainer for kids, but the diversity on offer among the big five - Dreamworld, Sea World, Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild and WhiteWater World - and the string of smaller parks guarantees a good time can truly be had by all. Stroke a sting ray at Sea World's Ray Reef, experience a virtual V8 Supercar race at Dreamworld, cuddle a koala at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or witness life on a station at the Australian Outback Spectacular. Read more and book your discounted theme park tickets.

The Hinterland often gets forgotten in the glitz and glam of the Gold Coast. But up in the hills, the Coast can actually be very charming. Along the usual winery trails, there's also homemade cheeses, fudge and local brews and liquors to be sampled. Go during the weekend and snap up some local produce at a Farmers' Market, as well as some arts and craft. For the more adventurous, you can tackle one of the many rainforest walks available on Tamborine Mountain, or head down to NSW and Mt Warning. They don't call it that for nothing - you'll have to pull yourself up via a chain for the last few metres.

Whether you get along for a meal or a couple of beers with some mates, surf clubs are a favourite with locals and dish up well-priced meals in comfortable surrounds. The walls of most clubs are lined with photos of lifesavers in budgie smugglers giving a good insight into the history of the club and its members. A family-friendly dinner option and a great place for a session before you hit the clubs in Surfers.

The Gold Coast is home to an ever-growing list of top-class spa treatment centres. There's something luxurious about wandering about in the daylight hours in a plush robe and slippers. You can head back to the Q1 and its award-winning resort and spa or try a myriad of other beauty spots located in the top hotels, such as the Golden Door Spa & Health Club at the Sheraton Mirage, Main Beach and L'Aqua Spa at the Watermark in Surfers Paradise. To really get away from it all there are several top spas in the Gold Coast Hinterland, including O'Reilly's Lost World Spa, and Couran Cove Island Resort & Day Spa on South Stradbroke Island. Browse deals on spa treatments.

Fresh seafood is a regular on many a Gold Coast menu so diners are spoilt for choice. Splurge on one of the top end restaurants (see our Gold Coast restaurant reviews for ideas) or pog out in private by buying your own fresh (try Charis Seafood at Labrador, Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach or Ferry Road Market at Southport where you can try before you buy). Of course, there is added satisfaction to be had in catching your own (see resident guru Paul Burt's fishing tips to find out what's biting where) but pride and hungry children may negate this option. Several operators also run chartered fishing expeditions and catch-a-crab cruises.

Make like the locals and stretch your legs along Burleigh's esplanade before making your way around the hill. The track is bordered by lush rainforest remnant that is Burleigh National Park on one side (watch out for the scrub turkeys, they have a habit of creeping up out of nowhere) and stunning views north to Surfers Paradise and south over Tallebudgera Creek.

Outdoors is where the fun is at. This is a perfect chance to grab a basket and head to the Gold Coast's famous beaches. Barbecues and picnic tables are available along most parts of the cityside beaches (including BBQ pontoons on the Broadwater), or you could always try more scenic locals, like the rock pools at Currumbin. Up in the Hinterland is another perfect place for a picnic, or you can take the trouble out of lunch by ordering fish and chips at Charis Seafood, Labrador or Peter's Fish Market at Main Beach, while the fresh crab sandwiches at the kiosk at the end of The Spit are a Gold Coast specialty.

 Ballooning may not come cheap (prices start from $175 per person), but it pays off. Floating soundlessly in the sky is one of those rare experiences that everyone should try at least once. And on the Gold Coast, the views are spectacular, with Brisbane, the brilliant sight of the Coast's endless high rises and the peaks of Tamborine Mountain and Mt Warning all visible on clear days. Thirty minutes feels like only a moment up there and you'll be wishing for more. Browse Gold Coast hot air balloon deals.