International Council of Archives

As the third most populous and one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia, Brisbane has been recognised as one of the top 10 Asian Cities of the Future. With a global outlook, exceptional industry strengths and a new world city edge, Brisbane is an enterprising and energised city that magically retains a friendly, relaxed lifestyle suited to its wonderful climate and stunning natural landscapes. Here is some key information to help you prepare for and to navigate the city when you attend the ICA Congress in August.

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 AIRPORT

Getting to and from the Airport is easy, though you should check with your hotel to see if an airport transfer is included. The Airtrain service will take you from the domestic or international terminal to Brisbane city stations in under 30 minutes. Running at 15 to 30-minute intervals daily from 6am to 10pm, the cost is $15.50 for a single or $29 for a return (10% discount online www.airtrain.com.au). Coachtrans Australia offers a bus service which meets all flights and offers a door-to-door service to major accommodation. Taxi ranks are also conveniently located at the northern end of Arrivals on Level 2. Taxis to the city cost approximately $50 and take 30 minutes.

BRISBANE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE

The BCEC is located at South Bank, in the heart of Brisbane, surrounded by a huge range of diverse attractions, including shopping strips and dining precincts, rainforest walks, symphony orchestras, state opera companies, performing arts theatres, and exhibitions at Australia’s most celebrated Gallery of Modern Art. South Bank also has the only sand and swimming beach in the heart of an Australian city.

DISABLED SERVICES

All public areas of the BCEC can be accessed by wheelchair and there are disabled car parking spaces available. There is a variety of services available to help those with a disability, with more information available at nican and Australia For All.

EMERGENCIES

Brisbane is generally a safe destination, however as with all travel at home or away, you should take the same precautions with your personal safety and possessions. The emergency number for police, ambulance and/or fire brigade is 000.

TRANSPORT

There are two free bus loops in Brisbane. One takes you around Brisbane’s city, while the other is a link between Spring Hill and Brisbane city. To find out where you can catch these, visit http://translink.com.au/travel-information/services-and-timetables/buses/free-loop. To use all other forms of public transport, you can purchase paper tickets at train stations and on board almost all buses and ferries. For discounts, check out the Go card if you plan on using public transport regularly.
There are two train stations a five-minute walk from the BCEC. South Bank Station can be accessed from Tribune Street and South Brisbane Railway Station is adjacent to the Centre in Grey Street. Four lines go directly through these stations including the train from the airport. South Bank is also serviced by two bus stations – the Cultural Centre Station on Melbourne Street and the South Bank Busway Station on the corner of Colchester and Tribune streets. Ferries will also take you around. The closest CityCat terminal to the Congress venue is located outside the riverside restaurants on the riverside promenade, a 10-minute walk from the BCEC. Check TRANSLink for bus, ferry and train details.

WEATHER

Brisbane has a very warm climate and although the Congress is in the middle of the Australian winter, you will be dining alfresco and enjoying the outdoors. Average monthly temperatures range from minimum 10.0 °C to maximum 21.7°C with 8.4 hours of sunshine a day.