DSU09

5th International Workshop on

the Dark Side of the Universe

1-5 June 2009, Melbourne

Travel and local information

Visa requirements

All visitors to Australia are required to hold a valid visa, eVisitor, or Electronic Travel Authority.

eVisitor

Passport holders from the European Union and a number of other European countries are eligible to apply for an "eVisitor" online, free of charge. To check eligibility and to apply, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/tourist/evisitor/

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei are eligible to apply for an ETA online. Conference participants need a "Short Validity Business ETA", which can be arranged via the internet (usually instantly) or by travel agents.

To apply, please visit: http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/

For eligibility and further information see: http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/956-977/

Business (short stay) visa

If not eligible for an eVisitor or an ETA, you will need to apply for a "Business (short stay)" visa at your nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

To download an Application form, go to: http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/456.pdf

For further information please visit:http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/business/456/

Airport transfer

Melbourne International Airport (Tullamarine) is located 20km north-west of the city centre. The city can be accessed by taxi or the Skybus airport shuttle.

Taxi

A taxi ride from the airport to the city will cost around AU$40-50. Most taxis accept credit cards for a small surcharge.

Skybus

The Skybus shuttle service operates all day, every day. Tickets cost AU$16 one-way and AU$26 return. Travel time is 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

The bus departs every 10-15 minutes (30-60 mins midnight to 5 AM) from the Arrivals level outside Terminals 1 and 3, and will drop you off at the main terminal at Southern Cross Station in the CBD (Central Business District).

From the main terminal, Skybus operates free hotel connection mini-buses to CBD hotels. All four of the conference hotels are serviced by mini-bus connections. No reservation is needed from the terminal to the hotels; simply check in at the booth when you get off the airport shuttle. When going to the airport, you will need to book your pick-up from your hotel the day prior to travel by calling 9600-1711 – please quote your room number. (Mini-buses operate Monday-Friday: 6:00-21:30, Saturday-Sunday: 7:30-17:30.)

You may pre-purchase and print your Skybus ticket online (tickets may be used at any time and are valid for 3 months), or buy it at the airport upon arrival. For tickets, timetables, and further information about Skybus, please visithttp://www.skybus.com.au/ or telephone (+61 3) 9335 3066.

Conference venue

Conference

DSU09 is to be held in the Laby Theatre, Physics Building, on The University of Melbourne's Parkville campus (Building 192, E20 on the campus map).

Download a campus map here: http://www.pb.unimelb.edu.au/CampusMaps/Parkville.pdf

Dinner

The conference dinner will be held in the University House (Building 112, E13 on the campus map) on Wednesday, 3 June, at 6:30 PM.

Parking

Public parking is not permitted on campus during business hours. Limited 2 and 4-hour metered parking is available along streets around campus. The University Square underground parking garage costs AU$10/day (access from Berkeley or Bouverie St near the corner of Grattan St). The Eastern Precinct parking garage costs AU$7/day (375 Cardigan Street, near the corner of Elgin Street ). After hours parking on the main campus costs AU$5.

If your hotel is not within walking distance to the conference venue, we recommend that you take advantage of the excellent public transportation options available.

Public transportation

Melbourne has an extensive public transportation system consisting of buses, trains, and trams. For journey planning, route maps, fares, and timetables please visit: http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

How to get to the University

The University is well serviced by trams. It is located a short tram ride from the CBD (Central Business District).

All Northbound trams along Swanston Street stop or terminate at the University (trams #3,5,6,16,64,67,72 terminate, #1 & 8 stop there). Trams run every 2-4 minutes during the day.

The School of Physics is a short walk from the tram stop.

Tickets

Tickets, called Metcards, give you flexible travel between trains, trams and buses.
Metcards can be purchased from ticket machines onboard trams (coins only, limited selection), at the University of Melbourne tram stop (coins and notes, limited selection), at train stations (Central Station, corner of La Trobe & Swanston St), or at the Metshop (Melbourne Town Hall, corner of Swanston & Little Collins St).

For travel within the CBD, to the University of Melbourne, and most inner suburbs, you will need to buy a Zone 1 Metcard. You are required to validate your Metcard at validating machines located onboard trams and buses and on train station platforms.

Fares (in AU$)

City Saver: $2.80 (single journey between two stations within City Saver area – including University and CBD)

2-hour Metcard: $3.70 (unlimited travel for minimum 2 hours)

Daily Metcard: $6.80 (unlimited travel all day)

City Saver x10: $21.80 (ten City Savers in a single ticket at a discounted price)

10x 2-hour: $29.40 (ten 2-hour Metcards in a single ticket at a discounted price)

5x Daily: $29.40 (five Daily Metcards in a single ticket at a discounted price)

Weekly Metcard: $29.40 (unlimited travel for seven consecutive days)

Free City Circle Tram

Free tram service is available around the perimeter of the CBD (along La Trobe St – Spring St – Flinders St – Harbour Esplanade). The distinctive maroon coloured trams run every 12 minutes in both directions (Thu-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun-Wed 10:00-18:00). http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/maps-stations-stops/free-tram-service-city-circle/

Trams

For further information regarding tram services, please visit the Yarra Trams website: http://www.yarratrams.com.au/

Trains

For details regarding Melbourne's train services, please refer to the Connex Trains website: http://www.connexmelbourne.com.au/

Buses

For details regarding Melbourne's bus services, please visit http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/

Taxis

A taxi ride from the city to the University of Melbourne will cost around AU$8. Melbourne taxis are numerous and easy to spot (they are yellow). Taxis often wait in designated ranks that are clearly signposted at central locations like major hotels in the CBD, or busy spots such as Flinders Street Station. You can also hail a taxi in the street or book a taxi by phone at 131 008 or 132 227.

Weather

Winter weather

June is wintertime in Melbourne. Although it rarely freezes in the city, be prepared for some chilly weather, especially in the mornings. Temperatures average 7-14 ºC (44-57 ºF). It is often cloudy with light rain or drizzle. You will need a warm jacket or coat. If you plan to travel to the seaside or the Victoria coastline, a warm hat and gloves are also recommended, as strong southerly winds can be bitterly cold.

Forecast

For current weather conditions and weekly forecasts, check out:

http://timeanddate.com/weather/australia/melbourne

http://www.cita.utoronto.ca/~rjh/melbourne/

Restaurants

On campus:

Union House food court (Building 130, E15 on the campus map), as well as other small eateries and cafes are available for a quick lunch, offering a variety of foods from sushi, pizza and sandwiches to curries, fish & chips, dim sims and falafels.

Off campus:

Lygon Street: Ideal for lunch or dinner, 10 minutes walk from the School of Physics via Elgin St and in walking distance to the conference hotels. Lively Lygon Street, the heart of Melbourne's Little Italy, offers endless restaurants, cafes, pizzerias, and bars. While predominantly Italian, the dining is broad with seafood, Greek, Mediterranean, and Asian inspired cuisines, from light snacks to sumptuous meals.

Melbourne's CBD offers a large variety of restaurants and eateries, from quick bites to gourmet meals, from Asian, Indian, Greek, and Italian to continental and fusion choices.

Chinatown: Little Bourke Street between Swanston Street and Spring Street

Little Greece: Lonsdale Street adjacent to Chinatown

Queen Victoria Markets food court (Victoria & Elizabeth Streets near Hotel Ibis): an ideal breakfast and lunch spot, with a wide selection of food options

Attractions and sightseeing

Visitor Information

Visitor Centre at Federation Square (corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets): Open 9-6 daily offers a wide range of free brochures, maps and event guides, tour booking service and advice on what to see and do in and around Melbourne.

Online visitor information (maps, tours, attractions, arts and entertainment, museums, indigenous culture, transportation, dining, shopping, etc.):

www.thatsmelbourne.com.au

www.melbourneaustralia.org

www.visitmelbourne.com

Maps and brochures available at: http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Maps/Pages/MapsandBrochures.aspx

Free City Circle Tram

FREE tram service around the perimeter of the CBD (along La Trobe St – Spring St – Flinders St – Harbour Esplanade). The distinctive maroon coloured trams run every 12 minutes in both directions (Thu-Sat 10:00-21:00, Sun-Wed 10:00-18:00). http://www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au/maps-stations-stops/free-tram-service-city-circle/

Free Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle

FREE bus service, stopping at key tourist attractions and destinations in and around the city. Hop on and off at any of the 13 stops. Runs daily, every 30 minutes from 9:30-4:30. For route and more information visit:

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Visitorassistance/Pages/TouristShuttle.aspx

Melbourne highlights

Self-guided walks in the CBD: Victorian churches, theatres, hotels and public institutions, such as Parliament House, mix with modern skyscrapers, department stores, restaurants, cafes. Discover gardens and parks, hidden walkways and arcades, the city's unique architecture and history. You can download maps and guides for 8 easy walks at http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Gettingaroundthecity/Maps/Pages/MapsandBrochures.aspx

Laneways and arcades: Weaving a maze through the city grid, Melbourne’s laneways uncover hidden treasures and a charming atmosphere. Al fresco eateries, shops, and bars that are off the beaten track. Block Arcade, Royal Arcade, and Hardware Lane are just a few of the not-to-miss Melbourne lanes.

Queen Victoria Markets (Victoria Street at Elizabeth St): You'll find everything from food and clothing to crafts and souvenirs, Australian opal, indigenous art and didgeridoos (Aboriginal musical instruments). Open Tue, Thu 6am-2pm, Fri 6-6, Sat 6am-3pm, Sun 9-4

National Gallery of Victoria, the Ian Potter Centre (on Federation Square): Superb Australian indigenous art collection. Open 10-5, admission FREE

Federation Square (across from the iconic Flinders Street Station at Flinders & Swanston Streets): Unique, modern architecture, art galleries, museums, restaurants, cafes, visitor centre

Melbourne Museum (in Carlton Gardens): Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre, the culture and nature of Melbourne

Rialto Towers Observation Deck (525 Collins St): Views over the city, Port Phillip Bay and Southbank from the 55^th floor. Open 10-10

Eureka Skydeck 88 (Southbank): Melbourne's tallest building offers views of the CBD and Port Phillip Bay from the 88^th floor observation deck.

Fitzroy Gardens: Magnificient elm avenues, historic Captain Cook's cottage, conservatory

Royal Botanic Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with a fern tree gully and Australian rainforest section

The Shrine of Remembrance (southern end of Kings Domain, near Botanic Gardens): An imposing war memorial, offering good views of Melbourne's skyline

Southbank and the Crown Complex (on the south side of the Yarra river): Crown casino, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, cinemas, Southgate shopping centre, riverwalk and footbridges, Eureka Skydeck

Docklands: Excellent views of the CBD over Victoria Harbour, shopping, dining, art galleries

Old Melbourne Gaol (Russell St): Historic bluestone prison, a macabre glimps into the shady side of the city's history. Open 9:30-4:30

Royal Melbourne Zoo (Elliot Ave, Parkville): Open 9-5

Melbourne Aquarium (on the Yarra river at King St): Open 9-5

Day trips around Melbourne and Victoria

Dandenong Ranges (22 miles east of the city)

Lush fern tree gullies, towering mountain ash forests, public gardens, charming towns with quaint boutiques, antique shops and tearooms. See and hand-feed flocks of wild red-blue and green rosellas and cockatoos at Grants Picnic Ground.

Healesville Sanctuary

Australia's native wildlife in a natural setting. Walk among kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, dingoes, wombats, emus, echidnas, see the elusive platypus and watch a boomerang throwing presentation.

On the way, stop at a Yarra Valley winery for some wine tasting.

Phillip Island

See the famous Penguin Parade: Every day after sunset, little penguins return to the shore from the sea and waddle to their nests in the sand dunes passing thrilled spectators (wear warm clothing!)

Koala Reservation: Walk on elevated boardwalks at treetop level and see koalas and joeys up close.

Wildlife Park: Wander freely among Australia's unique creatures and feed kangaroos, wombats, wallabies, emus, and cockatoos from the palm of your hand, with no fences between you.

Surf Coast and the Great Ocean Road

One of the world's great coastal drives, Victoria's rugged southwest coastline offers rainforests, vertical cliffs, shipwrecks, and spectacular offshore rock formations.

Port Campbell National Park: home to the amazing Twelve Apostles rock formations and Loch Ard Gorge; whale watching near Warrnambool (wear warm clothing!)

Great Otway National Park: Rainforests, fern tree gullies, waterfalls, Otway Fly treetop walk

Kennett River and Cape Otway: See koalas in their natural habitat

Anglesea golf course: Hundreds of wild kangaroos graze on the greens among golfers

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

Pan for gold at this 19^th century replica mining town in the historic Victoria goldfields, and see the biggest gold nugget ever found in Australia. 1.5 hrs drive West of Melbourne

Mornington Peninsula

Beautiful beaches, rugged coastline, bayside resort towns, wineries. Southeast from Melbourne around Port Phillip Bay

Werribee Mansion and Open range zoo

Renovated 19^th century Italianate-style mansion with formal gardens. African safari tours in an Australian bush setting. 30-minute drive south of Melbourne