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Brisbane Convention and Exhibition
Centre (BCEC)
BCEC is located in the centre of the city of Brisbane adjacent to the
Southbank Parklands. One of Australia's most modern purpose-built convention
centres, BCEC is routinely ranked as one of the best convention centres in the
world. The large and flexible meeting rooms, exhibition halls and assembly areas
at BCEC will play host to all official congress sessions and social events.
Further information on BCEC
is available here.
Southbank Parklands, nestled right along side the impressive
Brisbane River, features markets, restaurants, cafes, attractions and is the
venue of many social festivals and events. There is even a sandy swimming beach!
Further information
on Southbank Parklands is available here.
The City of Brisbane
Brisbane has a genuinely friendly atmosphere and the people have long
taken pride in welcoming visitors from all over Australia and around the world
to enjoy what Brisbanites enjoy all year around. The beautiful Brisbane River
is a central feature throughout the city and its surrounds, with the waterway
well utilised. The city centre is compact and contained within a single bend
of the river. Brisbane is a modern, rapidly growing city of over a million inhabitants.
It is situated on the eastern coast of Australia at latitude 27°S (c.f.
Miami, Taipei, Canary Islands 26°N; Sao Paolo 27°S).
Climate
Brisbane is located in the subtropics and enjoys a superb climate year round.
August in Brisbane: days are typically dry and sunny with approximately 8.5
hours of sunshine a day; and the nights are mild. August temperatures typically
reach 22°C (71°F) during the day and fall to approximately 10°C
(50°F) at night. If you plan to travel to southern Australia additional
warm clothing may be required. Those travelling north will experience a progressively
warmer climate where lighter clothing will be required.
You
can check the weather in Brisbane today and an expected outlook for the next
four days here.
Dining and Entertainment
Brisbane provides visitors with a wide variety of tourist attractions, and a
range of restaurants (including Australian, European, Middle-Eastern, American,
Asian) reflecting Australia's multicultural society.
Alfresco dining along the riverfront;
silver service in five star hotels and fine dining restaurants; the flavours
of ethnic cuisines; and the atmosphere of bustling cafes and restaurants.
Brisbane offers delegates a feast of dining options.
South Bank, within walking distance of the conference venue, has a choice of
approximately twenty food outlets with everything from cafes and take-away restaurants
to romantic restaurants overlooking the river and skyline.
Close to the city centre the suburbs of New Farm, Paddington,
Petrie Terrace, Spring Hill, Milton and West End provide a mix of restaurants,
some in converted Queenslander cottages. Fortitude Valley is home to Brisbane's
Chinatown with a wide range of Asian food including Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai,
Singaporean, Korean, Japanese and Malaysian.
Many of the restaurants are 'BYO' as well as licensed
to sell alcohol. In 'BYO' restaurants, you are free to 'bring your own' alcohol
with a small charge for corkage sometimes applied.
Brisbane's theatre, opera and major musicals are among
the program of international and local productions to be enjoyed at the Performing
Arts Complex at the Cultural Centre. Lovers of classical music can experience
the magnificent sounds of the Queensland Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras
in the Complex's state-of-the-art Concert Hall. Brisbane also has one of the
finest art galleries and museums in Australia.
All these facilities are located within a short walk from
the Congress venue.
Social activities
in Brisbane and immediate surrounds
Brisbane offers delegates a modern,
dynamic and sophisticated city, as well as access to spectacular natural attractions.
Social programs and activities for accompanying persons can be arranged. Activities
you might wish to consider include:
- a visit to South Bank Parklands where you can experience
Brisbane's subtropical outdoor lifestyle,
- meeting some of our unique furry friends such as the
koala and kangaroo: Brisbane is Australia's 'Koala Capital' with the largest
free koala population in the world ,
- a visit to nearby rainforest regions; sample fresh fruit
and vegetables straight from the lush pastures, enjoy afternoon tea in a quaint
village or climb the dramatic volcanic plugs of the Glasshouse Mountains that
are shrouded in Aboriginal legend. Mt Glorious and Mt Nebo are among the nearest
mountains to Brisbane, forming part of the massive 26,500 hectare reserve
of Brisbane Forest Park.
- a trip south of Brisbane, the Lamington Plateau is home
to Australia's first National Park and is a popular destination for bushwalkers.
Its subtropical rainforest is home to rare species of birds including the
Albert Lyre Bird,
- a cruise on the gentle Brisbane River or Moreton Bay,
or a daytrip to one of the Bay islands,
- a night at the Performing Arts Complex - enjoy the ballet,
listen to one of our world class Queensland orchestras, or watch a display
by the world's oldest cultural group, the Australian Aboriginal people,
- sampling our truly international cuisine, incorporating
foods from many of the 98 countries whose people have adopted Australia as
their home,
- a night of excitement at Brisbane's European style Casino,
- a relaxing trip on board a paddle steamer as it eases
its way serenely along the Brisbane River with the skyline offering a beautiful
backdrop to a perfect picture,
- a day soaking up the brilliant Queensland sunshine on
the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast beaches - two of the most popular tourist
destinations in Australia and each only an hour drive away from Brisbane.
