If you are thinking of staying an extra few days in Alice Springs either before or after the Symposium, please click here for further information on what there is to do and see.

Alice Springs - A Key Centre of Australia's Desert

Central Australia will give you an appreciation of the vast and unspoiled wonders of the Australian Outback. Situated in the heart of Australia's red centre, Alice Springs has grown into a modern outback town with a fascinating history and strong Aboriginal culture.

Alice Springs is a key centre for Desert Knowledge activities, with links extending across State and Territory borders to other desert regions in Australia, as well as internationally.

Accommodation Information

Special rates have been negotiated for a limited number of rooms with key Alice Springs hotels that are near the conference venue. Accommodation in Alice Springs at this time is at a premium because of the staging of the 2006 Masters Games which concludes just before the conference. We urge you to please reserve accommodation as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Rates quoted are per room per night and do not include breakfast. To take advantage of these rates, please note the following information carefully and complete the accommodation section of the registration form:

• These room rates are only available by booking though the Symposium Secretariat. Reservations will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
  
• The deadline for accommodation bookings is 1 October 2006 . Any amendments to the original hotel booking must be forwarded in writing to the Symposium Secretariat.
  
• To secure your accommodation, credit card details will be required as a guarantee. These details will be passed on to the hotel to secure your booking. An imprint of the credit card will be required by the hotel upon check-in. Your final accommodation account will need to be settled directly with the hotel prior to check-out.
  
• A tax invoice will be issued by the hotel upon checkout.
  
• It is important for Hotels to be advised of arrival and departure times, more importantly for those delegates arriving or departing on late night or early morning flights. Arrival and departure times are best stipulated using the 24-hour clock.
  
• Accommodation cancellations in whole or in part, or no shows, may incur a penalty at the hotel’s discretion.
  
• Accommodation reservations should be made when registering to attend the conference.
  
• Delegates wishing to share accommodation will need to make their own arrangements to share accommodation.

NOTE: Monies will not be debited from your credit card by the Symposium Secretariat (Desliens Conference & Event Management) for accommodation.

Additional Travel Information

Conference Venue
Alice Springs Convention Centre
93 Barrett Drive , Alice Springs
Tel +61 8 89500200 Fax +61 8 89500300

The Convention Centre is a 10 minute drive from the Alice Springs Airport and 1.5 kms from the centre of the town. Hotel accommodation offered for this conference is located mostly on the same street and a short distance from the Alice Springs Convention Centre with the exception of Alice Springs Resort being just a short taxi ride away.

Airport/Hotel Tansfers
Airport Shuttle Service Alice Springs operate a transfer servie to and from the airport to all hotels. Approximate cost AUD$14.00 per person one-way. You will be required to pay your fee prior to boarding the sevice. Advance booking would be appreciated. Tel +61 8 89530310

Taxi
Taxis are available from Alice Springs airport taxi rank. The cost of a taxi from the airport to hotels in the city is approximately AUD$30.00 one way. Most credit cards and cab vouchers can be used.
Alice Springs Taxis 131008 or 89521877

Passport and Visa
All foreign visitors entering Australia must possess a valid passport with an expiry date of more than 6 months after the date of expected departure from Australia. Participants requiring visas should apply to the Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission in their home country prior to departure. This is strictly the responsibility of the individual delegate.

Personal Insurance
All insurance, including medical cover and for expenses incurred in case of events such as cancellation of the conference or airline difficulties is the responsibility of the delegate. We recommend you discuss insurance cover with your travel agent.

Climate
The average temperature range in September and November is a minimum14ºC, maximum 30ºC. During spring the days are warm and sunny.

Dress
Smart casual attire is appropriate for conference sessions, welcome reception and the conference dinner.

Special Dietary and Mobility Needs
Every effort will be made to ensure people with special needs are catered for. Please provide details (dietary or disability needs) in the appropriate section on your registration form to ensure prior arrangements are made on your behalf.