How to get to the Summit

The Gold Coast

WHERE IS THE GOLD COAST?
Australia’s Gold Coast is located in the south-east corner of Queensland, Australia - 80km south of State capital Brisbane. The region is 5000sqkm.

WHY SHOULD I VISIT THE GOLD COAST?
More than 70km of open coastline with white beaches and rolling Pacific Ocean.
One of Australia’s most ecologically diverse regions with more than 100,000ha of World Heritage Listed rainforest.
Sophistication and culture with the world’s only Versace resort, more than 40 golf courses, hundreds of restaurants and more than 65,000 bed spaces.
In ONE day the ability to see genuine Australian rural towns, rich rainforest, beaches, uninhabited islands and finish with a cabaret, show or nightclub visit.

I’M A FIRST-TIME VISITOR. WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN THE GOLD COAST/QUEENSLAND/AUSTRALIA?
Australia is one of the world’s most multi-cultural communities. People from all over the world have chosen the Gold Coast as home. There’s a sophisticated network of services for the international visitor, a huge choice of cuisine and places of worship. Australians are well travelled and you’ll be surprised at the level of sophistication.

Australia has a stable democracy with a buoyant economy with sophisticated telecommunications and infrastructure, high quality medical services, a well-ordered society. Expect the trip of a lifetime.

WHAT IS AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Fun isn’t just restricted to children. Sure, there’s some of the largest and most varied theme parks in the southern hemisphere; hundreds of parks, bikeways, beaches and playgrounds open free year-round; accommodation with children’s playgrounds and holiday activities. There’s also extensive professional child care facilities - so adults can play.

CAN I VISIT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF AND SYDNEY FROM THE GOLD COAST?
Yes, but you’ll have to fly. It is possible to do a one-day scenic flight from the Gold Coast to the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef and return in one day. There are frequent air services to Sydney and other major cities in Australia - see Airports.

WHAT DO I BRING?
Bring plenty of room in your luggage to stock up on shopping - Australia’s Gold Coast has major surf labels, authentic Aboriginal art works and modern art, some of the nation’s largest duty free store and fashion labels. Bring swimwear, bring a smile and an attitude to enjoy yourself!

Travel & Visa’s

GETTING TO AUSTRALIA
Access is easy with two international airport gateways.
Brisbane’s international and domestic airports are within one hour’s drive north of Australia’s Gold Coast with international connections to 26 destinations worldwide using more than 30 airlines. There are extensive domestic connections to capital cities and regional networks. www.brisbaneairport.com.au

Gold Coast Airport offers direct international flights from Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore via Australian Airlines, and from five ports in New Zealand via Freedom Air and Pacific Blue. Domestic connections are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide, Cairns and Newcastle. www.goldcoastairport.com.au

TRANSFERS
Gold Coast Airport and Brisbane Airport transfers include coach, door-to-door services, limousines, taxis, wheelchair-accessible taxis and maxi-taxis. Rental car companies are based at the airport.
www.goldcoastairport.com.au
From Brisbane Airport, also catch the Airtrain (direct rail service to Gold Coast) or Airtrain Connect (train with limousine service).
www.airtrain.com.au and
www.brisbaneairport.com.au

PASSPORTS & VISAS
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and an Australian visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA).
Visa types depend on length of stay and the visit’s purpose. Lodge online applications for ETAs or acquire forms from more than 300,000 travel agents, 75 airlines and Australian diplomatic offices worldwide. If you do not hold a passport approved for ETA, get a ‘label’ visa from Australian embassies, high commission offices or consulates.
www.immi.gov.au

LETTER OF INVITATION
Should you require a letter of invitation from the Summit to assist with obtaining a visa, please email the secretariat at
info@issummit.com

DUTY FREE AND QUARANTINE
Australia has a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Travellers may be eligible for a GST refund on departure. Incoming visitors may bring in limited quantities of duty free products. Business travellers need permits for carrying commercial goods through Customs. If you enter Australia with doctor’s prescriptions or medicines, get a permit. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au
Australian Customs enforces strict controls. Australia is the largest island in the world which is free of many diseases. Please declare animal and plant material, herbal medicines, food, eggs, seeds and wood. Coral, shell, reptile and whale products are banned. Restrictions may or do apply for currency, firearms and ammunition, heritage items and defence and strategic goods. Ask officers if you are not sure. The future health of Australia’s native animals, plants and primary industries depends on your honesty. View Customs. www.customs.gov.au