Getting Here
Tasmania is an island state, accessible by direct flight from most mainland capital cities, and by sea on the Spirit of Tasmania from Melbourne to Devonport.
Air Travel
Virgin Blue, Qantas, Jetstar and Tiger Airlines fly into Hobart and Launceston. (Launceston is 200km away from Hobart, but may be your choice for entry or exit if you plan a round-Tasmania holiday or a workshop in the North). There are also flights into Wynyard and Devonport on the North-West Coast with regional airlines. Please book early, because traffic out of Hobart and Launceston will be high around Australia Day as mainland Australia schools start their terms. If you leave it late, you may not be able to get a good flight or a cheap flight. We cannot negotiate any discount rates ourselves as the airline business is very competitive.
Hobart Airport is located 18 km from the city centre and the Conference venue (about a 25 minute drive). Self drive hire cars, taxis and a shuttle bus service ($23 return, http://www.redlinecoaches.com.au/) to the city centre and most hotels are all available from the airport.
Sea Travel
The Spirit of Tasmania ferries (I and II) travel between Melbourne and Devonport daily across Bass Strait. You can take your car or motorcycle with you on the ferry for a modest fee. Be sure to book early - January is the peak time for bookings on the ferries. Although the fares are higher than the cheapest possible airline tickets, you get to bring your car or motorcycle, have a night's accommodation, and save on hire car fees as well as seeing some of beautiful Tasmania while you drive down to Hobart. We have negotiated a special discount - but read the Ferry page. Enjoy your mini-cruise and your Tasmanian holiday. We expect this will be an attractive option for delegates living in nearby States, such as Victoria, NSW, South Australia and the ACT.
Vehicle Rental
Car or campervan rentals are available at Hobart airport, Launceston airport, and the Devonport ferry terminal.
Central Hobart Map
You might want to click on this Google Maps reference to see a map of central Hobart if you are hiring a vehicle, and need to find your accommodation. It will also help with walking around the City.
International Travel Entry Requirements
All international visitors to Australia require a valid passport and some will require a pre-arranged visa. Please consult your local Australian Embassy or Consulate for information.
Import to Australia
Please also note that Australia tries to keep itself free of foreign animal and plant species that could turn out to be pests or weeds. International visitors will not be allowed to bring in a wide variety of vegetable- or animal-origin goods to Australia. The Australian Quarantine Service can advise you about this http://www.aqis,gov.au.
Import to Tasmania
Tasmanian restrictions are even more severe than those of Australia to protect our native fauna, flora and industries. Visitors from mainland Australia or internationally cannot bring various fruit or vegetable matter with them into Tasmania. Fish and fish products are also restricted. Please see http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/quarantine for more information. You and your luggage may be inspected by a sniffer dog on arrival in Tasmania.
