2022 Convention Travel
COVID-Related Information| Ride Share and Room Share Link | Airfare Discounts | Arrival Instructions | Rental Cars | Taxi or Train | Attire | Business Hours | Climate | Currency | Electricity | Health | Insurance | Mobile Phone| Passport and Visas | Timezone | Tipping | Useful Phone Numbers | Foreign Embassies | Departure from Australia
A visa is required to enter Australia – check requirements below at the Passport and Visa link.
All passengers arriving by air into Australia should complete the Digital Passenger Declaration
You can start your DPD seven days before your flight and submit it within 72 hours before your departure for Australia. This is because you must provide your health information and declaration (vaccination status and COVID-19 test result) within 72 hours before your flight. Use the following link to complete the DPD https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/COVID19
COVID-Related Information – For the latest information, please visit https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/covid19/#toc-4
- From 18 April 2022, travellers entering or leaving Australia will no longer require a negative pre-departure test and cruise vessels can enter Australian territory. All incoming and outgoing international travellers may be requested to provide proof they’ve had two doses of an approved vaccine.
Travellers will also still be required to wear a mask while on international flights based on medical advice. These measures will be implemented under the non-emergency provisions in the Biosecurity Act. The requirements for maritime arrivals will also be aligned with those on airlines, as part of the safety protocols for the resumption of cruising.
Because COVID rules change frequently, check the above links for the latest news and regulations.
Ride Share and Room Share link
If you are interested in sharing a room or a ride to the Convention, please fill in your contact information at the above google doc. You can then communicate with the individuals on the sheet to arrange any sharing.
Delta: Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for Society of Wood Science & Technology.Please click here to book your flights! You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NMVDX *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Meeting Ticket Designator/Meeting Code: NMVDX
Group Ticket Designator: NGNT8
Account Code: NMVDX
INTERNATIONAL DL*:
Travel allowed between Europe, Middle East, Africa, India, Caribbean, SJU,
STT, STX, Central/South America, Israel, Mexico, U.S. and Canada (does not
apply within/between U.S./CA). Discounts valid on DL and applicable DL*
Codeshare flights. Fare Class X / V discounts do not apply.
DELTA (DL) BOOKING CLASS PERCENTAGE OFF
J / C / D / W / Y / B / M 10%
I / Z / H / Q / K / L / U 5%
T 3%
INTERNATIONAL Transpacific Asia/Australia – US/CA DL*:
Travel allowed between Asia/Australia – U.S. and Canada. Does not apply
within/between U.S./CA). Discounts valid on DL and applicable DL* Codeshare
flights.
DELTA (DL) BOOKING CLASS PERCENTAGE OFF HANEDA JAPAN DISCOUNT
J / C / W / Y 20% 25%
D / I / B / M / H / Q / K 10% 15%
Z / L / U / T 5% 10%
X / V 3% 8%
United: Z Code: ZKR5
, Agreement Code: 596432
1) Eligible flights:
When passengers fly to the Event Location utilizing the Z Code referenced above, this Agreement provides
the discounts described below on United flights & other approved airlines.
United flights are flights operated by United or operated by other airlines and branded United Express
Flights via the Atlantic: Marketed and/or operated by Air Canada (“AC”), Austrian Airlines (“OS”), Tyrolean
Airways (VO), Brussels Airlines N.C. (“SN”), Lufthansa German Airlines (“LH”), Swiss International Air Lines
LTD (“LX”). Additional carriers for travel within Europe, Middle East, Africa and India may be permitted
between select cities. Check the rule conditions in your GDS system for these additional airline partners.
Flights via the Pacific: United operated and marketed flights and United codeshare flights operated by All
Nippon Airways (“NH”) and Air New Zealand (“NZ”). Japan point of origin flights are excluded.
Canada Point of Sale: United operated and marketed flights and United codeshare flights operated by AC,
OS, SN, LH, LX, NH and NZ. Flights marketed by AC are excluded.
united.com bookings: United operated and marketed flights and United codeshare flights operated by AC,
OS, SN, LH, LX, NH and NZ.
To / From All International Destinations
First Letter of Fare Basis Applicable Discount
F, J, C, D, O, Y, B, M, E, U, H 10%
Z, P, A, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G, N* 5%
*(N booking class only on All Nippon Airways (“NH”) flights)
US 50 States & Canada passengers: call your professional travel agency, book online via
united.com/meeting travel or call United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800-426-1122 and provide the Z
Code and Agreement Code. Booking fee is waived for all Meeting reservations.
Passengers outside the US 50 States & Canada: call your professional travel agency or book online via
united.com/meeting travel
Travel agency bookings: To avoid debit memos and ensure tracking for United Meetings Rewards, the four digit
Z code must appear in the Tour Code box. Note: Do not add letters “IT” in the Tour Code box or any
other information in the Tour Code box other than the four-digit Z code. Visit United Meetings Policies and
Procedures page included in this agreement for the account code and more information.
Airports and Airlines:
Sydney International Airport (SYD), New South Wales– Most international airlines fly into Sydney. Currency exchanges are available at the airport. If you’re landing at the International or Domestic terminal and are transferring to another flight, here’s some useful information that should help you prepare.
Getting between terminals
Our T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals are located a short ride away from each other. There are several ways you can transfer between the terminals, depending on your flight details and how much time you have to make your connection. Check with your airline for advice on the best transfer options for you. Please be aware that it is not possible to walk between the Domestic and International terminals.
- T-Bus Service – The T-Bus is Sydney Airport’s complimentary shuttle bus service between the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. The service currently operates every 30 minutes.
First bus: Departs T1 International terminal at 07:30
Last bus: Departs T2 Domestic terminal at 19:30. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.Bus stop locations
T1 International: The bus stop is located on the Arrivals level, opposite Rydges Hotel.
T2 and T3 Domestic: Bus stops are located on the Arrivals level outside each terminal. Check our map for location information. - Train
Airport Link offers a $6.70 (AUD, one way, per person) single transfer ticket for passengers travelling between the T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. However, pricing does vary if the traveller is using an Opal Card. The journey takes only two minutes and there are frequent services between 5am and midnight, seven days a week. For information on ‘GatePass’, please refer to the AirportLink website. Cost: $6.70 (AUD,one way, per person) - Taxi
A taxi journey between T1 International and the T2/T3 domestic terminals will take up to 10 minutes, depending on the time of day. The approximate cost for this journey is $17.00 – $22.00 (AUD, one way, per taxi). You’ll find taxi ranks at the front of all terminals – simply follow the signs to the nearest ranks. For rideshare services, please arrange with your driver to meet you at our priority pick-up area. - 400/420 Bus
Sydney Buses operates a timetabled service, Route 400, between Bondi Junction and Eastgardens via Sydney Airport and 420 between Eastgardens to Burwood via Sydney Airport. The service stops at both the T1 International and T3 Domestic terminal. You will find clearly marked bus stops located on the Arrivals level outside each of these terminals. You’ll need an Opal transport card or bank card to use the service. Cost: Approx $1.60(AUD) off-peak and $3.20(AUD) during peak hours (one way, per person)
Brisbane International Airport (BNE),Queensland: Brisbane Airport is the primary international airport serving Brisbane and South East Queensland. The airport services 31 airlines flying to 50 domestic and 29 international destination.
Taxis are available 24/7 from sheltered ranks right outside the Domestic and International Terminals. During peak times, Kerbside Officers are on hand to assist.
- At the Domestic Terminal, the taxi rank is located centrally in the front of the Terminal building.
- At the International Terminal, you will find the cab rank in front of the Terminal on the Level 2 Arrivals Road, through the doors and out to the left.
Gold Coast (OOL) Smaller airport serviced by local airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australian, Jetstar, AirNorth, Air New Zealand, Rex, Singapore Airlines, and Etihad. Fly here from Sydney, 30 minute drive or taxi ride to Peppers Resort & Spa in Kingscliff.
Arrival Instructions:
Sydney: Clearing customs and border protection – Whether you’re a visitor or resident returning home, all passengers must clear the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service checkpoint. Please make sure you have a passport, visa (if applicable) and completed incoming passenger card ready. In line with Australian Government regulations, please do not take any photos or record film in these service controlled areas. Download the guide to customs and border protection
Map of Internationals Arrival area
Brisbane: You’ll be issued with an Incoming Passenger Card onboard the aircraft shortly before arriving into Brisbane. All travellers (including Australians) are required to complete this card. It contains your personal information, details about your visit as well as biosecurity and customs requirements.
All travellers entering or returning to Australia are asked to submit an Australia Travel Declaration at least 72 hours prior to travelling. The information provided will help the Australian Government manage contact tracing to ensure the health and safety of the community.
Passengers will then proceed to immigration and passport control for SmartGate or manual processing. You can use a SmartGate, if you:
- Hold an e-passport issued from an eligible country; and
- Are 16 years or over; and
- Have completed an Incoming Passenger Card.
The Arrivals SmartGate uses facial recognition technology to provide travellers with a more efficient way of passing through Passport Control. If you’re not eligible to use SmartGate, an Australian Border Force Officer at Passport Control will manually process your entry into Australia. All passengers will be issued with a Passport Control ticket. You will be required to present your ticket to officers at Biosecurity and Customs before exiting the Terminal.
To help protect Australia’s pristine environment, Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources and Australian Border Force Officers screen all incoming international passengers and their belongings. Your bags may be checked by Australian Border Force and/or Department of Agriculture Biosecurity Officers, who work with Brisbane Airport to detect prohibited, restricted or dutiable goods, and biosecurity risk items such as animal and plant material. It is mandatory to declare certain items on your Incoming Passenger Card, and penalties may apply for failing to do so. Australian Border Force and/or Department of Agriculture Biosecurity Officers’ checks may take the form of x-ray, detector dogs, or physical inspection. For more information on the border processes, what you need to declare and what can and can’t be brought into Australia, please consult:
Passenger Pick-up:If you’ve got friends or family collecting you in their vehicle – make your way downstairs (via travelator or lift) to Level 1 and follow the signs to Passenger Pick-up. There are accessible passenger pick-up and drop off bays on the level 4 departures road. For accessible passenger pick-up, take the lift to level 4.
Rideshare: Ride-shares are currently collecting passengers from the ground floor of the terminal building. Take the lift or travelator to level 1 and follow the signs to the Ride-share, buses and coaches collection point.
Taxis: Taxis continue to operate from the taxi rank on Level 2.
Airtrain: To access the Airtrain station, take the lift to level 3, exit the terminal and cross the bridge to the station.
Terminal Transfer Bus & Skygate Loop Service: The transfer buses will operate from the bus stop located outside the International Terminal car park, directly across from the Passenger Pick Up area. Take the lift (or travelator) down to level 1 and follow the signs to the Domestic Transfer bus stop.
Rental Car
Available at the Sydney, Brisbane, and Gold Coast Airports: Sydney Airport has several car rental companies located at the arrivals level at T1 International and T2/T3 Domestic terminals. Brisbane Airport rental car companies are located in the Domestic Terminal on Level 1, near baggage claim at both the Virgin and Qantas ends of the Domestic Terminal. In the International Terminal they are located On Level 2, behind Spoon Cafe.
Before you collect the car keys from your chosen car hire, it’s important to brush up on local driving knowledge. For international travellers, the most important piece of driving knowledge is that Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re travelling with kids under seven years of age, you’ll also need to book a car seat for each child from newborn to seven-years-old. This law does change every so often so make sure you check the Department of Transportation websites for the most up-to-date information. Seat belts are compulsory for adults too. Most rental companies have electronic tags fitted to the hire car, meaning you can travel through tolls without any pre-purchase or planning, with the cost of the toll plus a service fee charged to you using the same method used to pay for the hire vehicle. Each rental company will have a different process for how tolls are managed, so it is important to ask when signing your contract.
Taxi: Taxis are available at each airport. However, a taxi ride from Sydney to Kingscliff would be outrageously expensive so don’t attempt this. Take either a flight to Gold Coast Airport or rent a car. A taxi ride from Brisbane to Kingscliff would also be expensive, about $200.
Gold Coast: A taxi rank is conveniently located at the southern end of the terminal, outside the domestic arrivals area. Please refer to https://www.13cabs.com.au or https://www.blackandwhitecabs.com.au for bookings, fares and further information. Estimated cost for a taxi from Gold Coast to the resort is $45 – $60 (AUD) and takes 16 minutes. Ride Share Booking: For pre booked customers, the ride share pick up point is located at the northern end of the Terminal, outside the departures area.
The Hotel recommends Tweed Coast & Country Limousines, Contact: Terry or Robyn, Phone: 0409 661 589, Email: tcclimos@bigpond.com
Attire:
Business casual for meetings.
Business hours and local area:
Banks are usually open from 9:00 to 17:00 during the week. ATMs – You can withdraw cash 24 hours a day from most of the ATMs around using the MasterCard, Visa, Maestro, Cirrus and Visa Electron Plus cards. There is not an ATM at Peppers Resort, but one in Salt Village which is walking distance from the hotel.
Shops are usually open from 9:00 until 19:00 to 21:00 Daily, but some may have different weekend hours. Check with each shop to be sure of the times.
Climate:
During the month of May, June, July, August and September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) and 25 degrees Celsius (77°F).
Currency:
Australia’s national currency is Australian dollars (AUD), which comes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Coins come in 5, 10, 20 and 50 cent and one and two dollar denominations. 
Credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay and JCB are accepted in Australia. VISA or MasterCard can be used everywhere credit cards are accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarkets, department store chains and tourist destinations. A good tip is to carry multiple credit cards and a little cash. Merchants may impose credit card surcharges in some places. Traveller’s cheques are not widely accepted in Australia.
You can exchange money at local banks, Currency Exchanges, or the international airport you fly into. The hotel DOES NOT offer currency exchange. To see the conversion to AUD from your local currency, go to https://www.xe.com/
Electricity:
In Australia the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Australia, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). For Australia the associated plug type is I, which is the plug that has three flat pins in a triangular pattern.
Health:
- Kingscliff Beach Medical, 40 Marine Parade, Kingscliff NSW 2487, Australia, Phone: +61 2 6674 3266, 8:30 to 5:00
-
Kingscliff Doctors, Located in: Kingscliff Shopping Village, 1 & 2, 22-24 Pearl St, Kingscliff NSW 2487, Australia, Phone: +61 2 6674 1304, 8:30 to 5:30
- Kingscliff Health, 9/38-42 Pearl St, Kingscliff NSW 2487, Australia, Phone: +61 2 6670 1400, 8:00 to 5:00
- Tweed Valley Hospital Emergency Room, Powell St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485, Australia, Phone: +617-5506-7444 (about 20 minute drive from the h0tel).
Insurance:
Society of Wood Science and Technology is not responsible for the insurance of participants against personal injuries, sickness and theft or property damage incurred during the convention period. Concerned participants should obtain insurance coverage.
Mobile phones:
Australian networks use the GSM standard. This is the same as most other countries, although some places like the US and Japan also rely on CDMA. If you have a CDMA-only phone you will not be able to access 3G networks in Australia, which means no talk and text.
Australia country code is +61 and NSW has area code 02. Local SIM cards can be used in most phones. Other phones must be set to roaming to work, but be wary of roaming charges. You can buy prepaid SIM cards if your phone accepts them. You can also rent/buy temporary cell phones. One example of cell phone rental/purchase: www.mobal.com
- To call a landline within NSW, include the 61 plus 02 plus the number
- To call NSW, Australia from another country, dial your country’s exit code (for USA it is 011) followed by 61 and 2, and then the number.
- To call your country from NSW, dial the international access code, 1 (the country code for United States), the area code and the number.
- To call a mobile phone from Australia, you must dial the country code, followed by 04 and the mobile phone number. When calling from outside Australia, leave off the “0” in the area code. For example, if calling a mobile phone from outside Australia, you would dial +61 4 and the 8-digit mobile number.
Passport, Visa:
Passport: You must have a valid passport with more than 6 months until the expiration date when you enter and leave Australia.
Visa: Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. New Zealand passport holders can apply for a visa upon arrival in the country. All other passport holders, regardless of age, must apply for a visa before leaving home. You can apply for a range of Australian visa types, including tourist visas and working holiday visas, at your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. You can also apply for certain types of visas on the Australian Australian Visa website. There are different Australian visa types available for travellers to Australia. Knowing which Australian visa to apply for depends on the length of your stay, your passport and the purpose of your visit. You’ll also need to meet certain financial and medical requirements, be outside of Australia when applying and maintain health insurance for the duration of your stay.
From 21 February 2022, all visa holders who are fully vaccinated for international travel purposes can travel to Australia without a travel exemption. Unvaccinated visa holders will still need to be in an exempt category or hold an individual travel exemption to enter Australia.
The following passport holders can apply for an ETA using the Australian ETA app: Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR of China), Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States of America. For more information, see our Step by step guide. YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THE APP AND USE THE APP – YOU CANNOT SUBMIT THE VISA APPLICATION IN A WEB BROWSER!
Australia has opened an online Evisitor Visa for 35 European countries. You can apply online or with the app at https://www.australiaonlinevisas.com/ This visa is able to be used for those attending conferences.
If you are unable to use the app, you can apply online through ImmiAccount for another visa that suits your needs. European passport holders may be eligible for an eVisitor (subclass 651).
Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601)
This visa allows you to visit Australia as many times as you want, for up to a year, and stay for three months each visit. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of countries and regions, who live outside Australia. A step-by-step guide on how to apply is here.
eVisitor (subclass 651)
This is a free visa for multiple visits to Australia for tourism or business purposes for up to three months at a time within a 12-month period. This visa is available to passport holders from a number of European countries and it cannot be extended.
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
The Visitor visa allows you to visit Australia, either for tourism or business purposes. It is open to all nationalities. Generally, a period of stay of up to three months is granted, but up to 12 months may be granted in certain circumstances. Applicants will have to pay a fee to submit their application.
Time Zone:
Kingscliff, NSW is in Australian Eastern Daylight Time, UTC/GMT +11 hours. To check the current time in NSW from your location,
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/@3192682
Tipping:
No tipping and everything is included in the GST rates
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Australia’s primary emergency call service number is Triple Zero: 000 for police/fire/ambulance services in Australia and can be called from any fixed or mobile phone and certain VoIP services. 112 is available from all GSM or GSM derived mobile phones and is automatically translated to the country’s emergency number. It is important to realise that if there is no mobile coverage on any network, you will not be able to reach the emergency call service via a mobile phone, regardless of which number you dialed. See calling the emergency call service from a mobile phone– external site for more information. 106 is the text-based emergency number for people who are deaf, or who have a hearing or speech impairment. This service operates using a textphone (TTY) or a computer with modem access. See Emergency and disaster assistance for other emergency and disaster phone numbers.
Foreign Consulate Contact Addresses in New South Wales and Queensland:
Departure from Australia:
Sydney: If you are travelling internationally, you may be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test result at check-in. Histopath offer pre-departure COVID testing at T1 International terminal, at the Valet parking area outside of the departures hall, opposite check in counter D. Results can be returned within at least 90 minutes and test results will comply with the requirements of your destination country. Find out more on the Histopath website.
Brisbane: Did you know you can claim a refund on GST (Goods and Services Tax) or WET (Wine Equalisation Tax) at Brisbane Airport when you purchase more than AUD$300.00 worth of goods at a single Australian business, and you’re taking those goods out of the country. Any international traveller, including Australian residents, are entitled to take up this benefit, which is operated by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. See what conditions apply. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) is an initiative of the Australian Government and allows the tax paid on the transaction to be reimbursed to all travellers (including Australians), when travelling out of the country with the goods. The refund is redeemable at the International Terminal of Brisbane Airport.
Tourist Refund Scheme tips:
- Complete your claim online before you fly to streamline the process at Brisbane Airport.
- Be sure to allow additional time to your airport experience to process your refund.
- TRS recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time as queues at the TRS facilities can be long.
Key facts:
- You need to have spent AU$300.00 (inc. GST) or more in one store
- The purchase needs to have been made within 60 days of departure
- You must have paid for the goods yourself
- You need to present an original copy of the tax invoice
- Australian Border Force officers will need to sight the items you are claiming against
- Full terms and conditions are outlined here
Common exclusions:
- Alcohol such as beer, brandy, fortified wines and spirits do not qualify for the Wine Equalisation Tax
- Goods that are prohibited on aircraft for safety reasons
- Operating air crew are not eligible for the refund
- More details around exclusions are outlined here
Claiming the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) on liquids, aerosols or gels, or oversized goods, which cannot be taken as hand luggage onto the plane: If you want to claim the refund on goods that you can’t carry onto the aeroplane (like those golf clubs you just bought), you will need to take your goods to the Australian Border Force Client Services Office located on Level 1 of the International Terminal before you check your luggage.
Where do I find the Tourist Refund Scheme office? If your purchase is part of your carry-on luggage: After you have checked in for your flight, please make your way through the departures portals downstairs to Level 3. The TRS office is located past security and passport control, just to the right of the Lotte Duty Free entrance. Please be sure to be there at least 90 minutes prior to your flight departure to allow sufficient time for the TRS Officers to complete your claim.
If your purchase is packed in luggage you intend to check: You should make your way to the Australian Border Force Client Services Office, located on Level 1 of the International Terminal. You will need to do this before you check your luggage for your flight. Please note liquids, aerosols and gels restrictions still apply to goods you wish to claim on, so you may need to check these in. Find more information about these restrictions here.
If the TRS offices are closed: Australian Border Force endeavour to staff the TRS offices before all departing international flights but don’t have set business hours for the counters. If the counters are closed, you are able to submit your claim by filling in a form and dropping your information into the dropbox. You will find this option outside the counter on Level 3 of the International Terminal after security and before Lotte Duty Free.
Can I lodge my information online? Yes! The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs have developed mobile and web Tourist Refund Scheme Applications (Apps) that allow you to enter the information required to lodge a TRS claim even faster. Using Apps you can enter:
- Your travel details;
- Details of the goods for which you are claiming a refund of Goods and Services Tax (GST) and/or Wine Equalisation Tax (WET); and
- How you prefer to receive your tax refund.
Your data will be stored in a QR code which will fast track your claim process at the Tourist Refund Scheme Office at Brisbane Airport. With your QR code, you can join the fast-tracked ‘web line’ at the Tourist Refund Scheme Office and collect your refund faster. To use the My TRS Claim web app or to download the mobile apps visit the Tourist Refund Scheme section of the Department of Home Affairs website.