Functions
Welcome Reception
An invitation is extended to all delegates to attend the Welcome Reception, located in the world-class Cairns Convention Centre. This is a great opportunity for delegates to network with old friends and new acquaintances while enjoying their canapés in the exquisite tropical surroundings.
Date: Monday, 6 July 2009
Time:18:00 - 19:30
Venue: Cairns Convention Centre
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: Included in full registration fee. Additional tickets $70.
Accompanying Persons Tourist Information Session
A tourist information booth will be set up for those accompanying persons who want to meet each other, as well as find out what exciting things there are to see and do in Cairns. A representative from the Cairns Convention Bureau will be available during the morning tea break on Tuesday morning to answer any questions for you and to provide information on the various activities available in the Cairns region.
Date: Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Time: TBA - During the morning
Congress Dinner
The Congress dinner will be held at the recently refurbished Hilton Cairns, a world-class establishment that oozes contemporary sophistication and is situated at the gateway to one of the world's most diverse tropical and marine environments. The hotel is within the CBD and within easy reach of delegates' accommodation, which means people can leave the function at whatever time they choose. The event will include pre-dinner drinks, delicious dishes and beverages, and musical entertainment throughout the evening. The band ("Hip To Soul") has a diverse repertoire that will match and enhance the mood as the evening progresses, and there will be a dance floor for those who wish to indulge in this post-prandial activity! The Banquet gardens, located just outside the Grand Ballroom are perfect for those preferring a quiet chat instead.
Date: Thursday, 9 July 2009
Time: 19:00 - 23:30
Venue: The Grand Ballroom, Hilton Cairns
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: $120 per ticket
Farewell Party
Laid-back and friendly, the Rattle 'n' Hum Bar & Grill is located along The Esplanade in Cairns, within walking distance to Cairns Convention Centre. We have exclusive use of the beer garden, which is the perfect setting for those delegates wanting to chat or to dance. Platters of finger-food will be provided, as well as a limited number of beverages. However, once the "kitty" runs out, delegates will need to buy their own drinks. The bar plays music so, for those who are keen, there will be the opportunity to dance the night away!
Date: Friday, 10 July 2009
Time: 19:00 until late
Venue: Rattle 'n' Hum Bar & Grill
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: Included in full registration fee. Additional tickets are $30.
Optional Tours
1. Green Island Eco Adventure
Green Island is a beautiful 6000-year-old coral cay located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park - one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Just 45 minutes from Cairns, its unique reef and rainforest environment provides the one-stop tropical reef and island experience. There's fun for the whole family, whether you're up for adventurous activities or relaxation!
Green Island Eco Adventure includes:
- Return air-conditioned fast catamaran cruise
- Tea and coffee served until departure from Cairns
- Use of day visitor facilities
- Use of Island Swimming Pool
- Eco Island Walk - self-guided (see Island Information Counter on arrival)
Additional Complimentary Inclusion:
- Your choice of a glass bottom boat tour or use of snorkelling equipment - please indicate your preference when you fill in your registration form.
Green Island Eco Adventure - Tour Price
Adult $62.00
Child (4-14 years) $33.00
Time: 12:30 - 17:30 Departing: Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, with arrival back in Cairns at 17:30.
Dress: Casual - don't forget to bring your swimmers, hat and sunscreen.
There are only a limited number of spots available on this tour, so make sure you don't miss out and book now!
2. Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park showcases the culture of the indigenous rainforest people of Tropical North Queensland. Situated on 25 acres of tribal land north of Cairns, this multi award-winning centre is a stunning theatrical interpretation of Aboriginal culture.
Activities include:
- History Theatre - short black and white documentary giving some history of the Tjapukai people
- Creation Theatre - A special effects lighting show of dreamtime re-enactment
- Tjapukai Dance Theatre - Live song and dance performance
- Cultural Village - Boomerang demonstrations, bush foods and medicine demonstrations
- Spear and Boomerang Throwing - the opportunity to try it first-hand!
Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park - Cost
Adult $46.00
Child (5-14 years) $33.00
Please note: Cost includes admission and return transfers
Time: 12:45 - 17:00
Departing: Cairns Convention Centre
Dress: Casual
3. Cairns Tropical Zoo
Cairns Tropical Zoo is the largest and most diverse wildlife attraction in Tropical North Queensland and is set amidst six hectares of tropically landscaped gardens. The zoo is home to hundreds of native and exotic species, many of which are indigenous to our northern wet tropics.
The zoo offers a number of wildlife experiences, including:
- Bird feeding in the walk-through aviary;
- Wildlife photo sessions with either a koala or python;
- The walk-through kangaroo enclosure;
- The free-flight bird show; and
- The Giant Saltwater crocodiles.
Cairns Tropical Zoo - Cost
Adult $50.00
Child (4-15 years) $35.00
Please note: Costs include admission to the Zoo and return transfers.
Time: 12:30 - 17:00
Departing: Cairns Convention Centre
Dress: Casual
4. Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures is the best place to see crocodiles and native wildlife in Tropical North Queensland. Set in a World Heritage listed area, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures provides an innovative approach to viewing and interacting with wildlife, enabling visitors to become immersed in a natural environment with safety. A series of timber boardwalks provide elevated viewing of wildlife as visitors journey through a range of natural habitats.
Activities include:
- Cassowary feeding;
- The Crocodile Farm Tour;
- Crocodile feeding and photos;
- Lagoon Boat Cruise;
- Koala Feeding; and
- Python photos.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures - Cost
Adult $51.00
Child (4-15 years) $36.00
Please note: Costs include admission and return transfers.
Time: 12:30 - 17:00
Departing: Cairns Convention Centre
Dress: Casual - don't forget to bring sensible walking shoes, a hat and
sunscreen.
Other Things to See and Do in Cairns
We have included a number of other activities below that delegates may be interested in during their stay in Cairns.
Cairns Botanic Gardens
Location: Situated on Collins Avenue, Edge Hill, 4km north of the Cairns CBD.
Opening Hours:
The Flecker Garden - weekdays 07:30 - 17:30
Admission: free
Information Office - weekdays 08:30 - 16:30
The Botanic Gardens Restaurant
Open daily from 08:30 - 16:30
Ph: +61 7 4053 7087
The Cairns Botanic Gardens are renowned for having one of the best exhibitions in Australia of tropical plants including specimens from Northern Australian rainforests as well as notable species from Southeast Asia. Visitors to these tropical areas are advised to apply insect repellent before visiting, and keep some handy if you need to reapply during the day.
Website: www.botanicfriendscairns.com.au
Email: gardens@cairns.qld.gov.au
Cairns Wildlife Dome
Location: Within walking distance of the Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns Wildlife Dome is situated on top of the Reef Hotel Casino, corner of Wharf & Abbott Streets in the heart of Cairns. Entry is via lifts located in the foyer of the Reef Hotel Casino.
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 09:00 - 19:00
Cairns Wildlife Dome is a spectacular all-weather wildlife exhibit enclosed by a 20 metre high glass dome on top of Cairns' iconic Reef Hotel Casino. Cairns Wildlife Dome enables you to appreciate and understand the rainforest in more detail, offering a quality Australian wildlife experience that promotes education and understanding of rainforest ecology. It is an amazing introduction to the
Wet Tropics Rainforest in the Cairns area.
Website: www.cairnsdome.com.au
Email: info@cairnsdome.com.au
Cairns Regional Gallery
Location: Situated on the corner of Abbott & Shields Street, within walking distance of the Cairns Convention Centre.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 13:00 - 17:00
Admission: AUD$5.00 per person
Friends of the Cairns Regional Gallery and children under 16 years of age are admitted free.
Cairns Regional Gallery hosts exhibitions of fine arts from major Australian and international collections covering historical and contemporary art including the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Visitors to the Gallery can also witness the creativity of local artists living and working in one of Queensland's most dynamic regional arts communities. The Gallery exhibits the work of artists based throughout the tropical north.
Website: www.cairnsregionalgallery.com.au
Email: info@cairnsregionalgallery.com.au
Skyrail
Location: Skyrail's Caravonica Terminal is located just 15 minutes drive north of Cairns. Skyrail operates a regular coach transfer pick-up and drop-off service in the Cairns area - contact Skyrail Reservations to confirm an exact pick-up time.
Opening Hours:
Open daily from 08:15 - 17:15; bookings are taken in 15 minute intervals from 08:15 to 14:45 for a return journey, or 15:30 for a one-way journey.
Skyrail is a unique rainforest experience, gliding effortlessly over 7.5km of pristine Rainforest in gondola cabins, just metres above the forest canopy. The Skyrail experience includes easy-access boardwalks, scenic lookouts and access to the hi-tech Rainforest Interpretive Centre. Custom-designed gondola cabins with large window areas allow you to capture the sights, sounds, smells and life of the Rainforest canopy environment.
To maximise the Skyrail experience allow up to 1.5 hours to complete a one-way experience, this would include spending 20 minutes at each of the two mid-stations. For a return experience allow 2.5 hours plus time to spend in Kuranda.
Website: www.skyrail.com.au
Email: mail@skyrail.com.au