gcc2023

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Brisbane, Australia

Yes, we are going to Australia this year! Brisbane is the capital of the state of Queensland in Australia. It is a large, modern city with a population of over 2.5 million people. Located on the east coast of Australia, Brisbane has a subtropical climate with mild winters (which is when GCC2023 will be held there). The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, South Bank Parklands, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and many more.

Brisbane is also home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and performance venues. There is a great choice of restaurants and cuisines, including Australian, Asian, and Japanese food.

Within an hour drive are Australian Zoo, Moreton Island, and Gold Coast as some of the prime Australian travel destinations, offering a range of activities and attractions such as surfing, hiking, and wildlife encounters.

Getting to Brisbane

Brisbane is well connected to the world with direct flights available from much of the eastern Asia, west coast of North America, and the United Arab Emirates. The Brisbane Airport code is BNE.

Before making travel arrangements, don't forget to check any visa requirements for traveling to Australia. If you need a visa application letter from the conference, please contact the Organizers.

Also please check the current COVID-19 requirements for entering and leaving Australia.

The airport is located approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center with many options to get to the city, with Airtrain being our recommendation. For about $15, the train will drop you off in the city within 20 minutes. Check the map for closest station to your hotel. For the conference venue, station Brisbane Central is closest.

If you will be arriving to Australia without a working cell service, it is a good idea to save an offline map of Brisbane on your phone to ease navigation.

Venue

GCC2023 is held at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Gardens Point campus. This is a beautiful location in the center of the city and right on the Brisbane river. This campus is serviced by multiple bus routes, a short walk from Central Station (through the city) and South Bank station (a short walk across a pedestrian-only bridge).

Accommodation

There are numerous accommodation options close by to the campus, in all directions. Walking in Brisbane in July will be comfortable, with average daily temperature of 25C (80F).

You can expect the following average per night room rates at Brisbane hotels:

  • 5-star: $250 - $350 AUD
  • 4-star: $180-$250 AUD
  • 3-star/budget: $90-$180 AUD

Accommodation within 10-15 minutes' walk of QUT include the following. You can also check out this map.

5-star

4-star

3-star

Hostels

  • YHA - 2.5km from venue

Things to do before or after GCC

Below you can find an assortment of places to visit and things to do around Brisbane, Queensland, and Australia. This list has been curated by the hosts - ie, people that know the area - so you can trust it's a good selection.

Brisbane

Sunshine Coast

  • Australia Zoo
  • Whale Watching
    • The best Whale Experiences Australia has to offer including Whale Watching on the iconic vessel Whale One & Swim With Whales. Enjoy the best of Sunshine Coast Whale Watching from the surface on our luxury 19 metre multi-level catamaran Whale One. Tick of an absolute bucket list activity on our Swim with Whales tours!
    • https://sunreef.com.au/whales/
  • Beaches
    • Noosa - the balmy sunshine, slow beach days and bright blue skies… the calm, relaxing beaches and rolling waves around every corner… the diverse tapestry of waterways and untouched national parks… the local, seasonal food dished up all over town by world-class chefs... the native wildlife and spectacular natural surrounds… all topped off by beautiful summery nights spent wandering Hastings Street or relaxing evenings in Noosa boutique accommodation, laidback resort vibes, glamping in the wilderness... or whatever your heart desires.
    • Coolum Beach - Sink your toes into the golden sand of Coolum Beach and feel your shoulders drop inch by inch as you breathe in the fresh sea air
    • Caloundra / Kings Beach - The southern belle of the Sunshine Coast, Caloundra is a laid-back coastal town where the locals will greet you with a warm welcome and the natural beauty is endless. But it’s not just the show Mother Nature is putting on for you here that makes this slice of paradise a must-see. Caloundra is also home to vibrant street art, epic attractions, boutiques that will give your credit card a work out and a bunch of cafes, bars and restaurants that will impress even the biggest foodies.
  • Hinterland
    • https://visitsunshinecoasthinterland.com.au/
    • Montville - Montville is a charming artisan village with a blend of Tudor, Irish, and English cottages of log or stone, and Swiss and Bavarian chalets.
    • Maleny - This unique rural community is perched high above the Sunshine Coast with amazing views to the Glasshouse Mountains in south-east Queensland.
    • Mapleton - The area is renowned for its forests, walks, and views. The Mapleton Falls have a sheer drop of 120m, and the viewing platform opens up.

Gold Coast

  • You’d be forgiven for thinking the Gold Coast was just one endless stretch of sand, broken up by a few forested headlands, blue-water estuaries, and plenty of bronzed lifeguards. This much is true, but if you spend a little time here you'll discover many smaller Gold Coast beaches and adjacent neighbourhoods, each with their own character and quirks.
  • Surfers Paradise is the poster child - and arguably the most famous Gold Coast beach destination. But the magic comes from venturing further out to experience all the pockets that make up this stunning holiday destination.
  • Transport from Brisbane
    • By car: 1hrs
    • By public transport: 1.5hrs
  • Dreamworld
  • Village Roadshow Theme Parks
    • https://themeparks.com.au/
    • Sea World - Discover a world of fun and adventure with exciting rides, unforgettable shows and presentations and beautiful marine life.
    • Warner Bros. Movie World - Meet your favourite stars and Super Heroes, experience adrenaline pumping thrill rides and watch an array of world class performances and shows.
    • Wet’n’Wild - Dive into a splashtacular family day out where summer is endless and so is the fun. Enjoy a world-class line-up of pools and slides for little adventurers and brave thrill seekers!
    • Paradise Country - Paradise Country truly is the Gold Coast’s hidden gem and the whole family will love the variety of shows and interactive experiences that a day on the farm can bring. There’s so much to do and see, so come and create lasting memories as you meet resident animals and indulge in delicious meals.
    • Australian Outback Spectacular - Embark on a journey to the heartland of Australia and discover the harsh reality of living on the land and the importance of resilience and triumph. Experience immersive projection mapping in a transformative arena that appears to spin, turn and shatter whilst enjoying a three-course dinner and drinks.
  • Mt Tamborine - In this region it’s essential you chase waterfalls, especially when they’re as stunning as Curtis Falls. Enjoy a magical walk through a eucalyptus forest before the foliage opens up to a lush waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for basking turtles and platypi too. Cedar Creek Falls is another must-see spot. A dramatic gorge with several streaming falls, makes this the perfect place for a cooling dip.
  • Currumbin Sanctuary - Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has been conserving native wildlife and nurturing the local indigenous heritage for over 75 years. This regional treasure has also been educating and entertaining families and tourists from all across the globe.