Venue, Destination & Transport

Introducing Hobart

Hobart is the capital city of the Australian state of Tasmania, and with an approximate population of 225 000, it is also the most populous city in the state. 

It is located on the estuary of the Derwent River, while the city’s skyline is dominated by kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Amongst all this natural beauty, Hobart also has a rich heritage, amazing art and cultural offerings, and gourmet experiences awaiting visitors.

From Hobart, visitors can also experience many of southern Tasmania’s best travel experiences. For more information on what’s on in Hobart and Tasmania, click here.

Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart

The Hotel Grand Chancellor is set in the heart of Hobart, Tasmania. It is perfectly situated on the waterfront and within walking distance of Hobart’s central business district (CBD), as well as other popular attractions like Salamanca Place, Battery Point and the MONA Ferry. 

The Hobart Convention and Exhibition Centre (HCEC) is attached to the Hotel Grand Chancellor. The HCEC offers conferencing facilities for up to 1100 delegates in the tiered plenary, along with an exhibition space and smaller venues to host concurrent sessions. Concurrent sessions will also be hosted at the Tasmania Museum and The Woolstore—both venues are only a short walk away from the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

All of this was conducive to Hotel Grand Chancellor being selected as the venue of choice to host the 2019 ECA National Conference.

For more information on the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart , please click here.

Getting to Tasmania

Getting to Tasmania has never been easier!

By air

ECA is excited to announce that Qantas will be the exclusive airline partner for the 2019 ECA National Conference. Click here for more information.

Frequently scheduled flights operate from most capital cities to Hobart. Flights take approximately one hour from Melbourne to Hobart.

Travelling from the airport to the Hotel Grand Chancellor takes approximately 15–20 minutes.

By sea

The Spirit of Tasmania operates from Melbourne to Devonport, and this is often a popular option for visitors seeking to explore more of Tasmania.

Moving around Hobart

Once you are in Hobart, there are various options available in terms of transportation.

Taxis

Taxi companies include:

131008Hobart, phone 131008

Taxis Combined, phone 13 2227

United Taxis, phone 133 222

Yellow Cabs, phone 13 1924

Or check the Tasmanian Government Tourism website: www.discovertasmania.com.au.

Airport shuttle

SkyBus has been in the business of airport bus transfers for over 40 years, servicing 5 Airports across Australia and New Zealand. SkyBus Hobart Express operates a world class service between Hobart International Airport and the heart of Hobart city with a stop right outside The Grand Chancellor. With Free Wifi and departures every 30 minutes between 4:30am – midnight 7 days a week, SkyBus is your convenient and affordable choice for transfers between the Airport the conference.  Enjoy 15% off your SkyBus tickets when you purchase online using the code ECANC19 visit https://www.skybus.com.au/buy-tickets/ to get your tickets.

Car rental

If you are interested in renting a car upon arrival, there are many rental car options at the Hobart International Airport.

Local Hobart bus

The Metro bus system in Hobart is great for getting to all corners of the city, although services to outlying suburbs can be infrequent compared to larger cities. Access the website at www.metrotas.com.au for fare details and route maps.

Walk

Hobart is a small city and walking around the downtown areas is safe and fun. The Hotel Grand Chancellor is a few minutes’ walk of the main tourist areas of Sullivan’s Cove (the docks area) and Salamanca Place. Battery Point, Sullivans Cove, North Hobart, Salamanca and Sandy Bay are worth the effort to check-out on foot. 

Bicycle

Rent a bicycle from Hobart Bike Hire at www.hobartbikehire.com.au, and explore the city on two wheels.

Social Tours

Discover everything Hobart has to offer and explore the city and surrounds—click here to see what’s on in Hobart.

International Visitors—Planning your arrival into Australia

Travel
For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight before the conference commences.

Visa information
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa before boarding their plane, regardless of the length of your stay.

Note: New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders do not usually need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure, unless they have health and/or character concerns.

Driving license
International driving licenses are recognised throughout Australia. Car rental companies ask for a valid driving license.

Banking, currency and exchange rate
Banking hours are generally 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, and extended on Fridays to 5.00 pm. Several international banks have offices in the CBD. Currency exchanges are located at airports, banks and major hotels. Consult a bank for the latest exchange rate.

Credit cards
Most hotels, large restaurants and shops will accept international credit cards, the most widely recognised being American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Automatic teller machines are plentiful and situated throughout the city.

Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian flat three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch. If not, you will need a voltage converter. Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Insurance
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.

Liability
The Organising Committee and/or ECA shall not be held liable for personal accidents, losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the conference. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

Tax
Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10 per cent. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-Australian delegates may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.

Tipping
Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters, and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. No service charge is added to your hotel or restaurant bill.