SEE THE Destination
CONFERENCE VENUE
The conference will be in a section of the world class Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), with plenary and breakout rooms in close proximity, and having extensive foyer space with views to South Bank, the river, and pedestrian bridge to the new Queens Wharf precinct and the city centre.
BCEC is in the heart of the South Bank precinct with galleries, theatres, concert halls, museum, 16 hectares of parklands and river walks, and over 90 bars, cafes and restaurants for delegates to enjoy.
The BCEC webpage has a great deal of information about the whole complex. The entrance for ICOTS 12 is on Grey Street, on the river side of BCEC. There is a general information desk at this entrance and the Olio Café and Bar. The ICOTS 12 registration desk will be on the Plaza level, 3 floors up. The Sunday Opening will be in the Plaza Auditorium, and the Welcome Reception on the Sky Level. The Conference dinner will be held in the Plaza Terrace Room.
ACCOMMODATION
Conference Hotels
We have arranged excellent prices on a range of hotels that are all close to the conference venue. These include Rydges Brisbane South Bank (#30 on the map below), closest to BCEC and linked to the Plaza level, as well as Novotel Brisbane South Bank (#22), Brisbane One Apartments by CLLIX (#7), and Atlas Apartments by CLLIX (#5).
Please use the following link for details and bookings:
book.accommodationlink.com.au/ICOTS12
Reserve Accommodation Early
We recommend early reservation of accommodation. The week of the conference is not school holidays in Queensland but it is for New South Wales, and July is also a popular conference time in Australia.
Other Options
The map below shows other accommodation options and their approximate relation to the conference venue BCEC. On South Bank there tend to be a range of apartments and hotels, whereas the CBD across the river has a large number of hotels. The new Neville Bonner bridge links the CBD with South Bank for pedestrians.
TRAVEL INFORMATION
Visas
For most countries visas for Australia are simple to arrange and are online or electronic. Use the Visa Finder to determine the right visa for you and follow the steps to apply for your visa. We have collated the most likely relevant visa information for conference delegates and speakers in the following document:
The information is current as at September 2025. Please use the links provided in the document to check for any changes.
Brisbane Fact Sheet and Visitor Guide
This fact sheet summarises some useful information about Brisbane, as well as a link to the digital Brisbane Visitors Guide:
Qantas Discounts
We have partnered with Qantas to support our delegates attending ICOTS12. As part of this collaboration, Qantas is offering discounts on selected flights for all registered delegates who are travelling to the event from within Australia and internationally.
Qantas is Australia's most trusted airline, with a reputation for delivering excellent service, safety, and reliability. We are proud to have them on board as our official airline partner for ICOTS12, ensuring delegates can travel in comfort and style to our event.
To find out more about the discounted flights, delegates can simply book via the Qantas Booking Link using the access code provided with your registration.
Conference Excursions
The Wednesday afternoon (July 15th) during the conference is set aside for excursions.
The following eight options are currently available. Tickets are purchased as an add-on to your conference registration.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at the Gold Coast has been conserving wildlife and Indigenous heritage for more than 75 years, and is home to Australia’s most beloved animals. Your afternoon will include an Aboriginal Cultural Show, Koala pat and talk with park keeper, walk amongst the kangaroos, followed by the famous Lorikeet bird feeding. Enjoy a short stroll to the beach and view a winter sunset before dining locally at a Currumbin creekside venue. Adult dinner included. Child choose from menu and pay separately.
Depart 12:30 – Return 21:00
Adults €105
Children €70
Sirromet Winery Tour
One of Queensland’s most celebrated wineries spans over 500 acres near Brisbane with breathtaking views of Moreton Bay. It is also a great spot for wildlife sightings. Your afternoon of activities include a winery tour, wine sampling, cheese pairing experience and afternoon tea on the terrace overlooking the grounds. Visitors often report encountering wallabies in the tranquil grounds of the winery.
Depart 12:45 – Return 17:45
Adults €95
Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show
This show takes you on a journey to the rugged Australian Outback, through the lives of two struggling Aussie farmers, Reg and Marge.
The show has been meticulously designed to embody the essence of the Australian Outback, ensuring a truly immersive experience for visitors. Delight in a delicious three-course meal with beverage as you enjoy the unforgettable spectacle, bringing the taste of Australia to your plate.
Depart 16:30 – Return 22:30
Adults €90
River Cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Enjoy a private relaxed return cruise along the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, taking in scenic river views. Lone Pine Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, with koalas in their natural habitat. It is also home to Australian animals such as kangaroos, emus, wallabies, platypus, Tasmanian devils, dingoes, wombats, and echidnas, along with raptors and other birds, and reptiles, including crocodiles, turtles, and snakes.
Please note: There are stairs to climb from the boat to the entry gates at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Depart 12:30 – Return 18:00
Adults €80
Children €50
Maleny Botanic Gardens & Birdworld
Enjoy an afternoon exploring the gardens, and exotic and native birds in an interactive tour of the aviaries and farm friend animals. The stunning gardens and rainforest are set on 23 acres with panoramic views across the iconic Glass House Mountains all the way to Brisbane. After watching the sunset at Sunset Lookout, enjoy dinner on the mountain at the local friendly Thai Restaurant; dinner from menu, pay separately.
Depart 12:30 – Return 21:00
Adults €70
Kings Beach & Caloundra
Caloundra is the closest of the Sunshine Coast beaches north of Brisbane and hosts pristine beaches, and waterside walking and exploring. The time is yours for swimming, beach walking, or following the Coastal Walk exploring rock pools and waterside cafes along the way. Other possibilities include the Seaview Artists Gallery or the Caloundra Public Art Trail, an approx. 1.8km loop. Enjoy the beach sunset followed by dinner at Harry’s Beach Bistro; dinner from menu, pay separately.
Depart 12:30 – Return 21:00
Adults €50
Mt Tamborine & Rainforest Skywalk
Mt Tamborine is located only an hour from Brisbane in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Explore the Gallery Walk & Boutique Shops with over 70 diverse quaint places to visit, before heading to the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The entire walk totals 1.5kms and is a combination of forest floor trails and canopy walk. We then capture the sunset at Hang Gliders Lookout, and dine locally on the mountain at Eagle Heights Hotel with views to the Gold Coast; dinner from menu, pay separately.
Depart 12:30 – Return 21:00
Adults €75
Children €65
Brisbane History Walking Tour
Discover the story of Brisbane on a privately arranged guided walking tour. Learn about Brisbane’s history, culture, society and First Nations people. You will hear about Brisbane’s colonisation by the British – and how their arrival impacted the original inhabitants, the Turrbal and Jagera people, Brisbane’s development from penal colony origins to Expo 88 and more recent transformations as the city prepares to host the 2032 Olympics.
Depart 14:00 – Return 17:00
Adults €45
Pre- and Post-Conference Tours
The links below highlight some of the many options for tours around Queensland before or after ICOTS 12.
PURCHASE
YOUR TICKET
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FROM $75 USD
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