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. 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.
Liability and Insurance
Please see terms and conditions on Registration. All participants are reminded that neither the Organising Committees nor the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre are liable for any losses, accidents, or damage to persons or private property. Participants and accompanying persons are requested to make their own arrangements in respect of health and travel insurance.
LOCAL INFORMATION
Registration
The registration desk on the Plaza Level, will open at 13:00 Sunday 12th July, and will be open 8:00 each morning. Enter BCEC by Grey St entry. There is also a taxi rank at the Merivale St entry to BCEC, so if you arriving by taxi, tell the driver "Grey St entry".
Coffee Breaks
During morning and afternoon breaks, refreshments will be served free of charge to participants wearing conference identification badges.
Food Outlets
There are many and diverse food and beverage outlets in close proximity to the venue - see map. Further information will be available in registration materials.
Public Transport
Public transport in Brisbane is a flat 50 cent fare for buses, trains and ferries. Payment is contactless. You can use any contactless debit or credit card, including those in a digital wallet like Apple Pay, Google Wallet or Samsung Pay. However, you must tap on and off, and always tap on and tap off with the same card or device.
Transport from the Airport
South Brisbane train station is closest to BCEC. The Airtrain travels from domestic and international airports to South Brisbane in 25-30 mins. Online tickets are valid for any service on the date that you have booked and accepted 2 days either side of your booked date. Use the code ICOTS12 for discount travel between 3rd July to 20th July 2026 ($16 one way, $32 return per person). The code is valid until 17th July 2026.
Weather
The average maximum and minimum temperatures in July in Brisbane are 20-21°C (68°F) and 10-11°C (50°F). The difference between afternoon and evening temperatures is noticeable. July is the driest month on average, with an average total of 34 mm for the month. Winds tend to be light but cool, so the apparent temperature is often less. With an average of 9 hours sunshine per day, July is traditionally clear and cool.
Time
Brisbane is on Australian Eastern Standard time (AEST), 10 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+10:00).
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink in Australia.
Electricity
Electricity in Australia is 230V, 50Hz. Type 1 plugs are used.
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.
If you require a letter confirming your registration for visa purposes then please email h.macgillivray@qut.edu.au
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. (This link must open in the same tab to receive the offer. Opening in a new tab will not work.)
Conference Excursions
The Wednesday afternoon (July 15th) during the conference is set aside for excursions.
The following seven 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 and a 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
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
WHAT’s ON AT SOUTH BANK
South Bank is Brisbane's premier lifestyle and cultural destination. If you are interested in seeing a gallery or show while you are here in Brisbane, please visit the links below to see what's on. Note that tickets to shows at QPAC sell out fast so consider booking in advance.
The first three venues are situated on the banks of the Brisbane River and are right next to the ICOTS 12 conferencing venue. The Museum of Brisbane is located across the river on the City Hall's third level in the heart of Brisbane.
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
Class aptent taciti sociosqu ad litora torquent per conubia nostra, per inceptos himenaeos. Sed mol estie augue sit amet leo consequat posuere. Vesti bulum ante ipsum primis in faucibus orci luctus et ultrices posuere cubilia curae proin vel ante aorci tempus eleifend ut et magna:
FROM $75 USD
PARTNERS
