Social Program
Welcome Reception
(This function is included in the Full Conference registration)
Date: Sunday 22nd January 2012
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Location: Garden House, Royal Botanical Gardens
Cost: Inclusive for full delegates
Inclusions: Drinks and canapés
Additional Tickets: $75
Bus details: A bus will pick up delegates from Conference Hotels. Please note the buses will depart ON TIME so please ensure you are out the front of your hotel 15 mins prior to departure times.
Please see times and pick up and drop off times below:
Drop off to Welcome Reception:
Bus 1:
5.30pm - Depart Rydges on Swanston, Outside Hotel
5.40pm - Depart Quest Carlton Clocktower, Outside Hotel
Bus 2:
5.30pm - Depart Vibe Hotel Carlton, Outside Hotel
5.40pm - Depart Trinity College, Royal Parade, Main Entrance Gate B
Return Trip to City and Conference Hotels:
Buses will depart from Birdwood Avenue at 8.15pm and stop:
- Central Business District
- Trinity College
- Rydges on Swanston
- Quest Carlton Clocktower
- Vibe Hotel Carlton
Alternatively - Trams from Flinders Street:
- Head south along St Kilda Road. Trams 3, 5, 8, 16, 64, or 67 follow this route
- After an 8 minute journey, depart tram at stop number 20, Domain Road Interchange.
- Walk east up the hill towards the Shrine of Remembrance
- Cross Birdwood Avenue and walk towards visitor centre and through Gate O
Garden House, Royal Botanical Gardens
Established in 1846 beside the Yarra River, Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens offers an expansive garden haven adjacent to the bustle of city, and is one of the key reasons why Victoria is known as “The Garden State”. The opening reception will take place in the elegant “Gardens House” – a two-storey Georgian mansion with original fittings, nestled in the gardens amongst acres of green.
Field Trip
Visit to Hanging Rock Reserve, and Hanging Rock Winery
(This function is included in the Full Conference registration)
Date: Tuesday 24th January 2012
Time: 1.00pm – 6.00pm
Location: Hanging Rock
Cost: Inclusive for full delegates
Additional Tickets: $75
Inclusions: Deluxe coach transport, entry to Hanging Rock Reserve, afternoon tea, guide.
Meeting Point: Trinity College
What to bring: We also recommend wearing comfortable shoes and bringing an umbrella in the event of typical Melbourne weather.
Visit to Hanging Rock, and the Hanging Rock Winery
Created over 6 million years ago, Hanging Rock is an impressive geological formation of volcanic origin rising over 100 metres above the surrounding plains of Central Victoria. Originally a site of ceremonial initiation for aboriginal men of the Wurundjeri people, the rock was also famously the inspiration for the novel “Picnic at Hanging Rock” immortalised in the iconic and haunting Australian film by director Peter Weir (www.imdb.com/title/tt0073540).
Victoria is also world-famous for its wine making, and a short trip from the rock is the stunning Macedon Ranges, being Australia’s coolest grape growing region. The Hanging Rock Winery, established in 1983, is the largest in the region, set amongst a breathtaking vista of growing fields.
Conference Dinner
(This function is included in the Full Conference registration)
Date: Wednesday 25th January 2012
Time: 7.00pm – 11.00pm
Location: Ormond College
Cost: Inclusive for full delegates
Additional Tickets: $120
Inclusions: Dinner, drinks and entertainment
Dress: Neat casual, Melbourne weather can vary. We recommend wearing layers and bring a jacket.
Ormond College
Established in 1881 and set amongst extensive gardens, Ormond College is the largest residential college for the University of Melbourne. The Dining Hall is one of the finest Neo-Gothic buildings in Australia, and its historic wood panelled interior, stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings make it an unforgettable location for our concluding conference dinner.
The closest public transport to the symposium dinner venue is the tram network. The nearest stop is number 13 on Royal Parade. From the Melbourne central business district catch tram number 19 heading North on Elizabeth Street. For information on transport routes and timetables, please visit www.metlinkmelbourne.com.au
Optional Dinner
(This function is not included in Full Conference registration)
Date: Monday 23rd January 2012
Time: 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Location: Emu Bottom Homestead
Cost: $170.00 per person
Inclusions: Bus transfers to and from Melbourne University and Emu Bottom Homestead, Dinner, drinks and entertainment.
Dress: Neat casual, Melbourne weather can vary. We recommend wearing layers and bring a jacket.
Bus Pick up: Pick up at 6.30 sharp from Trinity College, Melbourne University
Bus Drop off: Drop off at Conference Hotel or Trinity College, Melbourne University
Emu Bottom Homestead
The story of Emu Bottom Homestead begins on August 30 1835, when the schooner Enterprize sailed up Port Phillip Bay. On board was the first party of settlers who built the huts of the banks of the Yarra from which the City of Melbourne then grew.
Among that group was George Evans, who after exploring the area, chose to settle 40kms from the city, in a picturesque valley. It was here, in 1836, that he built the handsome stone building now known as Emu Bottom Homestead. George Evans named his homestead 'Emu Bottom' because he had settled in the low lying ground of the valley well frequented by large flocks of emus.
Nestled amid verdant countryside and surrounded by fertile valley pastures, Emu Bottom Homestead captures the magical spirit of Australia's pioneer past. The windows of the homestead look out upon unspoilt landscape and enchanting garden views. It's hard to believe that this secluded spot is just a short drive from the heart of bustling Melbourne.
Emu Bottom Homestead
Accompanying Persons Program
Whistles, Wine & Wildlife
Travel to the east of Melbourne to the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, full of lush ferns and dense forests. Take a train ride through the hills aboard the quaint little steam train, Puffing Billy before arriving in the Yarra Valley, an internationally recognised producer of cool climate wines. Afternoon visit to the Healesville Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of native animals in a natural bush setting.
Date: Wednesday 25th January 2011
Cost: $185 pp, based on a minimum of 10 people.
Includes: Deluxe transport, ride on Puffing Billy, lunch, entry to & guided tour of the Healesville Sanctuary, gst.
Times: 8.15am to 5.00pm.
“An introduction to Melbourne” Walking Tour
The best way to discover Melbourne is on foot with an experienced walking tour guide!. The guide will take you on an eclectic journey through this most exciting city. You will discover laneways, arcades, obscure treasures and much more on this two hour walk. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Date: Tuesday 24th Jan 2011
Cost: $50 pp, based on a minimum of 10 people.
Includes: Guided city walk, refreshments, gst.
Times: 10.00am to 12.30pm
Glorious Gardens
Known as the Garden City of the Garden State, Melbourne is endowed with some of the best gardens and parks in the world. The most impressive of them all though is the Royal Botanic Gardens, one of Melbourne’s truly outstanding attractions. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk by Aboriginal (Koori) guides. Share in the wealth of plant lore and discover more of the rich and vibrant Aboriginal culture amidst one of the great botanic gardens of the world.
Date: Tuesday 24th Jan 2011
Cost: $85 pp, based on a minimum of 20 people.
Includes: Coach transport, Aboriginal heritage walk, morning, guide, gst.
Times: 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Yarra Valley Wine Tour
Visit the beautiful Yarra Valley and enjoy tastings at De Bortoli, Yering Station, Domaine Chandon and Coldstream Hills. Appreciate why this region enjoys such a high, profile with its world class production of sparkling and table wines and outstanding food.
Date: Monday 23rd January 2011
Cost: $170 pp, based on a minimum of 10 people.
Includes: Deluxe transport, all wine tastings, lunch, glass of wine & coffee at Yering Station, bottled water, guide, gst.
Times: 9.00am to 5.00pm.
How to book
To book, complete the online registration form under the Registration tab of this website.