Venue
XeSAT2027 will be held at the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Visas and entry to Australia
All visitors to Australia, except New Zealand citizens, need a visa or travel authorisation before travelling. Attending a conference (without being paid to do so) is generally permitted on a visitor visa. Which one applies depends on your passport:
- eVisitor (subclass 651) – EU and EFTA countries, the United Kingdom and some other European countries. Applied for online; no application charge.
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA, subclass 601) – e.g. USA, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong (SAR) and others. Applied for via the official Australian ETA app; a service charge applies.
- Visitor visa (subclass 600, Business Visitor stream) – all other passport holders. Please apply early, as processing can take several weeks; a letter of invitation from the organisers can be requested via xesat2027@lists.unimelb.edu.au.
Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for current requirements: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
Getting to Melbourne
Melbourne Airport (MEL, Tullamarine) has direct or one-stop connections from Asia, Europe and North America. Typical travel times (fares vary widely by origin and booking time – book early):
- East and South-East Asia: roughly 8–12 h travel, often direct
- Europe: roughly 22–26 h travel, typically one stop
- North America: roughly 17–24 h travel, direct or one stop
From the airport, the SkyBus express coach runs to Southern Cross Station in the city centre (about 30 minutes); taxis and ride-share services are also available. The University's Parkville campus is a short tram ride north of the city centre along Swanston Street.
Weather
June is early winter in Melbourne: typical daytime highs are around 14 °C and overnight lows around 7 °C, with frequent showers. Melbourne is also known for being windy, and the weather can change quickly during the day. Please bring warm, windproof clothing and an umbrella.
Accommodation
Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation within walking or tram distance of the University of Melbourne, particularly in Carlton, Parkville and the city centre (CBD).
As a rough guide, mid-range hotels near the campus and in the CBD typically cost around AUD 150–250 per night, with budget options and serviced apartments available from around AUD 100 per night. June is generally one of the cheaper months.
Recommended hotels and any conference rates: Will be updated soon
Things to do in Melbourne and surroundings
Will be updated soon