Conference location
Nanophotonics Down Under 2009 will be held in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The MCEC is conveniently located on the banks of the Yarra River in the heart of the city, and is comprised of the Melbourne Convention Centre and the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.
The Melbourne Convention Centre’s contemporary design features an 18-metre-high glass wall façade fronting the Yarra River, a timber-clad, fan-shaped 5,000-seat plenary hall that can be sub-divided into smaller tiered conference venues, a ballroom and 32 meeting rooms of various sizes. Its flexible layout can be tailored to fit gatherings of any size. The new Melbourne Convention Centre has been awarded a 6 Star Green Star environmental rating by the Green Building Council of Australia, the first in the world for a convention centre. The new centre will be fully integrated with the existing Exhibition Centre making the MCEC the largest combined exhibition and convention centre in Australia.
About Melbourne
Melbourne, the capital of Victoria is the second largest city on the Australian continent. It is a multicultural city of nearly 4 million people. Rich in beautifully manicured gardens, and charmed with four seasons (sometimes all in the same day!), it has consistently been judged as the world’s most livable city. Melbourne is famous for its café style culture. As a visitor, you will be able to enjoy gastronomic dining, fine coffee and shopping all contained in any one of its famous streets. For example, you can transport yourself to Italy with a quick visit to Lygon Street, or enjoy the cafe style shopping culture of Bridge Road, all just a tram ride away from the conference hotel! For those who would like to venture out, many attractions surround Melbourne. Including The Great Ocean Road and many other nature parks.
How to get to the conference
1). Catch the SkyBus from Terminal 1 or 3 at Melbourne International Airport . The SkyBus operates 7 days a week, including public holidays. Skybus departs every 10-15 minutes between 06:00 and 21:30 and half hourly or hourly at other times.
All services are daily including public holidays. Plan your trip to allow enough time for airline check-in requirements. For further Skybus details click here.
2). Disembark the bus at Southern Cross Station on Spencer Street . The Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Center is a 8 min walk south-south-east down Spencer St. Alternatively catch a No. 75 or 96 tram from the corner of Bourke and Spencer St. and disembark at the last stop before crossing the Yarra river. For further Tram details click here.
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Accommodation
The following hotels have negotiated special conference rates and are all within 5 minutes' walking distance from the Melbourne Convention Centre. Attendees need to book directly from the Hotels. Please mention Nanophotonics Down Under while booking. All rooms are not held and subject to availability. Please book in advance to secure a place.
4 Star - Crowne Plaza 15 Spencer Street, Melbourne. A$205 per room night, single and double room.
4 Star - Holiday Inn 575 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. A$185 per room night, single and double room.
3 Star - Pensione Hotel Melbourne, 16 Spencer Street, Melbourne. Petite Double Room (1 x Double Bed) A$110.00 per room per night. Double/Twin Room (1 x Double or 2 x Single Beds) $120.00 per room per night.
