Welcome to Australia
ANZ Geomechanics 2023 is extending a warm welcome to you to Australia, a place where the world’s oldest cultures share vast ochre plains, stylish laneways and unimaginably blue waters with successive waves of new arrivals from across the globe. Plan your trip ahead to explore other states in Australia before or after the Conference.
Located at the north of Queensland, Australia, here’s a quick overview of the distance between Cairns and the other states:
| Route | Road (km/miles) | Air (hrs) | Coach (hrs) | Rail (hrs) |
| Cairns – Sydney | 2695 / 1671 | 2.5 | 48 | 44.3 |
| Cairns – Darwin | 2857 / 1771 | 2.5 | 40 | – |
| Cairns – Brisbane | 1716 / 1065 | 2.05 | 29 | 25 |
| Cairns – Gold Coast | 1861 / 1156 | 2.5 | 31 | 27 |
| Cairns – Melbourne | 2316 / 1439 | 3.4 | – | – |
| Cairns – Perth | 3442 / 2139 | 5 | – | – |
Sydney
Sydney the oldest, biggest, and most beautiful of all Australian cities, lies amid a seductive intermingling of land and sea. Glide along the glittering harbor on a ferry, see the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sunshine, admire the graceful arch of the Harbour Bridge, and it’s hard to imagine this vibrant state capital of New South Wales was once a convict colony. In 1788, it was at Sydney Cove where Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet, established the first British colony in Australia.
Today, you can explore Sydney’s fabled history in the narrow, cobbled laneways and historic buildings of the Rocks and the city’s excellent museums, where you can also learn about the Gadigal aboriginal people, who once thrived on this land. Sydney still fizzes with the adventurous spirit of its settlers. You can climb the harbor bridge, surf the green-barrel breaks at Sydney’s golden beaches, or fly over the city on a scenic tour.
Brisbane
Sophisticated galleries, subtropical beaches, cool-climate vineyards: the greater Brisbane region delivers gasp-inducing contrasts. The region’s star is Brisbane itself. Traditional home of the Jagera people, Queensland’s capital has a flourishing restaurant, bar and cultural scene. Lapping at its eastern fringe is Moreton Bay, where low-lying sandy isles beckon with turquoise waves and passing parades of whales, turtles and dolphins.
Brisbane is the home to 2.4 million people and has all the amenities to prove it. Brisbane also wears the title of Australia’s largest capital city by geographic size and happens to be the third-largest city in the world by land size occupying 1140km2. With 261 days of sunshine, Brisbane puts the sun into the Sunshine State. In October, you’ll bear witness to a sea of purple as the Jacaranda trees bloom across the city.
Melbourne
A vibrant cosmopolitan city, located on the magnificent Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne is the state capital and cultural heart of Victoria. All state roads lead into the city and Victoria’s unique geography means that it is possible to spend the morning on the coast, ski in the afternoon in the Victorian Alps and enjoy an aperitif at a winery before returning to Melbourne to take in a show at one of the many theatres. With Melbourne’s combination of world-class dining, art galleries, homegrown fashion and a packed sports calendar, it’s no surprise Victoria’s capital is regarded as one of the world’s most livable cities.
The city’s architecture is a wild mix of old and new. You can find art pieces throughout the metropolitan area of this original city by the Yarra River. In Melbourne, the visitor will be pleased to find plenty of green parks, waterfront and space. Its extensive parks are sanctuaries where the city seems a thousand miles away. Absolute cleanliness is apparent; all public areas are kept immaculately pristine. This capital of Victoria is well worth a visit of several days, both for its own numerous attractions, and those in nearby provincial and coastal areas.
CLICK HERE FOR GUIDE TO MELBOURNE
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast has set the scene for blockbuster movies and world-class surf events, so it’s no surprise Queensland’s most charismatic city needs a comprehensive guide to discover its best assets.
With over 70 kilometres of glistening coastline, the largest concentration of theme parks in the southern hemisphere and a thriving arts and culture scene, there’s plenty of reasons to visit the Gold Coast.
Whether you want to hit the theme parks in the northern Gold Coast, embrace the slower pace of the southern Gold Coast, catch a wave at Currumbin or Burleigh Heads or escape into nature in the lush Hinterland – the Gold Coast delivers the holiday-goods.
Download the Australia Visitor Map
Get your copy of Tourism Australia’s visitor map, complete with travel tips and road safety information to help you plan an incredible journey around Australia.