Conference FAQ (in progress)

Dates: Monday–Friday, September 22–26, 2025

LOC/SOC Contact Email: conference.eor@gmail.com

Location: Oaks Port Douglas Resort, Port Douglas, QLD

Conference Website: Program & Details

Presentation Info

Please email your presentation to the LOC via conference.eor@gmail.com at least an hour before your talk.

Talk guidelines:

  • Invited talks: 30 minutes + 10 minutes Q&A

  • Contributed talks: 15 minutes + 5 minutes Q&A

Poster presentations:

  • Boards: TBD

  • We will have Blu-Tac to attach your poster

  • Optional: submit a 2-minute poster sparkler (1–2 slides in PDF) to the LOC via conference.eor@gmail.com

    before September 22, 2025.

Travel & Transport

How do I get to the resort?
The nearest airport is Cairns Airport. The resort is approximately a 1-hour drive from there.

Will there be airport transfers?
Yes. Free shuttle buses will be arranged for:

  • Arrivals: Sunday, September 21

  • Departures: Friday, September 26

We will ask for your flight details a few weeks before the conference start date.

How much will it cost to bring extra guests on the airport transfers?
Travel companions not registered for the conference will cost extra. We will email you with an invoice with the exact cost.

Can I take a rideshare or taxi?
Yes. Uber or Taxi from Cairns Airport: Approximately $115 AUD one way. If you're traveling on a different day, we suggest coordinating rides with other attendees.

Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available for guests staying at the resort.

Accommodation

Where can I stay?
Attendees can stay at the conference venue: Oaks Port Douglas Resort:

Their contact information is below:

  • Phone: 1300 165 369

  • Email: portdouglas@theoaksgroup.com.au

Other options include local Airbnbs and nearby hotels including:

Meals & Food

What meals are included for registered attendees?
The conference fee covers:

  • Sunday evening - Welcome Reception (Sept 21)

  • Daily lunch (Mon–Fri)

  • Morning & afternoon tea (no afternoon tea on Wed or Fri)

  • Thursday evening - Conference Dinner (Sept 25)

Can travel companions join the meals?
Yes, if specified in the registration form. We will email you with an invoice with the exact cost.

Is breakfast included in the registration fee?
No. Breakfast is not included but can be purchased at the resort or in nearby cafés.

Breakfast Options at Oaks Port Douglas Resort are:

  • Oak & Vine Restaurant - À la carte options (Menu): 7:00am – 9:30am Daily

  • The Lilypad Café - Buffet: 7:00am – 9:30am Daily

Getting Around Port Douglas

How can I get to the beach or downtown Port Douglas from the resort?

  • Uber is available in Port Douglas.

  • Bike rentals

  • Four Mile Beach (Rated on Tripadvisor as one of the top 5 beaches in Australia!) is a ~20 minute walk from the resort.

  • Downtown Port Douglas is about a 6-minute drive or 30-minute walk. Shuttle services run regularly between the resort and town for a small fee. You can book these at reception or via local shuttle companies.

Activities & Excursions

Is there free time or optional tours?
Yes. Wednesday afternoon (Sept 24) is reserved for excursions or relaxation. Options include:

  • Great Barrier Reef snorkeling: ~$200pp

  • Daintree Rainforest tour: ~$150pp

We will organize groups for each of these activities. Please indicate your interest in the registration form, and we will follow up with more information.

What should I bring?

  • Sunscreen

  • Hat & sunglasses

  • Insect repellent

  • Swimsuit

  • Optional: snorkel gear, reef shoes, underwater camera

  • Any diving certification cards (if planning to dive)

Weather & Location Info

What’s the weather like in September?

  • Typical temps: 24–31°C (75–88°F)

  • Some rain, higher humidity (67%)

  • No marine stingers – safe for ocean swimming

What time zone is Port Douglas in?
Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) – UTC+10

  • New York City (EDT – UTC-4) → Port Douglas is 14 hours ahead

  • London (BST – UTC+1) → Port Douglas is 9 hours ahead