FAQ

Can anyone register for the conference?

  • Yes, we welcome all interested astrological enthusiasts to the conference. However if you are not a member of the Federation of Australian Astrologers you must join, as our conferences are for our members only. You are welcome to join the astrological association for one year. Fees are $60 and you will receive four astrological journals as well as become a member of your local astrological organisation which usually hosts monthly meetings, lectures and seminars.

Could you please let me know whether there are single en-suite rooms available?

  • All the en-suite rooms are now fully booked. As posted on our site earlier and in the FAA journal, these rooms were limited and early booking was advised. We do have a good range of single student rooms still available for the period from January 18 – 23.

How many nights accommodation are included in the Full Conference plus accommodation package?

  • Three nights are included in the accommodation packages, starting Thursday January 19 and checking out Sunday January 22. If you are coming for a pre-conference workshop or staying on for a post-conference you will need extra accommodation, as mentioned below.
  • University college is fully booked for the 17-18 as well as the 23-24; however the dates from the 18-23 are still available. Check in time is 2 pm while check out time is 10 am.

Could you give me some details about the single student accommodation?
Our tradition for FAA conferences is to utilise a university for many reason which include keeping your costs reasonable and creating a shared and friendly experience. The single college rooms are like most universities; however University College has had a facelift over the past few years and is very welcoming. Single college rooms have shared bathroom facilities. Each room includes:

  • A single bed
  • Study desk
  • Chair
  • Wardrobe
  • Network point for internet access on request only
  • Telephone and telephone connection on request only

Is accommodation available at the University for extra days before and after the conference, and how much will it cost?
Extra Accommodation at University College is only available for the night of the 18-19 and the 22-23. The costs for these two nights will be:

  • Single College Room B & B………$85

However if you need accommodation for the night of the 17-18 or the 23-24 we can accommodate you at (click to view map), a short 7 minute walk from University College and located at 241 Royal Parade, Parkville, Melbourne. Please inquire about this possibility if you are interested.

I would like to bring my partner but he does not want to attend the conference – can he share a room with me and attend the social functions?

  • All the student rooms are single rooms and therefore these are not able to be shared. However there is a lot of accommodation near the university. If you need any assistance please be in touch.
  • Extra tickets for the social events will be available and can be purchased separately. Prices for these tickets will be announced after the first early bird registration is over.

Is there other accommodation near the conference venue available?
University College is part of the University of Melbourne in Parkville so there are many hotels and motels nearby in Parkville, Carlton, North Melbourne and closer to the city. The venue is close to public transportation and therefore is very accessible. However the Australian Open is on and passionate tennis fans from all over the world will be booking up the hotel space in Melbourne at this time, so we recommend early booking. Following are some suggestions:

Is there other university accommodation near the conference venue available?

All our apartments and en-suites have now been booked but single room accommodation is available at International House.

Are there any corporate or special rates available for delegates to the FAA Conference?
Yes, we have obtained a special rate for delegates who may wish to stay in one of the apartments, which is suitable to share with a friend, at:

  • The Arrow on Swanston
    488 Swanston Street,
    Carlton Victoria 3053
    Telephone: (613) 9225 9000
    Website: http://www.arrowonswanston.com.au

    • A standard twin apartment, which is 1 bedroom with 2 single beds is listed at $210. We have obtained a special price for the following nights:

    Tuesday 17th January – $149
    Wednesday 18th January $149
    Thursday 19th January – $149
    Friday 20th January – $189
    Saturday 21st January – $189
    Sunday 22nd January – $149
    Monday 23rd January – $149

    Delegates must state they are booking for the FAA conference to get these rates. Remember the Australian Open will be on and accommodation will be scarce and more expensive so we are advising early booking. The above prices per night are for two people in a Standard Twin (1 bedroom -2 single beds) or a Standard Double (1 bedroom 1 double bed)

    You can also apply for a discount on other apartments when you mention the FAA.

    The tram is at the door which is a short tram ride to the conference.

What meals are included in the package?

Breakfast is included for all conference delegates staying on campus.
Lunch is included for all conference delegates staying on campus as well as those registering for conference plus extras.
Dinner is not included. Saturday night dinner is included with the pub night.
Lunch tickets and pub night tickets can be bought separately; however these will be limited.

Where can I eat on Thursday and Friday nights?

Melbourne has long been the food capital of Australia, and the epicentre of the ‘foodie’ culture is a hop, step and jump from University College. On Thursday evening we have our ‘Meet the Speakers’ cocktail party where finger food will be served. Afterwards, you will probably want to join some friends and either jump on a tram or share a short taxi ride to one of the many cafes or pubs within a very short distance. This is also a good opportunity to acclimatise yourself as you discover the many places you may wish to choose for Friday evening’s culinary delights! A comprehensive guide to nearby cafes, pubs and restaurants will be included in your Conference information.

I will be driving down to the conference and staying at the college. Is there parking nearby?

  • If you are staying on campus there is parking available on site. On registration you will be given a pass for the car park.
  • If you are a local and bring your car then there is ample parking on the street. Time restrictions do apply and we will be posting these soon. However the venue is right on the tram line so access by public transportation is regular.

I cannot attend the evening functions and only am registering for conference only. Can I purchase lunch tickets?

  • Yes lunch tickets are available for $18 per day.

Will there be a limit on the number attending the pre and post conference workshops?

  • Yes. We will limit most of the workshops in order to maximise the experience for those attending therefore we do recommend early registration. Also we will be giving priority to those who are already attending the conference.

Are any pre or post conference workshops already filled?

  • Yes, the Robert Hand workshop on January 18th now is fully booked.

Is University College close to the city?
University College is conveniently located on the corner of College Crescent and Royal Parade in Parkville, an inner Melbourne suburb close to the city and just 10 minutes by tram or taxi north of the centre of Melbourne’s CBD. University College adjoins The University of Melbourne and Princes Park. Its location affords easy access to the Melbourne Airport via Tullamarine Freeway.

University College is close to Lygon Street, the wonderful Italian district with a surplus of great cafes and eateries. A plethora of Melbournian landmarks are close by, including:

  • Queen Victoria Market
  • MCG
  • Ethiad Stadium
  • State Library
  • Melbourne Zoo
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Shrine of Remembrance
  • Federation Square (tourist information centre)
  • Australian Centre for the Moving Arts
  • Parliament House
  • Southbank
  • Crown Casino
  • National Gallery of Victoria
  • Melbourne Museum
  • Arts Centre
  • St Patrick’s Cathedral
  • Eureka Tower
  • Yarra River
  • Melbourne Park
  • Olympic Park
  • Public Record Office
  • Flinders Street Station
  • Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre

What about the Australian Open?
Yes the FAA 2012 Conference is synchronous with the Australian Open Tennis which starts on Monday 16 Jan 2012 and lasts until Sunday 29 Jan 2012 and is held at the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre. Melbourne will be bustling and therefore we recommend early bookings for your accommodation. Usually at this time of the year beds are at a premium. Check out their website should you want to stay on and grab a game: www.australianopen.com

Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, as stated with the costs our cancellation policy is:
A non-refundable deposit of $95 is included with your fees. The balance of fees is refundable up to 55 days before the conference commences (November 25, 2011)

31 – 55 days prior to the conference
Between November 26 and December 20, 2011 – 75% of fees are refundable

16 – 30 days prior to conference
Between December 21, 2011 and January 4, 2012 – 50% of fees are refundable

  0 – 15 days prior to conference
After January 5, 2012 – no fees are able to be refunded

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