Monday 30 June 2008

Opening Ceremony
1700 – 1815 hours
Great Hall, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
The colourful and entertaining session will celebrate the official opening of the Congress.  Delegates will be officially welcomed to Brisbane and enjoy a traditional ceremony.  The opening ceremony is included in delegates’ and accompanying persons’ registration.

Welcome Reception
1830-2000 hours
Streets Beach, South Bank Parklands
Prepare yourself for an evening of tropical partying just a short stroll from the congress venue! Take in the culture of Brisbane’s South Bank as you enjoy an evening by the beachside. Included for fulltime delegates and registered accompanying persons. Additional tickets: AUD80. Includes: food, beverages, and entertainment.  Dress: smart casual, flat shoes (for the beach) and a warm jacket as the venue is outdoors. Delegates will be guided to the venue after the Opening Ceremony. 

Tuesday 1 July 2008

Outback Spectacular - discover the Outback spirit!
1730 – 2230 hours
Gold Coast, Queensland
Australian Outback Spectacular is a AUD23 million show extravaganza capturing the grandeur of the Australian Outback. The show has a cast of larger than life characters, amazing animals and spectacular scenes featuring wild horses, stampeding cattle, bush vehicles and superb horsemanship.  The ‘station muster’ is an exciting and breath-taking part of the show which highlights the incredible skills of both horse and rider.  And during the heat of the action, guests will be served an Australian BBQ dinner. Tickets: AUD120 for adults and AUD90 for children (4-13 years).  Includes show, souvenir Stockman’s hat, three-course dinner, during-dinner beverages, and return coach transfers.  Cash bar available pre-show. Dress: casual.  Please note the coaches will depart the convention centre at 1730 hours (straight after sessions).

Wednesday 2 July 2008

Kookaburra River Queen Dinner Cruise
1900-2200 hours
Board the iconic Kookaburra River Queen Paddlewheeler for a memorable dinner cruise up and down the Brisbane River.  Guests will have the opportunity to take in the beautiful sights of Brisbane city at night as the Paddlewheeler quietly plies its way up the river.  Tickets: AUD105.  Includes buffet meal, beverages, and entertainment.  Dress: Smart casual.

Mt Coot-tha Summit Dinner
1900-2200 hours
Guests will be transported to the summit of Brisbane’s Mt Coot-tha to view the city from its highest point, followed by a delightful dinner.  Tickets: AUD130.  Includes return transport to Mt Coot-tha, three course meal, beverages, and entertainment.  Dress: Smart casual.

Thursday 3 July 2008

Congress Dinner
1930-2330 hours
Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
The dinner is the premier social occasion of the Congress. Guests will be given the opportunity to continue stimulating conversation generated at the Congress beyond the confines of a lecture theatre. A unique Australian theme and quality Australian food and beverages will ensure the dinner is an event not to be missed! Tickets: AUD130.   Includes three-course meal, beverages and entertainment. Dress: Smart casual.

Accompanying Persons’ Program

Further details regarding transport for the following tours will be included in the Congress handbook. All coaches will pick up participants from the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.  The dress for all tours is casual – we suggest you wear comfortable shoes and you may need a hat and sunglasses (even though it is winter in Brisbane).  Remember to bring your sunscreen, camera and a jacket.

Tuesday 1 July 2008

1. Morning city sights with River Cruise

Brisbane is often called the “River City” and it’s easy to see why, the river snakes its way through the city and suburbs highlighting some of the best features. Tour by coach through the CBD past prominent buildings and feel the heartbeat of the Brisbane past and present. Enjoy morning tea by the river at the Breakfast Creek Hotel and explore the grounds of Newstead House, Queensland’s oldest residence with its wide colonial verandahs overlooking the river. From Newstead House you will join “Neptune” and cruise past prestigious suburbs and historic buildings including the magnificent sandstone buildings of Customs House. The tour concludes at South Bank Parklands

2. Riverlife Mirrabooka Aboriginal Cultural Experience

Participate in traditional Aboriginal song and dance with descendants of the local Yuggera Tribe as they perform indigenous stories and dance skills passed on for thousands of years.  Witness traditional fire starting techniques and share in indigenous educational talks that offer an insight into Aboriginal life and history of this ancient land.  Take part as Aboriginal musicians demonstrate and encourage visitors to try traditional indigenous instruments such as the didgeridoo and clap sticks.  The group will be escorted on foot from the convention centre (approximately 20 mins) through Southbank Parklands to the Riverlife Centre.

Wednesday 2 July 2008

1. Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo – this tour will also run on Friday 4 July

The Sunshine Coast, home of the Crocodile Hunter and Australia Zoo, has been a popular holiday playground for Australian's and visitors alike.  On this tour you will have time to experience the best of Australia Zoo.  This wildlife "Theme Park" is too good to rush. Spend almost 6 hours seeing the many shows and demonstrations including crocodile feeding and snake handling. The Zoo has a team of over 500 who believe in "conservation through exciting education", who will ensure you have a wildlife experience you'll never forget.

2. O’Reilly’s & Mt. Tamborine

Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast from Mt Tamborine, then onto O'Reilly's where you will traverse old logging tracks and hear of the epic adventures of early settlers. Walk through the treetops 16 metres above the forest floor, before returning to your hotel via Canungra Valley Vineyards. Dress: as this tour will travel through colder, hilly areas we suggest you bring a warm jacket.

3. City, Lone Pine Sanctuary & Mt. Coot-tha – this tour will also run on Friday 4 July

This tour takes you past some of Brisbane's historic buildings including the oldest "the Mill / Observatory." Get a feel for Brisbane's convict past before travelling through the leafy sub tropical suburbs. Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (entry included) where you will have the opportunity to "Cuddle a Koala" (photos at own expense).
Finish the afternoon with "top of the world" views of the city, bay and islands from Mt Coot-tha.

• See koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife.
• See the classic architecture of Brisbane homes, the traditional "tin and timber" homes on stilts are now much sought after.
• Travel through trendy Paddington and past famous Suncorp Stadium, home of many sporting battles.
• Look down on the city from Mt Coot-tha.

Thursday 3 July 2008

1.   Sunshine Hinterland & Montville   

The Sunshine Coast is not just famous for its beaches. It has a rich heritage of spectacular Hinterland scenery combined with exciting man-made attractions. Montville is the creative heart of the craft villages and towns that make up the Blackall Range Region. Stunning views over the coastline and an interesting variety of craft shops and restaurants create a memorable experience. The tour will also visit the Ginger Factory, “Superbee” (a working honey factory), and the beautiful beachside town of Mooloolaba. Dress: as this tour will travel through colder, hilly areas we suggest you bring a warm jacket.

2. Sirromet Winery 

Queensland’s largest and most awarded winery. Set amongst rolling vineyards with spectacular views to Moreton Bay, this state of the art winery offers natural scenery and abundant wildlife to compliment its great wine. Spend the afternoon at this beautiful vineyard with a winery tour, tasting and a souvenir glass.

Friday 4 July 2008

1. Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo 

 (see description above under Wednesday tours)

2. Complete Sunshine Coast with Noosa  

The Sunshine Coast’s magnificent beaches and relaxed yet sophisticated lifestyle has made it a magnet for Australian and international visitors alike. This tour showcases the diversity and beauty of the Sunshine Coast. You will visit Noosa Heads and Hastings Street before following the coast to Mooloolaba. Mooloolaba is derived from the aboriginal word meaning "Schnapper Fish" and has its own attractions and atmosphere with numerous sidewalk cafes, bars and of course Underwater World where you will spend 90 minutes marvelling at Queensland’s largest Oceanarium and Aquarium.

3. City, Lone Pine Sanctuary & Mt. Coot-tha – this tour will also run on Wednesday 2 July

(see description above under Wednesday tours)

Cancellation policies

• The Congress Managers reserve the right to cancel or vary optional activities if minimum numbers are not reached
• Regrettably, optional congress social functions, day tours and additional ticket cancellations cannot be refunded if participation is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to the event
• Individual operator cancellation policy may vary from the above
• For half- and full-day tours, cancellations within 48 hours incur a 100% cancellation fee

Disclaimer
The 23rd World’s Poultry Congress, WPSA and Event Planners Australia and their agents act only as organisers of these activities and do not accept responsibility for any act or omission on the part of the service providers. No liability is accepted for any inaccuracy, mis-description, delay, damage, death or personal injury.