Berninneit, 91 – 97 Thompson Ave, Cowes VIC 3922, Australia

Yes, the conference has organised return airport transfers between Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and Berninneit Cowes for delegates.

Transfers can be booked during the registration process. Cost: AUD$49.00 | Bookings are essential. For further details, please click here. For those who have booked your transfers from Melbourne Airport, please click here to see the meeting point at the Melbourne Tullamarine Airport.

Arrival Transfers

Sunday, 30 August 2026
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport → Berninneit, Cowes

• 11:00am
• 3:00pm

Departure Transfers

Friday, 4 September 2026
Berninneit, Cowes → Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

• 4:30pm

 Saturday, 5 September 2026
Berninneit, Cowes → Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

• 9:00am

By Bus

There is no direct train to Phillip Island. However, you may take the train from the airport then take a bus from Southern Cross Station to Cowes. Plan your shuttle bus and trip to the island using the links. This information is also in the 12IPC Community Facebook

By Car

Phillip Island is about a 2-hour drive from Melbourne via the South Gippsland and Bass Highways, connected to the mainland by the San Remo bridge.

Available Car Rental Services:

Hertz

Avis

Budget

By Coach

Private operators offer direct coach services between Melbourne and Phillip Island, including event and weekend services.

• Phillip Island Bus Lines
• Western Port Ferries & Coaches

For further details, please click here.

September marks the beginning of spring on Phillip Island, with cool, changeable coastal weather. Delegates should be prepared for a mix of sunny and rainy conditions, along with brisk winds.

Typical temperatures:

• Average high: 16°C (61°F)
• Average low: 8°C – 10°C (46°F – 50 °F)

For visitors travelling to Australia:

• Voltage: 230–250 volts
• Plug type: Type I (three flat pins in a triangular formation)

International visitors may require a plug adapter and, depending on their home country and devices, a voltage converter.

The registration desk will be located on the ground level of Berninneit, Cowes. Please direct any questions you may have regarding registration, session attendance or other elements of the Conference to Leishman Associates staff at this desk.

The registration desk location will be shared closer to the event. Please direct any questions you may have regarding registration, session attendance or other elements of the Conference to Leishman Associates staff at this desk.

Delegates and exhibitors will be provided with an individual name badge, which will give you access to all sessions and social events that you have registered to attend. This must be worn at all times within the Conference venues.

A Conference App will be available to download for iOS and Android through the App Stores. The app will contain all the information with regards to the conference and the program. If you have difficulties downloading/navigating the app, please see Leishman Associates staff at the registration desk.

In the lead-up to the conference, edits will be made to the program. See the latest version of the program on the website and Conference App. Any changes to the conference program during the conference will be announced during housekeeping notices. You may also check with Leishman Associates staff at the registration desk.

Photography and Recording by Attendees:

• Attendees are permitted to take photographs for personal or social media use during sessions, provided they do not disrupt the proceedings and the presenter has not indicated otherwise.
• Audio and video recording of sessions by attendees is prohibited unless prior written consent is obtained from the presenter.

Social Media Sharing:

• When sharing images or content from the conference on social media, please credit the presenter.
• Do not share images of individuals under 18 years of age without explicit permission from a parent or guardian.

Respect and Consideration:

• Be mindful of others’ preferences regarding photography and recording. Always ask for consent before capturing images or recordings of fellow attendees.
• Avoid using flash photography during sessions to prevent distractions.

Free wireless internet access is available for the duration of the Conference.

PLEASE NOTE: The internet is not to be used to view or download any illicit material, including movies, music etc.

A delegate list will be available via the Mobile App. Printed delegate lists will not be available at the conference. If you had selected privacy required when completing your registration form, your name will not appear on the list.

The members of the conference organising committee and Leishman Associates accept no liability for personal accidents, loss or damage suffered by any participant, accompanying person, invited observer or any other person by whatever means. Nor do we accept liability for any equipment or software brought to the conference by delegates, speakers, sponsors or any other party. Please protect your personal property.

Do not leave laptops, cameras, and other valuable items unsecured. Be conscious of individuals who appear out of place and do not wear a conference name badge. Advise Leishman Associates staff if this does occur.

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is recommended that participants take out their own general travel insurance. It is suggested that the insurance policy should also cover loss of fees/deposit, airfares, accommodation charges, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and repatriation expenses. The insurance should cover losses arising from the cancellation of the conference by the organisers or a person’s inability to attend due to any reason whatsoever. No responsibility is taken by the conference managers for any person not having insurance.

If you have advised us of any special dietary requirements during the registration process, the caterers at each function have been provided with these. A special buffet table will be set during the day for special diets. If you are unsure, please see venue staff.

Chairpersons have received an email reminding them of their responsibilities. If you are a chairperson and do not receive this, or have additional questions, please contact Leishman Associates.

Please bring your PowerPoint presentation with you when you register. All speakers should present themselves to the Speakers Preparation Room, Muryang – Silver Wattle to upload their presentation, 2 hours prior to the presentation. Speakers are also requested to assemble in their session room 10 minutes before the commencement of the session, if possible, to meet with their session chair and to familiarise themselves with the room and the audio-visual equipment. There will be facilities to test and modify your presentation if required within the Speakers Preparation Room.

All presentations need to be 16:9 in ratio. For full details, click here.

The template has been shared with the presenters, but you are also welcome to use your own template. All presentations need to be 16:9 in ratio.

Posters should be A0 portrait (84 × 119 cm). Posters will be displayed continuously from Monday, 31 August to Friday, 4 September. Installation is available from Sunday afternoon. To view the poster program, click here. Please visit us at the registration desk when you arrive.

Poster sessions:
Monday 31 August 1650-1800
Wednesday 2 September 1655-1800

Cancellations must be received in writing – email – to Leishman Associates. Cancellations will not be deemed to be received until you have written confirmation from Leishman Associates. If you have not received acknowledgement within two business days, please contact Leishman Associates on (03) 6234 7844.

See our Terms and Conditions page for full details. Cancellation fees may apply.

All intellectual property rights of the event, and all materials distributed at or in connection with the event are owned by the Host, Leishman Associates, Sponsors, &/or Speakers presenting at the event. Participants may not use, reproduce or allow anyone to use or reproduce any trademarks or other trade names appearing at the conference, content, or in any materials distributed at or in connection with the Conference for any reason without the prior written permission from the Host.

No part of the event may be recorded, reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including but not limited to video or audio recording, photography, photocopying or any other information storage or retrieval system known now or in the future, without the explicit written permission of the Host.

12^th International Penguin Conference 2026 reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers, if necessary, without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All attempts have been made to keep any changes to an absolute minimum.