Technical Tours

Registering for tours will be done through the main registration form.

Technical Tour Name	Date	Estimate Tour Time	Departure Location
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Nocturnal Tour and Aussie BBQ	Tuesday, 5 August 2025	16:00-21:00	BCEC
CSIRO Research Site at Pullenvale	Wednesday, 6 August 2025	08:00-14:00	BCEC
Moreton Bay Research Station and North Stradbroke Island	Thursday, 7 August 2025	06:20-18:00	BCEC

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Nocturnal Tour and Aussie BBQ

Event Description: Established in 1927, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first & largest koala sanctuary. It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Brisbane. It is situated only 13 km (20 min drive) from the conference venue and reachable via cars, ferries and buses.

With over 90 years of experience working alongside koalas, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is dedicated to continuing work in the field of koala research, as well as across a variety of other wildlife species. They collaborate with universities, government, students and other reputable organisations to support research investigating koala behaviour, disease and infection, anatomy, physiology, captive management, nutrition, reproduction and development.

In addition to the nocturnal tour, Dr Kara Youngentob from the Australian National University and Dr Romane Cristescu from the University of the Sunshine Coast will discuss koala ecology and conservation management, specifically in the context of remote sensing applications for monitoring populations, assessing habitat quality and landscape change.

Lone Pine sanctuary has a variety of other activities available during daytime hours too. If you'd like to learn more and or plan an extended visit, please visit their website for more information.

Here's what's included (Tour cost 86 USD per person):

Round Trip Travel: A charter bus will depart from the conference venue and return to the same location (approx. 25 min travel time each way).
Gain insights from expert guides: who share fascinating facts and stories about Australia’s unique nocturnal creatures on a one hour guided tour of the sanctuary after dark.
Encounter iconic Australian wildlife: including koalas, echidnas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, tree kangaroos, and small macropods like potoroos, bettongs, and pademelons. You will be able to observe these nocturnal animals in their natural behaviours as they forage, explore and interact during twilight and night-time hours.
Engage in unique feeding experiences: observe the Tasmanian devils during their feeding time, and assist our guides in scattering feed for the mini macropods.
Aussie BBQ Dinner: On the BBQ—Gourmet Beef Sausages, House made Beef Patties, Chicken Kebabs, Mediterranean Vegetable Skewers (V, v), Caramelized Onions. A selection of loaves and rolls, including Hot Dog Rolls, French Sticks and Dinner Rolls, served buttered and unbuttered. Accompanying condiments and salad fillings including sauces, chutneys and wholegrain mustard, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, grated carrot and cheese. Soft drinks, juices and water will be provided.
Technical Talk: Dr Kara Youngentob from the Australian National University and Dr Romane Cristescu from the University of the Sunshine Coast will discuss koala ecology and conservation management, specifically in the context of remote sensing applications for monitoring populations, assessing habitat quality and landscape change.
Please Bring: Enclosed footwear is required. We also recommend you bring a jacket as evenings can be cooler, and bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is forecast. Applying mosquito repellent is highly recommended for your comfort during the tour.
Accessibility: Tour accommodates individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users. However, some areas have fencing that may limit visibility for wheelchair users.

Schedule (Tuesday, 5 August)

4:00 pm	Arrive at BCEC
4:15 pm	Start bus from BCEC
5:00 pm	Arrive bus at Lone Pine Koala Park
5:05 pm	Induction, Meet & Greet
5:30 pm	Guests will be divided into two groups. While one group enjoys a guided tour, the other will have dinner (details above). The groups will then swap, with the second group heading on the tour while the first enjoys the BBQ.
8:30 pm	Start bus from Lone Pine Koala Park
9:00 pm	Arrive at BCEC

CSIRO Research Site at Pullenvale

Event Description: The Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Program is a research program within CSIRO's Data61, focusing on integrating digital technologies with the physical environment. Their mission is to sense, model, understand, and interact with the physical world, thereby bridging the gap between technology and our surroundings.

CPS has four research groups set to conduct research in robotics, sensing and AI/ML. These research capabilities are further supported by comprehensive software and hardware engineering capabilities, to address challenges in various sectors, including space, agriculture, health, environment, manufacturing, mining, and safety.

The CSIROs Pullenvale Site has a few different facilities including robotics, remote sensing and AI-themed as a research program. It is only 15 km (~30 min drive) from the conference centre. We plan to have a technical tour as follows:

Tentative Schedule (Wednesday, 6 August)

8:15 am	Arrive at BCEC
8:30 am	Start bus from BCEC
9:00 am	Arrive at CSIRO/Signing in
9:30-10:30 am	Technical Presentation
10:30-11:00 am	Tea break
11:00 am-12:30 pm	Technical Visit
12:30-1:30 pm	Lunch
1:30 pm	Start bus from CSIRO
2:00 pm	Arrive at BCEC

Moreton Bay Research Station and North Stradbroke Island

Event Description: This tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with marine scientists who are leading long-term monitoring programs of coral reefs and seagrasses and explore the rich coastal ecosystems of North Stradbroke Island.

Coral Reef and Seagrass cover 1% of world's oceans but are habitat for 25% of all marine species, they provide coastal protection, food resources, Blue Carbon Source and high biodiversity. Earth Observation of these habitats from underwater into space, is challenged by the remoteness and submerged characteristics. The Moreton Bay and Heron Reef form the basis for long term time series studies of photo quadrat data and satellite-based imagery, and helped design large to global scale mapping efforts. The research includes development of field methods, mapping protocols and time series assessment and form crucial data set for ongoing cal/val application for ongoing and new sensor programs such as hyperspectral sensors. You will have the opportunity to learn about this work firsthand from Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema and his team. Additional adventures include walking out to the seagrass by MBRS at low tide, visiting the mangroves at Myora, and sightseeing at Point Lookout to enjoy expansive views over the Pacific Ocean, stunning natural scenery and wildlife along the 1.2 km iconic Gorge Walk. Catering provided.

Schedule (Thursday, 7 August)

6:20 am	Arrive at BCEC
6:30 am	Start bus from BCEC
7:30 am	Arrive at Cleveland Ferry
8:00 am	Depart for Stradbroke Island
9:00 am	Arrive at MBRS, short induction, morning tea
9:30 am	Introduction to Marine Ecosystem Monitoring, Talk and Q&A by Chris and Team
11:00 am	Show and Tell Moreton Bay Research Station, Smell the Seagrass, walk out to the seagrass in front MBRS (low tide mid-day)
12:00 pm	Lunch at MBRS
13:00 pm	Travel by bus to Myora mangrove and seagrass site
13:45 pm	Travel by bus to Point Lookout
14:00 pm	Show and Tell George Walk, watching some whales and possible kangaroos
15:30 pm	Return to Dunwich and barge
16:00 pm 16:30 pm departure	Return to Mainland via ferry
18:00 pm approx.	Arrive at BCEC