Useful Information

Your Host City - Sydney

Sydney, Australia's gateway city and the capital of New South Wales is built around one of the largest, most beautiful harbours in the world and along miles of golden surfing beaches which stretch north and south of the city on the shore of the Pacific Ocean.

The beaches and harbour play a major role in the leisure and sporting lives of Sydneysiders - yachting, surfing, sailboarding, swimming, boating, fishing and waterskiing are all popular activities.

Many national parks and protected areas of natural bushland surround the city and the beautiful Blue Mountains are a short journey to the west.

Perhaps the most famous of Sydney's landmarks is the spectacular Sydney Opera House with its graceful 'sails'. The Opera House has become Sydney's cultural centre, offering opera, ballet, drama and film. The historic 'Rocks' area, site of the original white settlement, is nearby, and this part of the harbour foreshore is a hub of activity for both local residents and visitors.

Airport and Transport

Sydney:
The central business district is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car.  A taxi costs approximately A$25. A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). Any queries please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport.

Taxis: 
Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures.  From 0600 – 2200 hours the standard fare applies.  On the left hand side of the taxi meter, above the word ‘rate’ you should see the number 1.  From 2200 – 0600 hours, a 20% night tariff applies, at these times the meter should be set on rate 2.  Please check the meter is set correctly when you begin your journey.

Trains:
There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends. From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 10 minutes to reach Central Station and 15 minutes to Circular Quay. From the International Terminal it takes a few minutes longer. Lifts are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for the easy transfer of luggage. Fares from the Domestic Terminal to the City start at $10 per adult for a single journey. For further information on the service that the Airport Link provides, please see the following website: www.airportlink.com.au

Language

The official language for the conference  is English.  

Parking

The Exhibition Centre car park is conveniently located off Darling Drive, underneath the Centre's five exhibition halls.  The car park has direct access to the venue and the many attractions and facilities available in Darling Harbour. 

Car park opening hours: 

Monday to Sunday - open 24 hours

Rates

Day Rates for all vehicles are:  
    0-1 hours = $8.00
    1-2 hours = $16.00
    2-3 hours = $24.00
    3-4 hours = $28.00
    4+  hours = $30.00
Evening Rates for all vehicles are:
    0-1 hours = $7.00
    1-2 hours = $13.00
    2+  hours = $18.00
Evening Rates apply for entry after 5pm and exit before 9am the following day.

Automatic pay stations are located throughout the car park, with a central pay station in the area under Hall 5.  Payment is made at these stations prior to exiting the car park.  Prepayment is also available. 

Please note that the ceiling height of the Exhibition Centre car park is 1.8 metres.

For any enquiries please telephone +61 2 9282 5000.

Privacy

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001.  The Conference Managers comply with such legislation which is designed to protect the right of the individual to privacy of their information.  Information collected in respect of proposed participation in any aspect of the Conference will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Conference and may also be provided to the organising body or to organisers of future events.  It is also usual to produce a ‘Delegate List’ of attendees at the Conference and to include the individual’s details in such a list.   Consent for publication of the individual’s information may be withheld when completing the Registration Form for the Conference.. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Conference Managers.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor.  If your appliances are 110V, check if there is a 110/240V switch.  If not, you will need a voltage converter.  Universal outlets for 240V or 110V shavers are usually found in leading hotels.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a new taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this new taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia.  Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt.  The receipt will be stamped TRS sited and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage.  Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased.  It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Passport & Visa

All travellers to Australia, other than Australian and New Zealand citizens, are legally required to hold a valid visa to travel to Australia. Please review the following Visa Information Sheet, or alternatively visit The Australian Department of Immigration & Multicultural Affairs

Download Visa Information (WORD, Size: 56KB)