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.

Sydney is a vigorous, cosmopolitan city, a major industrial, business and commercial centre and is endlessly fascinating in its variety and its beauty

General Information

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

BANKING/CURRENCY

Decimal currency is used in Australia with the dollar as the basic unit (100 cents = $1) Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2 denominations.

Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.

BUSINESS HOURS

Banks generally open from 0930 - 1600 hours Monday - Friday. General office hours are 0900 - 1700 Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these hours; however stamps are often available from hotels.

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)

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

INSURANCE

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Meeting and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Meeting, or through cancellation of the Meeting, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Australia, failure to utilise tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses (including sickness and accident cover), loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The Meeting Managers cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

LANGUAGE

The official language for the Meeting is English.

PASSPORT/VISA

All travellers to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry VISA prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

PRIVACY

Australia introduced the Privacy Amendment (Private Sector) Act 2000 in 2001. The Meeting 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 Meeting will be only used for the purposes of planning and conduct of the Meeting 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 Meeting 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 Meeting. Individuals are also entitled to access the information held by written application to the Meeting Managers.

Private Touring/ Hospitality Arrangements

Should you have any specialised group requirements for private touring, transportation or hospitality services other than those organised for the official program, please contact the Meeting Manager who would be pleased to assist with arrangements.

Private Functions

It is requested that you advise the Meeting Managers of any private/corporate functions that might be planned outside of the official program. The Meeting Managers would be pleased to assist with arrangements for any of these events.

TIME

Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

TIPPING

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.