Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population of approximately 4.6 million. It is renowned for its stunning harbour and unique combination of cosmopolitan culture and natural amenity. Many of the city’s world-renowned beaches, bays and parks are located close to the city centre, offering a range of accessible recreational opportunities.

Often referred to as the ‘City of cities’, Sydney’s eclectic array of suburbs and neighbourhoods are known for their diverse characteristics. Relaxed beach communities sit juxtaposed to vibrant, inner-city urban villages, while more traditional outer-ring suburbs contrast with inner-urban regeneration areas.

As Australia’s oldest city, Sydney has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. The area’s Aboriginal heritage, which dates back 50,000 years, is reflected in the names of many streets and suburbs and is celebrated in galleries, museums and parks throughout the city. It is believed that some of Sydney’s arterial roads were even constructed on Aboriginal walking tracks.

European settlement in Australia began over 200 years ago at ‘the Rocks’ in Sydney’s inner harbour. The historic and vibrant ‘Rocks’ quarter, and nearby iconic landmarks such as the harbour bridge and the Sydney Opera house, are a testament to the unique eras in the city’s development. Throughout its history, Sydney has attracted large numbers of overseas migrants. The city’s contemporary cultural diversity is reflected in its many restaurants, markets and entertainment venues.

Visit sydney.com for more information about Sydney.

Places to Visit around Sydney (1-2 Day Excursions)

• The Blue Mountains is a world heritage listed area of outstanding natural beauty. Only 90 minutes from Sydney, the Blue Mountains can be visited as a day trip or explored in more depth over several days.
• Canberra, Australia’s entirely planned capital city, is 3.5 hours south east of Sydney. The City’s design, created by American urban designer Walter Burley Griffin, was heavily influenced by the garden city movement.
• The Hunter Valley, Australia’s world renowned wine growing district, is two hours from Sydney by car.
• The South Coast, 1.5 - 3 hours south of Sydney, is a popular destination owing to its pristine beaches, national parks and historic towns.

Further Afield

Winter (July) is the best time to visit destinations in northern Australia.

• The Great Barrier Reef, with its extraordinary concentration and diversity of marine life, is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Multiple flights operate daily from Sydney to coastal destinations in northern Queensland, including Cairns, Townsville, and Hamilton Island.
• Australia’s Red Centre is a landscape like no other on earth. From Sydney flights operate daily to Alice Spring and Uluru / Ayers Rock.

Climate

Sydney climate can be described as temperate or moderate, with afternoon temperatures reaching an average of 16 degrees in winter (July) and 25 degrees in summer (January).

Getting There and Around

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith International Airport offers the most routes, destinations, frequency and airline choice of any airport in Oceania. The airport is located approximately 10 km from the CBD. Both the international and domestic terminals are serviced by the Airport Link train. Car rental services are available at both terminals.

Sydney’s public transit system includes buses, trains and ferries. It services destinations across the greater metropolitan area. For timetables visit 131500.info.

Passport And Visa

All international visitors require a valid passport and visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only). A facility for electronically issuing visas, The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, is currently available through international travel agents and airlines in over 30 countries including the US, UK, parts of Western Europe, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This system also includes pre-clearance for entry which reduces the time needed to process passengers on arrival. Your local Australian Embassy or Consulate can advise of the availability. For non-ETA countries, visas are issued from Australian Embassies and Consulates around the world. In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa.

For further information, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the importation of animals and plants which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.

Currency Exchange

Decimal currency is used in Australia (AUD) and currency units are dollars and cents. Australian notes are: $100, $50, $20, $10, $5. Coins are: $2, $1, 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.

Disabled Facilities

If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the secretariat by indicating on your registration form.

Disclaimer

In the event of industrial disruptions, the Symposium Organisers and Hosts cannot be held responsible for any losses incurred by delegates. The program is correct at the time of printing, but the Symposium Organisers and Hosts reserve the right to alter the program if and as is deemed necessary.

Electricity

The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

Health

Vaccinations are not required unless you have come from a yellow fever- infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival. You do not need any other health certificate to enter Australia. Australia has a high standard of hygiene and doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness, hotel staff can arrange a doctor for you.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate travel and health insurance prior to commencement of travel. Further information can be obtained from your travel agent.

Invitation Letters

Please contact registration@icms.com.au if you require an Invitation Letter to support your Visa application.

Liability

The Organising Committee and/or Symposium Organiser shall not be held liable for personal accidents or losses or damage to private property of registered delegates of the Symposium. Delegates should make their own arrangements with respect to personal insurance.

Tax

Australia applies a tax to the purchase of both goods and services called the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. Tax is already included in the advertised prices. Non-Australian delegates may be eligible for a refund of GST via the Tourist Refund Scheme.

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% is usual in restaurants if good service is received. NO service charge is added to hotel or restaurant bill.

Travel

For international passengers, we suggest that you try to allow yourself at least a day in which to adjust to the time difference and relax after your flight, before the Symposium commences. Travellers flying westward across the Pacific Ocean are reminded that they will lose a day by crossing the International Date Line. The 'lost day' will be returned on the return journey.