About Sydney & Surrounding Area
Situated on the east coast of Australia, cosmopolitan Sydney is surrounded by iconic beaches, world heritage areas, lush hinterland and acclaimed wine regions. Sydney is constantly dishing up something fresh. Whether it’s a new restaurant, art exhibition or festival – there is something on offer for everyone. There has never been a better time to visit this progressive and dynamic city with so much to look forward to in the wining, dining, arts and culture scenes.
Getting to and from Sydney
Located in Mascot NSW, Sydney Airport is approximately 8km from the central CBD and 25-30 minutes from the conference venue.
Airport transfers to the conference venue - Eastern suburbs shuttle service provides transportation to the Swiss-Grand at a fee of $12.00 per person. Upon arrival at the airport, you will need to call the shuttle service and make a booking on 0416 066 408.
Travel - Airport to Bondi-Beach and return by Public Transport
Bus times are available from http://www.sydneybuses.info/timetable
The trip Bondi Beach to Central is just under an hour and then you meet up with a train on platform 23 at Central = a 5+ minute walk from the bus stop. You should check times of trains and allow around 15-20 mins to get to the domestic terminal. You need to arrive a minimum of half an hour before your flight. All up around one and a half hours travel plus half hour at airport.
TRAVEL ALERT!
There are sporting events scheduled at Sydney Football Stadium Friday night 12th September through Sunday 14 September 2008. People travelling to Bondi for the Friday night welcome should allow plenty of time to get to Bondi, as well as when departing if those times coincide. As for Saturday & Sunday, the football crowd may be leaving that area at the same time as the conference disperses.
Taxis – each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank with supervisors on hand to ensure smooth traffic flow and to arrange special requests such as baby capsules or wheelchair access. If you prefer to make a direct booking, you can contact:
Taxis Combined Services 133 300
Silver Service Fleet 133 100
A fare from the Airport to the City costs approximately $25.00
Hire cars – car rental desks are located on the arrivals level at both terminals. Car hire is provided by the following operators:
AVIS 13 63 33
Hertz 13 30 39
Europcar 1300 13 90
Budget 13 27 27
Thrifty 1300 36 72 27
Redspot 1300 668 810
Trains – There are rail stations located at both the International & Domestic Terminals. If travelling to the city, you can catch the Airport Link which runs every 10 minutes and takes about 13 minutes.
If travelling direct to Bondi, you will need to catch the train to Bondi Junction. Once there, signs will direct you to the bus depot. Several buses depart frequently and will provide drop offs near the conference venue.
Further information on Sydney Airport can be accessed at the official website www.sydneyairport.com.au
Getting around Sydney
Sydney buses run a great service called the Sydney Explorer which patrols 20 km of tourist attractions allowing passengers to get on and off as they please. There are plenty of normal scheduled services around Sydney and suburbs. The Airport Express bus runs between Circular Quay and the Airport with limited stops along the way and there is a shuttle bus between the Rocks and Darling Harbour. Ferries depart frequently between Circular Quay and Manly, Toronga Zoo and suburbs such as Balmain.
There is a large network of trains throughout the city and suburbs as well as an overhead monorail which runs between the city centre, Haymarket and Darling Harbour.
Climate
Sydney is in the southern Temperate Zone and does not suffer extremes of cold or heat. Seasons in Australia are the reverse of North America and Europe. Summer is December to February, autumn is March to May, winter is June to August and spring is September to November. The climate is similar to coastal California and the northern Mediterranean. Delegates are advised to bring clothing suitable for cool conditions.
For further information on Sydney’s weather, please visit www.bom.gov.au
Shopping
Shopping in Sydney is a pleasure compared to the hustle and bustle of other cosmopolitan cities. Most of the large department stores and shopping centres are within a few blocks of each other and if it’s raining you can make your way around under cover using the intricate system of malls, arcades, interconnected department stores, tunnels and overhead walkways that link four blocks of local and international outlets.
Shops are generally open from 9-5pm Monday through Friday, 9-4pm Saturday and some stores open on a Sunday. Almost all outlets accept the major credit cards.
Recommended shopping venues:
The Queen Victoria Building – opened in 1898 celebrating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. It has been restored to its original grandeur and boasts one of the most stunning examples of Victorian architecture in Sydney. The Centre houses a superb collection of 190 designer label and specialty stores and excellent eateries.
Harbourside Shopping – Located on the water’s edge with magnificent views of the city’s skyline. It offers a unique dining, leisure and shopping experience.
Skygarden – Heavenly shopping in the heart of Pit St Mall, combining a superb mix of fashion, food and homewares with more than 30 retail outlets.
If you are looking for something rather unique and special, then head to Circular Quay and the Rocks where you will find many wonderful boutiques.
There are also excellent markets around Sydney throughout the week and on the weekend. The largest is Paddy’s market in Market City. The plentiful stalls are open from Thursday to Sunday and are well worth a look.
Things to do
Whether you are a tourist or a local Sydneysider, here are some of the best attractions and activities.
In Sydney
Sydney Aquarium – Take a journey through one of the most spectacular aquariums in the world and explore Australia’s rich & diverse waterways, marine ecosystems & unique aquatic environments.
For further information visit www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
Sydney Wildlife World – Home to the spooky, the spiny and the scary, Sydney Wildlife World features the largest variety of native Australian plants and animals under one roof, with over 100 different species, representing animals from across Australia.
For further information visit www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au
Sydney Tower – Sydney Tower takes you to the highest point above Sydney for breathtaking 360degree views of our beautiful harbour city, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
Sydney Opera House – see the magic of the building, the political intrigue, the real life dramas that go on behind the curtain – hear these stories & more as you take a guided tour of this magnificent building.
For further information visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Sydney Harbour Cruises – select one of many cruises on offer as you wine, dine and take in the stunning views aboard
For further information visit www.sydney.com.au/cruises.htm
Harbour Bridge Climb – in groups of 12 climbers, you will make your way from the base to the summit of Sydney Harbour Bridge’s famous arch in this 3.5 hour unparalleled experience.
In New South Wales
Hunter Valley Wineries – Tour the renowned Hunter Valley wine region of New South Wales. Approximately 2 hours drive from Sydney across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, you can taste a fine selection of wines, enjoy lunch and visit some of the other local attractions including the Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Blue Mountains Tours and activities – The Blue Mountains was declared a World Heritage park in November 2000. The region offers a myriad of activities for the visitor from bushwalking, to browsing for antiques, adventuring through limestone caves or simply enjoying the native gardens.
Sydney Twilight Helicopter Flights – For a bit of extravagance, take a helicopter flight over Sydney for spectacular & magical views. It begins over Coogee and Bondi beaches just as the sun goes down and continues north along the coastline to Manly beach and the North and south headlands, through the heads and finally over Sydney Harbour.
For any other information on what to do in and around Sydney and NSW, please visit the following websites:
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