Local Conference Information

Location:

Sydney is a city of over 4 million people located on the East coast of Australia. Sydney, with its breathtaking harbour and the Opera House, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The original colony of New South Wales began here and many of Australia's treasured historic landmarks are found in its streets and in the nearby countryside. It is the hub of contemporary Australian life and home to some of Australia's most creative artists, actors, fashion designer, and musicians. Some of the most beautiful spots on earth lie in and around Sydney, from magnificent beaches, many practically deserted most of the year, to mountains for hiking. Sydney is a vibrant, pulsating city offering a varied cultural life, many shopping areas, and a great variety of restaurants.

Conference Site:

The conference site, the Kensington Campus (main campus) of the University of New South Wales, is located  in the Eastern suburbs of the city about 20 minutes walk from Coogee Beach. The site is only 6km from Sydney Airport and 7km from the City Centre. Within a 5km radius of the campus are 8 Premier Golf Courses, Randwick Racecourse, Fox Studios, Football Stadium, and Cricket Ground.

Social Program:

  • Tuesday Evening : Reception and registration.
  • Wednesday Evening : Conference Banquet.

    • Weather:

    Sydney has a temperate climate with mild winters and warm to hot summers. The conference will be held in winter, with temperatures ranging usually from +3 to +25C with average daily lows of +7C (44F) and average daily highs of +17C (62F) for the month of July and often sunny outlook.

    Currency:

    Australia's currency is dollars and cents. There are coins for 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, A$1, and A$2, and notes for A$5, A$10, A$20, A$50, and A$100. Currently (March, 2002), the exchange rate is approximately A$1.00 = US$0.52.

    Getting there:

    Sydney is directly connected to most major European and Asian cities, and with the West coast of the US. Please make your travel arrangements as early as possible. The conference site and many suggested hotels are a 20 minute taxi ride from the airport. A taxi from the airport to the hotels should cost about A$25 on normal traffic conditions. Alternatively, the Eastern Suburbs Airport Shuttle Buses will drive you to your hotel for A$8. Phone: 0500 881 113 when you arrive at the airport. Participants coming from the Central Railway Station can take Bus No.393 which terminates at La Perouse or Bus No.395 which terminates at Maroubra Beach.

    Visa:

    Please note that citizens of all countries except New Zealand require a visa to enter Australia. Citizens from most countries can obtain an instant-visa called ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). Visitors can get ETAs from travel agencies or airlines when they make a booking. The visa requirement is very strictly enforced. So, please make your arrangements early. For more details, see Visa info on Australian Government Guide to Visiting Australia.

    Here are some other sites you may find useful:

    A map of the University campus.
    Train, bus and ferry timetables.

    For a guide of Sydney go to:
    http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/australasia/sydney/ or http://www.worldexecutive.com/cityguides/sydney/.
     
     

    Last modified: Wed Mar 20, 2002.