Introduction

Sydney is the largest, oldest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia – and one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting destinations.  Endowed with a sparkling harbour, dazzling beaches and a sunny Mediterranean climate, its setting alone has guaranteed Sydney a place among the most glamorous cities in the world.  Sydney is also the gateway to the natural wonders and attractions of the state of New South Wales.

Sydney is jam-packed with things to see and do. It generates a sense of excitement for first-time and repeat visitors because of its raw energy and exuberance.

Sydney offers an incredible array of restaurants and thousands of boutiques and stores where you can shop to your heart’s content, pick up the latest designer fashion or a unique handcrafted memento.

Darling Harbour is the city's most exciting visitor precinct. An inlet of Sydney Harbour, the district offers a myriad  of entertainment, dining, transport and accommodation options and draws millions of local and international visitors each year to its many attractions. Only a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city, the precinct is home to our conference venue, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Getting Around
Getting from the Conference venue to the centre of town is easy on foot or by using the Monorail.

Sydney's Metro Monorail loops around the city centre and Darling Harbour.  Running every three to five minutes, it provides a birds eye view of Sydney and the Darling Harbour precinct.  A Metro Monorail station is located directly outside the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre entrance. Tickets are available from each station. 

For further information on the Metro Monorail, please visit www.metromonorail.com.au

For further transport options in Sydney visit www.131500.com.au

Language
The official language of Australia is English.

Weather
Sydney enjoys a temperate climate with a mild winter, and has more than 340 sunny days a year.  The average daily temperature in November is 16-24 degrees Celsius (61-75 degrees Fahrenheit). 

GMT
Sydney is located at GMT +10:00.  Daylight saving operates in Sydney from the end of October to the end of March.

Banking and Business Hours
Banks are generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Many ATMs are located throughout the city.

Post Offices are open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Office hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Shopping hours are generally:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 6pm
Thursday 9am to 9pm
Saturday 9am to 4pm
Sunday 10am to 4pm

Currency
Australian currency is decimal and the dollar is the basic unit (100 cents equals one dollar).  Notes come in $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 denominations.  Coins come in $2, $1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club as well as American Express and Travelex travellers’ cheques are accepted.  Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted in shops and restaurants.

Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and outgoing flights at the Sydney International Airport.  Changing foreign currency can be done quickly and efficiently at most banks and at Bureau de Change outlets.

Tipping
Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, with the exception of fine dining restaurants where it is usual to tip food and drink waiters up to 10 per cent of the bill for good service.  At any time, however, tipping is your choice.

GST
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10 per cent applies to most goods and services.  It is included in the ticket price of goods and in restaurant menus.

Electricity
The electrical current in Australia is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz.  The Australian three pin power outlet is different from some other countries so you may need an adaptor.

Smoking
Smoking is not permitted inside public buildings, hotels, restaurants and some night clubs in Australia.  There are also restrictions on smoking in some public outdoor areas.  We advise that you refrain from smoking indoors, and check signage in outdoor areas.

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