Cosmopolitan and sun-drenches Sydney, Australia's largest city and foremost tourist destination is visited by more than two million overseas tourists a year. Diverse attractions and easy living make Sydney a strong contender for the description "lifestyle capital of the world". The climate is warm, seldom falling below 10oC in winter, with an average summer maximum of 25oC.
Dining in Sydney reflects the Asian, Italian, Middle Eastern and Greek influences of recent immigrants, enlivened by abundant seafood, fresh vegetable and culinary creativity. Urban attractions include the Opera House, trendy Paddington with its Victorian houses and wrought-iron balconies, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, Kings Cross, the historic Rocks and Chinatown.
The harbour, on of the world's finest, is Sydney's dazzling heart. It divides the city into north and south, with the Harbour Bridge spanning the divide. Sailing across the harbour is easy and inexpensive on Sydney's public ferry service. Land transport is hassle-free with an extensive bus and train service, and taxis are easy to find. On public transport or on foot, Sydney is one of the world's safest cities.
Sydney looks forward to welcoming you to its shores to experience the endless variety and beauty it has to offer. See the WWW page for more information.
In the Months of November & December
A number of different activities occur in Sydney during the Conference months. Following is just a sample.
Australian Chamber Orchestra, at the Sydney Opera House
Australian Ballet, at the Sydney Opera House
Theatre
Cricket (most weekends)
General Information
Airport and Transport: The central business district is 10km north of the Sydney International Airport and takes approximately 20 minutes to reach by car. A taxi costs approximately A$20.00. A regular airport to city bus service operates from 05300 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage) and costs approximately A$6.00 one way. Any queries please see the Travelers Information Desk at the Airport.
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 during 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 during these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.
Climate and Clothing
December is summer in Sydney and the temperature ranges from 17oC to 25oC. Generally Australian are informal dressers. A light jacket is recommended for evenings. Recommended dress for the Conference and the Welcome Reception is casual and smart casual for the Conference Dinner.
Eating Out
Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. Theses are called "BYO" restaurants, an abbreviation of "bring your own". Darling Harbour, the site of the ICSLP '98 Conference, has outdoor cafes and restaurants, coffee shops and fast food outlets located in a large foodhall.
Shopping
Shops in Sydney open from 0900 to 1730 during the week with late night shopping on Thursday. On Saturdays, most shops open from 0900 to 1600. On Sunday Darling Harbour shops are open from 1000 to 1800 and major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 1000 to 1600.
Time
Sydney is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in December
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 porter and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. the Australian three-pin power outlet is different to that in other countries, so you will need an adapter. 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.
Language
The official language for the Conference is English.
Parking
Parking is available at the Conference venue at the rate of $12.00 per day.
Insurance
Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference 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 Conference, or through cancellation of the Conference, loss of international/domestic air fares 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, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. The ICSLP '98 Secretariat cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your own country of origin.
Passport & Visa
A valid passport is required for entry into Australia. All overseas visitors, except New Zealand passport holders, require a visa prior to travel to Australia. Check this matter carefully with your airline or travel agent as immigration laws are strictly enforced.
Quarantine
Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought in the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted.
Vaccinations
A current valid international certificate of inoculation against yellow fevor is required if passengers come from, or travel through, infected areas. Check this carefully with your airline or travel agent.
Health and Character Criteria
All visitors and temporary business entrants to Australia must have the health and character requirements for entry. All applicants will have to answer health and character questions on the Australia Incoming Passenger Card.
Official Airline
Qantas Airways Limited has been appointed official ICSLP '98 International and Domestic airline.
International
Qantas offices all over the world will be pleased to discuss with you or your travel agent any special travel requirments and itineraries, and will explain airfare structures for the most economical travel to suit your needs. Please quote the reference code PXK68M. If you are booking through a travel agent, ensure your agent contacts Qantas so you may obtain the maximum benefits.
Domestic
Special discounted fares of up to 45% off the normal full economy class domestic airfares have been negotiated for delegates (subject to availability at the time of booking). Please quote the following reference code at the time of booking 1234 361. Call the Qantas Group Help Desk on: 1800 650 200 (Australia-wide) for assistance.
Qantas Reservations telephone numbers:
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