| |
|
| |
|
|
| |
> |
|
| |
|
|
| |
General Information
VISA INFORMATION
All international visitors require a valid passport and visa for entry into Australia (New Zealand visitors require a valid passport only).
The Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, an electronic method of issuing visas, 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. The Symposium has been registered with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to aid in the process of delegates obtaining visa’s and a listing of paid registrants will be forwarded to the department on a regular basis, however, this will not guarantee your visa will be issued.
In non-ETA countries, we recommend that you apply early for your visa and include a copy of your paid symposium registration confirmation to aid your application
For further information, please visit: http://www.immi.gov.au
INVITATION LETTERS
IMPORTANT: It is the policy of the Symposium Secretariat office NOT to supply an invitation letter to unpaid or unregistered delegates as it is NOT required and does NOT assist in the visa application process. Upon payment of registration, the delegate will receive a confirmation letter of acceptance of registration and receipt of payment. For NON ETA visa applicants, a list of ALL paid registered delegates will be forwarded to the Department of Immigration And Citizenship (DIAC) to assist visa applications.
CUSTOMS & QUARANTINE INFORMATION
Australia has strict restrictions and regulations for products which can or cannot be brought into Australia. Please ensure you are aware of these restrictions prior to travelling to Australia.
For more information about what you can and cannot bring into Australia please visit the Australian Customs Information website www.customs.gov.au
CURRENCY
The Australian currency unit is the Australian Dollar (AUD). The dollar is a decimal currency system, made up of cents (100 cents equal one dollar). The currency comes in denominations of $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 notes, and, coins $2, $1, 50¢, 20¢, 10¢, and 5¢.
Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia.
WEATHER
July is during the winter season for Sydney. Delegates should expect temperatures of approximately 16°C (61F) during the daytime and 9°C (49F) in the evening.
TRAVEL AND HEALTH INSURANCE
The Symposium does not provide insurance to delegates. We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses.
TAXES
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices. All rates quoted on the symposium website include GST.
TIPPING
Tipping is not the normal custom in Australia and service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. However, you may tip hotel porters and food and drink waiters in restaurants (up to 10% of the bill) for special service. At any time, tipping is your choice.
WHILST IN SYDNEY
Whilst in Sydney why not visit some of Sydney’s world famous attractions,
Sydney Wildlife World & Aquarium
Sydney Aquarium is a must-see, and one of the best things to do in Sydney. Walk under water and explore Australia's rich and diverse aquatic life and habitats. A trip to Sydney Aquarium is fantastic fun for kids, family and friends.
Located next to the Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World is a newly opened wildlife sanctuary right on Darling Harbour in Sydney, showcasing Australia’s unique and bizarre flora and fauna. Come and visit over 6,000 animals living in their nine natural habitats and eco systems. Take a walk on the wild side with the yellow-footed rock wallabies, majestic cassowaries and meet Australia’s cutest national icon, the koala!
For more information and ticket prices visit www.sydneywildlifeworld.com.au and www.sydneyaquarium.com.au
Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb
BridgeClimb, the ultimate way to experience Sydney, is celebrating its first ten years of climbing adventures on the city’s iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. So far, over two million people have experienced the climb of their lives - now it’s your turn.
Choose between two 3 ½ hour guided experiences – The Bridge ClimborThe DiscoveryClimb. Both Climbs reach the summit of this world famous bridge, 134 metres above Sydney Harbour and are available at Dawn, Day, Twilight or Night.
We recommend you book early to avoid disappointment! Visit www.bridgeclimb.com for more information and bookings.
Luna Park
Come on down and have a wander around one of Sydney's favourite icons. Soak up the atmosphere and the magnificent views while the kids enjoy the rides and games, or have a go yourself and relive your childhood. Step back in time at Coney Island, test your driving skills on the Dodgems, see what's happening in The Big Top or just sit back on the Ferris Wheel and make the most of the bird's eye view.
For more information and ticket prices visit www.lunaparksydney.com
Sydney Opera House Tours
See inside the world's most recognisable sails. Experience this miracle of architecture and engineering. A work of art that came into existence against impossible odds - to become one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world.
Working with new, rich audio-visual components, where images are projected onto the fabric of the building - our guides will take you on an emotional journey, engrossing you in a story to rival any opera plot with its dramatic twists and turns.
You'll visit at least one of our venues - where we live performance every day. Some 1,500 performances, from opera to circus, rock and cabaret, are staged each year to audiences of around 1.5 million.
Visit http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/visit/tours.aspx for more information and bookings.
Please click HERE for a Sydney Location Map.
For more information on Sydney and New South Wales visit www.visitnsw.com
SHOPPING
Sydney's shopping offers everything your heart could desire. The City Centre is home to major retail centres offering a range of boutiques and specialty stores.
Shops in Sydney open from 9.00am to 5.30pm during the week with late night shopping until 9.00pm on Thursday. On Saturday, most shops open from 9.00am to 4.00pm. On Sunday major department stores in the centre of the city are open from 10.00am to 4.00pm.
FOOD AND WINE
The personality of Sydney's dining scene is as distinctive as the city itself, reflecting its multicultural diversity and willingness to embrace new things. Find a fresh approach to flavour combinations at numerous gourmet restaurants, many of which are on the harbour and enjoy outstanding views. While high end dining experiences are plentiful café society thrives in Sydney's inner precincts and beaches. Paddington and Balmain have flourishing pub-dining scenes and quality food is also on offer at historic pubs in The Rocks.
ART AND CULTURE
Sydney is justified in calling itself the cultural capital of Australia. It is home to the nation's iconic and leading performing arts centre, Sydney Opera House. Performances by Opera Australia, the Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony, Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company can all be enjoyed here. The city is also home to domestic and international record companies and the nation's biggest visual art show, the Archibald Prize. The local theatre and orchestral scene has never been busier, while galleries and museums have a packed calendar of events. Movie buffs will enjoy a visit to Fox Studios, where Moulin Rouge, Superman Returns and The Matrix trilogy were all filmed. |
|
|
|
|
