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General Information
Visit Sydney
Sydney is a dazzling and vibrant cosmopolitan city built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours. Voted World’s Best City eight times in 10 years, by Travel + Leisure magazine, no other destination can match Sydney’s combination of breathtaking beauty, world-class facilities and exceptional reputation. Sydney ’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live here are a friendly and energetic, with a down-to-earth approach to life. It’s a truly global city with a sense of style, love of sport and exuberant celebrations. Attractions lie within easy reach of the city centre. The Harbour is its natural playground and the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.
Shopping
Sydney is known as one of the world’s best cities to shop. There’s everything from gorgeous boutiques and funky one-off shops, to sleek new shopping malls and colourful neighbourhood markets. Explore the city centre with stylish department stores, specialty boutiques and historic arcades. Venture down bustling Oxford Street in Paddington, also known as the city’s “style mile”. Get a feel for local street fashion at one-off designer shops in Darlinghurst and Surry Hills or combine your shopping with a dash of history when browsing through the art galleries and jewellery stores of The Rocks. Head to Bondi to find the latest surf brand styles and on the weekend, make your way to the city-fringe suburbs for markets. Balmain, Bondi and Kirribilli also offer a great mix of art, jewellery and tasty goodies.
Attractions
Sydney is a thrilling, action-packed destination with a new discovery at every turn. Standing at Circular Quay there’s the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge on your left, the Opera House on your right and the glorious harbour stretching in all directions. Interact with just about everything, whether that means climbing to the top of the bridge, going on an adrenaline-pumping jet boat tour of the harbour or splashing about in one of the city’s many harbour side pools. For a more relaxing pace, head to one of the city’s luxurious day spas or learn about Sydney’s rich cultural heritage on an architecture tour. Wander through the historic Rocks area to soak up the atmosphere or head to Darling Harbour, with its great waterfront bars, restaurants, shops and regular free open-air concerts and events.
Food and wine
Sydney offers fans of good food and wine an unforgettable and unique experience. Internationally acclaimed chefs, award-winning wines, perfect seafood and a laid-back lifestyle give Sydney’s food and wine culture a flavour all of its own. The cultural diversity brought by the city’s recent Vietnamese, Thai and Middle Eastern residents is enviable. The city’s Cantonese and Mediterranean roots are deep, sturdy, and reflected by flourishing communities with unique cultural identities. Home to the country’s most forward-thinking chefs and the destination for the nation’s very best produce, Sydney has what counts to support a vibrant, progressive dining scene.
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.
Time
Sydney is ten hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Currency
Decimal currency is used in Australia - units are dollars and cents. Current exchange rates can be obtained from your bank. All major credit cards are widely accepted in Australia. Currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate normal business hours. For further information on the current exchange rate visit www.xe.com
Climate, Weather & Clothing
Sydney 's climate is pleasantly moderate. At the time of the congress you will experience Spring-time weather, when the average daily temperature ranges from 17°C to 24°C (62.6°F to 75.2°F).
Generally Australians are informal dressers. We suggest you bring a jacket and tie with you for special occasions.
Restaurants
Sydney's multicultural population is reflected in the wide variety of excellent restaurants offering a diversity of cuisine from around the world. Bistros, restaurants and cafes offer varied menus with prices ranging from AUD$15.00 to $30.00 for a main meal.
Tours & Attractions
If you would like to experience some of Sydney’s wonderful attractions and day tours, we recommend that you consider the following suggestions:
For further information and bookings please click on the links so that you can contact the companies directly. Alternatively ask the concierge at your hotel for further ideas and assistance.
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 porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.
SydneyAirport
Sydney Airport is Australia’s premier gateway. Thirty four international and seven domestic and regional passenger airlines operate from Sydney Airport conveniently close to the CBD.
For further information on international carriers and airfares visit the following link www.sydneyairport.com.au
Getting Around Sydney
Transport is easily accessible in Sydney. Trains, buses, monorail and ferries operate very frequently on a daily basis. For more information visit: http://www.131500.info
Visas
Travellers to Australia need a valid passport or similar certificate of identification. Everyone also requires a visa, except for Australian and New Zealand passport holders. For more information visit www.immi.gov.au
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary consult your travel agent.
Goods & Services Tax (GST)
All prices quoted on the website are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified. The rate of tax that applies to taxable products and services is 10%. This may be retained for large purchases on departure at the airport.
Useful Related Links
For more information about Sydney and exploring the state of New South Wales go to http://www.visitnsw.com.au and http://www.sydney.com.au
Tourism Australia www.australia.com
About Australia www.about-australia.com
Welcome to Australia Online www.australia-online.com
Travel Australia www.atn.com.au
Whereis Street Atlas www.whereis.com.au
Bureau of Meteorology www.bom.gov.au
Parliament of Australia www.aph.gov.au
Australian Federal Government www.fed.gov.au
Australian Government migration and immigration website www.immi.gov.au
Australian Customs www.customs.gov.au
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade www.dfat.gov.au |
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