Registration
There are still a limited number of places available. You are invited to lodge your registration by Friday, 30 May, 2003.
General Information
Public Holiday
Monday, June 9 is the Queen's Birthday. Banks, post offices, and most stores are closed (some of the larger shopping centres are open briefly).
Transport from the airport
All delegates must make their own transport arrangements from the airport. The following are approximate prices only for travel from the airport to the Central Business District.
- Taxi AU $20 to AU $30
- Train Link to Central Station AU $8 to AU $12
Public transport around Sydney
Trains, buses and ferries are generally convenient, reliable and inexpensive, and there are a number of value travel pass deals. Sydney's underground city centre train loop is the fastest way of getting around, and areas not covered by the rail system are replaced by a network of bus services.
The most pleasant way to get around is by ferry; a trip on the Manly ferry is one of the best, and most affordable ways to experience the harbour.
There are also frequent monorail and light rail services linking Darling Harbour with the city. Tickets for the monorail, light rail, ferries and express/ Jetcat ferries can be purchased at the relevant rail station/ferry terminal prior to boarding.
Taxis can either be booked by telephone or hailed from the street.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary and is therefore, purely a matter of choice. However, if you believe you have been given exceptional service, you may tip stewards and wait-staff in eateries and bars (generally, 5%-10% of the bill).
Taxes
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods and is included in retail prices.
Climate
In Sydney, June is the first month of our relatively mild Winter season. Temperatures are approximately 13°C (55°F) to 17°C ( 66°F ) during the daytime and 8°C ( 48°F ) in the evening. For more information, visit the Bureau of Meteorology http://www.bom.gov.au/ (click on either the map or text of New South Wales [NSW], then Forecasts, then Metropolitan for a 4 day forecast.)
Time
Local Sydney time during June is Greenwich Mean Time plus 10 hours.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50Hz. Adapters for our flat 3-pin plug style connections are available at most international airports. The Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel, like most Sydney hotels, provide 110 volt outlets for shavers.
Mobile phones
Australia operates on a digital network therefore analogue mobile or cell phones cannot be used. Mobile phones can be easily hired at Sydney Airport or telecommunication outlets. Please remember to turn off your mobile telephone during the Conference sessions.
Shopping
Shops are generally open from 9am - 5pm Monday through Friday (with the exception of Thursday when most stores will open until 9pm), 9am - 4pm on Saturday and some stores in the city are open Sunday
Shopping in the heart of Sydney is a pleasure as most of the large department stores and shopping centres are within a few blocks of each other. If it's raining you can make your way around under cover using the intricate system of malls, arcades, interconnected department stores, tunnels and overhead walkways that link four blocks of local and international outlets.
For further information please contact hotel concierge, Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel
Ph (61) 2 9259 7000, Fax (61) 9251 1122
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