Transport
Please note that a bus have been arranged from Sydney Domestic Airport and Sydney CBD to Katoomba. For more details, please visit the 'Bus to/from meeting venue' section under the 'Registration' tab.
The central business district of Sydney is 10km north of the International Airport and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach by car.
A regular airport to city bus service operates from approximately 0600 to 2100 hours (not recommended for those with large amounts of luggage). Any queries please see the Travellers Information Desk at the Airport.
Taxis
A taxi costs approximately A$40.00.
Taxis in Sydney operate under 2 pricing structures. From 0600 – 2200 hours the standard fare applies. From 2200 – 0600 hours, a 20% night tariff applies.
Trains
There is a train station located at both the Domestic and International Terminals at Sydney Airport. Trains run on average every 10 minutes during the day on a weekday and every 15 minutes on weekends.
From the Domestic Terminal, it takes 10 minutes to reach Central Station (Sydney CBD).
From the International Terminal it takes a few minutes longer. Lifts are available at both the International and Domestic Terminals for the easy transfer of luggage.
Fares from the Domestic Terminal to the City start at A$11.80 per adult for a single journey. For further information on the service that the Airport Link provides, please see the following website: http://www.airportlink.com.au
Banking and 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 normal business hours. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops, the most widely used being Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners Club.
Climate
April is autumn and the temperature range is 15º Celsius to 23º Celsius (59º Fahrenheit to 73º Fahrenheit).
Electricity
Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so you will need an adaptor. 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.
Time
Sydney is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
Passport & Visa information
All visitors to Australia must have a valid visa to travel to and enter Australia.
Note: New Zealand and Norfolk Island passport holders do not usually need to lodge a visa application prior to their departure unless they have health and/or character concerns.
For the best possible chance of obtaining a visa to travel to Australia, you should:
- Determine which visa you should apply for
- Apply for your visa at least 6–8 weeks before your intended date of travel to Australia as visa processing times may vary
- Consider Australia’s health and character requirements, which you will have to meet as part of the visa application process.
For more information regarding visa requirements, please visit the Australian Government Department of Immigration website: http://www.immi.gov.au
For any other enquiries, please email Natalia Ferreira - natalia.ferreira@synchrotron.org.au
