Climate
Sydney is temperate and sunny all year. With seasons reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, August is the first month of spring in Sydney. This means temperatures are gradually increasing along with sunshine. The average daytime temperatures in Sydney in August are around 18°C while high temperatures can hit peaks of 22°C on warmer days.
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.
Language
English is spoken throughout Australia and is the official language for the Congress.
Getting Around Sydney
Below is some helpful travel tips and information for your holiday in Sydney.
Opal Card
For more information, visit .
The Opal card is an easy, convenient way of paying for your travel on public transport in Sydney. It's the only card you'll need to get around on all public transport including trains, ferries, buses and light rail.
TripView
TripView displays Sydney train, bus, ferry and light rail timetables, showing your next services. By TripView Pty Ltd.
Getting to and from the airport
- Sydney Airport is about 10 km from the city centre and easily accessible by train, bus or car.
- Trains depart frequently from underground stations in the airport’s domestic and international terminals.
- Public buses depart from bus stops outside T1 and T3 (but not T2).
- Shuttle buses will deliver passengers to their hotel. Reservations at T1 and T3 information desks.
- Taxis are available from organised taxi ranks directly outside the terminals.
- Rental cars are available at all terminals from various rental companies.
- Personal pickup – there are various passenger pickup zones. For details, check out Sydney Airport’s website.
Car rental services at the airport
- Avis Car Rental: +61 2 8 374 2847
- Budget Car Rentals: +61 2 9 207 9165
- Europcar: +61 2 9 207 9400
- Hertz Car Rental: +61 2 8 337 7500
- Redspot: 1300 668 810
- Thrifty Car Rentals: +61 2 9 582 1762
Tipping
Service charges are not added to accounts by hotels and restaurants. You may tip hotel porters and restaurant wait-staff (up to 10% of the bill) if you wish to acknowledge exceptional service. At any time, tipping is your choice.
Transport
Travel and Health Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out insurance policies to cover medical and travel expenses. If necessary, consult your travel agent.
Getting to ICC Sydney
Ferry
Cruise into Darling Harbour on a ferry with direct services from Circular Quay, King Street Wharf or Pyrmont Bay Wharf. Captain Cook Cruises operates services between Darling Harbour Convention Wharf, Barangaroo King Street Wharf No.1 and Circular Quay.
Airport
Darling Harbour is only 8km from Sydney Airport.
Sydney Light Rail
The Light Rail travels right through a number of Darling Harbour stations including ICC Sydney's stops, Convention Centre and Exhibition Centre. The Light Rail starts at Central Station in the Central Business District (CBD) and travels to Dulwich Hill in the inner west.
Water Taxi
A Water Taxi is a great option for getting to and from Darling Harbour. Water Taxi's depart from The Rocks, Circular Quay, The Opera House and Luna Park.
Train
A short walk from Central or Town Hall will take you directly to Darling Quarter, Tumbalong Park and Sydney Visitor Centre. Town Hall and Central Stations are a 10-minute walk from ICC Sydney.
Parking
ICC Sydney has two car park facilities located within the Exhibition Centre and ICC Sydney Theatre, comprising a total of 826 car spaces. Additionally, there are secure car parks located in and around Darling Harbour, including Wilson Harbourside Car Park and Wilson Darling Square Car Park.
Bus
ICC Sydney has its own bus stop. Bus routes 389 and 501 stop at Harris Street near Allen Street – a 10-minute walk from ICC Sydney.
Taxi and Uber
The best taxi and Uber drop off and pick up locations include the new Iron Wharf Place next to Harbourside Shopping Centre and Zollner Circuit on the Southern end of ICC Sydney Theatre, both accessed via Darling Drive.
Walking
Sydney is host to beautiful recreational and coast walks. Routes to ICC Sydney include from Central Station via The Goods Line. More information.
Cycling
Bike racks are available in Exhibition Car Park 1 including male and female shower and change room facilities. Personal locks are required. Find your Sydney cycling route here.
Taxes
A Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10% applies to all consumer goods, and is included in retail prices.
Disability access
Wheelchair access, or other mobility disability access, during Congress
When you register, please notify the Congress Secretariat of mobility disabilities you have, so any venue access challenges can be addressed.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 volts, 50Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat, 3-pin plug of unique design. Most hotels provide 110 volt outlets for shavers.
