AIBC National Conference

General Information

Entry to Australia

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home. Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Booking your travel to Sydney

Sydney Airport is serviced by 91 international airlines. Find out more.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit.

On your arrival at Sydney Airport

Please note that all food, plant and animal related material (such as feathers, skins or bone) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials.  If in doubt, declare it. The process is usually very efficient, but failure to declare prohibited goods leads to severe penalties.

Transport from Sydney Airport

Sydney airport is located just 11km from the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Travel is available from Sydney Airport via train, bus, shuttle, taxi and rideshare. View Sydney Airport's transport options.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be available to book via the registration form. If you have any queries or need to change your reservation, please advise The Conference Company rather than the hotel direct at aibc@theconferencecompany.com.

Climate

Sydney is temperate and sunny all year. November temperatures range from 16-23°C with an average of 8 days of rain.

Currency / Banking

The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0930 -1600, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout the Sydney business district. International credit cards are accepted throughout most hotels and city stores.

Disclosure for Registration Information

If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please select the appropriate option on the registration form.

Dress

Dress for all scientific sessions is smart casual. Dress for the Gala Dinner will be advised once the theme is finalised.

Electricity

Australia uses a 240-volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.

Goods and Services Tax

Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on some goods bought in Australia. Visit the Australian Customs website for details about what you can claim and how.

Name Badges

Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Parking

Parking for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is located off Bligh Street and is operated by Wilson Car Parking, with an entry height of 2.10m.

Conference attendees are entitled to a special rate charged at AUD $65 per vehicle per day.To access this special rate validate your parking ticket at reception.

For any other enquiries on guest parking, please call the hotel directly on +61 2 9228 9188.

Public transport

Paper tickets are no longer available on public bus, train or ferry services anywhere in Sydney.  To use these services, travellers can either use a credit card or must purchase and load funds on an Opal Card, both utilise the touch-on touch-off payment method. 

Visit TransportNSW to plan your public transport, check prices and find further information.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance or catering please give details required on your registration form.

Time

The time zone for Sydney in November is Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT), 11 hours ahead of GMT.

Visitor Information Centres

Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge. The Customs House information centre is the closest centre to the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Alternatively, visit the City of Sydney website cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for a visitor's guide.

Contact 

Conference Organisers: The Conference Company

Email: aibc@theconferencecompany.com

Telephone (within Aus): 1800 193 405
Telephone (Int.): +64 9 360 1240

Acknowledgement of Country
The Conference acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land in which the AIBC National Conference will take place, the Gadigal of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities.