Electric Dreams - 2013 ascilite conference, Sydney Australia, 1-4 December

Flights to Sydney

No official carrier has been nominated for the Conference due to competitive airfares available via the internet. There are three airlines who fly regularly into Sydney. Check out the best fares of the day from these airlines.

To and From the Airport –  Public Transport

There are train stations located at both the International and Domestic Terminals which operate as part of the Airport Link train service.  The Domestic Terminal train station is located directly between T2 and T3 Terminals and is accessible from within the terminals from the Arrivals level.

The Airport Link is a fast and convenient way to reach the centre of Sydney, where you would transfer to the Northern Line (Hornsby via Macquarie Park) to Macqurie University. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes from the airport and the journey into the city takes only 13 minutes. The international and domestic rail stations link directly to the City Circle which means most city destinations are within a short walk of stations. 

From Central/Town Hall there is a direct train service to Macquarie University Station.

Please CLICK HERE to download the Cityrail Network Map.

About Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, with a population of approximately 4.6 million. It is renowned for its stunning harbour and unique combination of cosmopolitan culture and natural amenity. Many of the city’s beaches, bays and parks are located close to the city centre. Often referred to as the ‘city of cities’, Sydney’s eclectic array of suburbs and neighbourhoods are known for their diverse characteristics. Relaxed beach communities sit juxtaposed to vibrant, inner-city urban villages, while more traditional outer-ring suburbs contrast with inner-urban regeneration areas.

As Australia’s oldest city, Sydney has a rich cultural and architectural heritage. The area’s Aboriginal heritage, which dates back 50,000 years, is reflected in the names of many streets and suburbs and is celebrated in galleries, museums and parks throughout the city. It is believed that some of Sydney’s arterial roads were even constructed on Aboriginal walking tracks. European settlement in Australia began over 200 years ago at ‘the Rocks’ in Sydney’s inner harbour. The historic and vibrant ‘Rocks’ quarter, and nearby iconic landmarks such as the harbour bridge and the Sydney Opera house, reflect unique eras in the city’s development.  Throughout its history, Sydney has attracted large numbers of overseas migrants. The city’s contemporary cultural diversity is reflected in its many restaurants, markets and entertainment venues.

Sydney, Australia's largest city, is world-renowned for its thriving culture, its active nightlife and famous landmarks. The city offers something for everyone, from beaches with golden sands to the rugged bush-tracks of the Blue Mountains. So when you visit Sydney for the ascilite, why not take some time out of your trip to make the most of what the city has to offer?

The Landmarks

Sydney's harbour is both a landmark and a playground, and any visit to Sydney should begin with a trip to the harbour. Visitors are able to walk the waterfront, between the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, with ease. Visitors can also enjoy the various restaurants, bars and cafes on offer while strolling along Circular Quay.

Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge is a great way to experience Sydney. After an exhilarating climb, the city skyline unfolds in a stunning 360 degrees. Another breath-taking way to view the harbour is by joining the team at Harbour Jet. They offer the chance to view the famous sights of the harbour at speeds of up to 75 kilometres per hour, while skidding and bouncing across the water.

The precinct of Darling Harbour is just a short walk from the city centre. Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf are home to some of Sydney's great bars and restaurants. Darling Harbour also offers the chance to view some of Australia's local fauna at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World.

Neighbourhoods

One of Australia's most famous beaches (perhaps one of the most famous beaches in the world) lies a short distance to the east of the city centre. Bondi Beach, dappled in sunshine, decorated with sands and peopled with high-energy residents, offers the best of Sydney in one package. Spend a day in the surf and then step into casual beachside dining or high quality restaurants and buzzing nightspots. It is no wonder that many people chose to make their base in Bondi while visiting Australia.

While there is stiff competition in Sydney for the best place to visit when the sun goes down, Surry Hills is a cut above every other suburb. Taking a stroll down Crown Street will lead you to some of Sydney's best dining experiences. The wine bars and gastro pubs are always humming with activity, and the suburb's boutiques champion young designers. We recommend Bar H for an all-day drinking and eating space and Mister Fox for a cocktail or two to end the night.

To the west of the city is the suburb of Newtown, covered in bright graffiti murals and dotted with cool bars and restaurants. Quirky merges with chic to provide an experience unique to Sydney. Dining is an eclectic mix of cultures and styles, but we recommend the Darley Street Bistro for a bite of local produce and Wagaya Tapas, which offers a nice fusion of Japanese cuisine.

Day trips

The world famous Blue Mountains is a city located within a world heritage listed national park. This unique setting means that the Blue Mountains offers some of the best bushwalking tracks - from a lazy 'beginner' stroll to 'expert level' hiking trips. A visit to the Blue Mountains' main tourist areas ofKatoomba and Leura takes two hours by train. The train trip itself is a great way to experience the myriad of subtle changes in scenery from city to bushland.

One of Australia's most famous wine regions, the Hunter Valley, is a two-hour trip north of Sydney. Boasting over 150 wineries, the Hunter Valley offers some of Australia's best wine and produce. If you have some extra time to spend, we suggest making a weekend trip to the Hunter Valley. With so many wines on offer, it is probably best to stay the night!

We hope your enjoy the conference and your visit to Sydney. Remember to check out Sydney.com for more information about Sydney.