or the City Rail web site at

or the Transport Infoline at:

Other information on Sydney and the surrounding region is available through the following web sites:

Sydney, Australia's gateway city and the capital of New South Wales, is built around one of the largest, most beautiful harbours in the world. .

The harbour divides the city into north and south, with the Harbour Bridge spanning the divide. Cruising around the harbour is easy and inexpensive on Sydney's public ferry service. Land transport is convenient with an extensive bus and train service, and taxis are easy to find. On public transport or on foot, Sydney is one of the world's safest large cities.

Perhaps the most famous Sydney landmark is the spectacular Opera House with its graceful sail-like roof. The Opera House has become Sydney's cultural centre, offering opera, ballet, drama and film. The historic Rocks area, site of the original European settlement, is nearby. Other well-known landmarks include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which offers day and night climbing tours with spectacular views, Sydney Tower above the Centrepoint shopping complex, Taronga Park Zoo, and the Australian Museum, with its rock, fossil and mineral collections.

Many national parks and protected areas of bushland surround the city, and the beautiful Blue Mountains are just a short journey to the west.

If a personal letter of invitation is required to obtain travel funding please contact either of the conference chairpersons. Note that TSOP cannot provide financial assistance with travel arrangements

Banking/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.

As mentioned above, currency exchange facilities are available in most banks, hotels and airports and operate during 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 and Clothing

September is spring in Australia, with an average temperature from 15 to 23 degrees Celsius. Generally Australians are informal dressers, although jacket and tie (or equivalent) is recommended for more formal occasions.

Eating Out

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are well worth trying. At some restaurants you can keep the liquor bill down by taking your own wine or beer. These are called BYO restaurants, an abbreviation for "bring your own".

Tipping

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your prerogative, a reward for service. It is customary to add a gratuity of about 10% in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are optional.

Electricity

Electrical current is 240/250V, AC 50Hz. The Australian three-pin power outlet is different from that in many countries, so overseas visitors may 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.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) / Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a taxation system incorporating a Goods and Services Tax (GST). Prices for various items, including the conference registration, are usually inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this taxation system, the Australian Government has introduced a Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The TRS enables TRAVELERS departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods purchased in Australia. The refund only applies to goods that TRAVELERS take with them as hand luggage when leaving the country. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia; however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

Passport and Visa

All TRAVELERS to Australia, other than New Zealand, require a valid entry Visa prior to travel to Australia. For many nationalities (29 in total) an Electronic Visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) can be obtained from your travel agent or airline when making your travel arrangements. Please see your travel agent or airline for further details.

Quarantine

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of food, animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application.

Time

Sydney in September will be 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.