REGISTRATION

We encourage all delegates to visit the desk to pick-up their name badges in the morning prior to the commencement of sessions. Please check www.biomaterials.org.au/conference/program.php to view an up-to-date program.

The Conference Registration Desk will be located in the Mathews Pavilion.

Registration desk opening times are below:
Wednesday 21 January 1000 – 1800
Thursday 22 January 0800 – 1730
Friday 23 January 0830 – 1530

CONTACT NUMBERS

Registration Desk Telephone: +61 2 9385 1608

The University of New South Wales emergency contact number is 1800 626 003 or 9385 6666.

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.

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.

BUSINESS HOURS

Banks generally open from 0930-1600 hours

Monday - Friday. General office hours are 0900-1700

Monday - Friday. Post Offices operate these hours, however stamps are often available from hotels.

DRESS

Smart casual attire is appropriate for all Conference sessions

EATING OUT

Bistros, restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer varied menus, prices and decor. Local specialties such as seafood and Australian wines are 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".

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.

EXHIBITION

The Exhibition will be located in Mathews Pavilion.

Exhibition opening times are listed below:

Wednesday 21 January 1000 – 1600
Thursday 22 January 1000 – 1530
Friday 23 January 1000 – 1330

GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST)/TOURIST REFUND SCHEME (TRS)

Since 1 July 2000, Australia has adopted a taxation system incorporating the Goods & Services Tax (GST). All prices quoted in this brochure are inclusive of GST, unless otherwise specified.

As part of this taxation system, the Australian Government introduced the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS). The scheme is administered by the Australian Customs Department and took effect on 1 July 2000. The TRS enables travellers departing Australia to claim a refund of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) paid on goods bought in Australia. The refund applies to goods over the value of A$300 when items are purchased in the same shop within 30 days of your departure from Australia. Should an item be too large to take onto the aircraft as hand luggage you will need to visit the TRS clearing office at the international airport with the item and receipt. The receipt will be stamped TRS sighted and at that point you can check the large item in with your luggage. Once you have cleared customs you can collect your refund from the TRS desk by showing your receipt or items purchased. It does not apply to services or goods consumed or partly consumed in Australia, however the goods can be used before departing Australia.

HOTEL INFORMATION

Hotel check-in time is usually 1500 hours. If you are to arrive before this time it is probable that you will not be able to gain access to your room.  To guarantee a room is available for an early arrival you will need to pre-register and pay for your room for the previous night. 

Hotel Contact Numbers

Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach 1800 760 668 or +61293159151
The Barker Lodge Motor Inn +61 2 9662 8444
The Gemini Hotel Sydney 1800 222 300 or +61 2 9399 9011

HOTEL TRANSPORT

Crowne Plaza Hotel Coogee Beach

If you are staying at the Crowne Plaza Coogee Beach a bus has been organised to transport Conference delegates from the hotel to the conference in the morning and afternoon. Invited speakers have priority with the bus, however some spaces will be available for delegates. The bus will operate at the following times:

Wednesday 21st Jan – pick up from Crowne Plaza at 9.50am
Wednesday 21st Jan – pick up from UNSW at 6.15pm
Thursday 22nd Jan - pick up from Crowne Plaza at 7.50am
Thursday 22nd Jan - pick up from UNSW at 5.45pm
Friday 23rd Jan - pick up from Crowne Plaza at 8.30am

Alternatively, you can use public transport by taking the 370 bus just outside the hotel or walk, which will take approximately 30 minutes.

The Barker Lodge Motor Inn

Located within a 2 minute walk of the University of New South Wales.

The Gemini Hotel Sydney

Located within a 15 minute walk of the University of New South Wales.

For locations of hotels to the conference venue please click here

INTERNET

Internet access is available via a wireless network please see the registration desk for login details.

LANGUAGE

The official language for the Conference is English.

QUARANTINE

Australia is free from many plant and animal diseases prevalent in other countries. Very strict quarantine rules apply to the import of animals and plants, which cannot be brought into the country without prior application. Animal and plant products are also restricted. Please be aware that all food and items made from animal or plant material are subject to disclosure and possible confiscation. Items declared from rare and endangered species will be removed. Leave the decaff tea bags behind - we have it all here. For more information see the 'Information for International Travelers' on the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) website, which you can access by visiting http://www.affa.gov.au.

SHOPPING

Shops open from 0900 to 1730 hours during the week with late night shopping on Thursday.

SOCIAL FUNCTIONS – GETTING THERE

Please note transport has not been organised, delegates are to make their own way to all social functions.

If you are staying either at The Barker Lodge Motor Inn or the Gemini Hotel Sydney it is approximately a 30 minute walk to Coogee Beach where both social functions are being held.

There is public transport available close to both hotels and the university. Take the 370 from high street and will cost approximately around $2.00. Please view www.biomaterials.org.au/conference/accom.php for a detailed map of the University and its surrounding streets.

There are also many taxi ranks around the university and you may also arrange with your hotel a taxi to take you to Coogee Beach. The taxi fare should be around $20.00.

TIME

Sydney is 11 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time in January.

TIPPING

Tipping is not as widespread or regulated in Australia as it is in other parts of the world. Tipping is your choice as a reward for good service. It is customary to tip hotel porters and a gratuity of about 10 per cent is usual in restaurants if good service is received. Tips for taxis are regarded as optional.

TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Travel by train and bus

There are rail stations located at both the International and Domestic Terminals. The Domestic rail station is located directly between T2 and T3 Terminals and is accessible from within the terminals from the arrivals level. The International rail station is located at the northern end of the terminal and is accessible from the arrivals level. Trains run approximately every 10 minutes and the journey takes only 13 minutes to central station and you will need to alight at central station to catch a bus.

From central station
Central Station ( Sydney CBD) to UNSW
STA Bus routes 895, 391,393, 891, 372

Sydney Airport to UNSW
STA Bus route 400
For more information on public transport in Sydney please visit www.131500.com.au

Travel by Taxi

Each terminal has its own sheltered taxi rank with supervisors on hand in peak hours to ensure a smooth flow of taxis for travelers. From Sydney airport to the University of New South Wales or surrounding Conference hotels the fare will cost approximately $40.00. A $2.50 airport toll is payable by all passengers taking a taxi from any of Sydney Airport 's taxi ranks.

To pre-book your taxi you can contact the following taxi companies:

Taxis Combined Services
Phone: 133 300
Web: www.taxiscombined.com.au

Silver Service Fleet
Phone:  133 100
Web: www.silverservice.com.au

VENUE

The Conference is being held at the University of New South Wales, Kensington, Sydney. The conference is located in the Mathews buildings of the University. Please click on the following website to download a map of the University. www.biomaterials.org.au/conference/venue.php

VENUE PARKING

There are 2 options for Parking -

1. Barker Street Carpark - Entry via Gate 14, Barker Street.

2. Botany Street Carpark - Enter via Gate 11, Botany Street – This is the closest Parking on campus to the conference and is available at minimum charge on weekdays (presently up to $8 per day-gold coins required).

Please visit www.biomaterials.org.au/conference/venue.php to download a conference venue map.

Short-term metered parking is available in both parking stations and at various locations around campus. Half and full day "pay and display" ticket machines are available on the top 2 levels of both Barker and Botany Street parking stations. Change machines are not available.

Single-day parking permits are available for advance purchase through the Venues & Events office at $6.60 per pass per day. Permits enable guests to park in "UNSW Permit Holders Only" parking areas in the two parking stations. Guests must scratch off the relevant day/date/month on the permit and display it clearly on the vehicle's dashboard. Availability of parking spaces is not guaranteed on weekdays.