After much discussion, New South Wales (NSW) was chosen as the host region for 8IATC within Australia for the following reasons:
• Passionate local AT practitioners and AABAT members
• International traveller convenience
• Centrality and ease of access to all other parts of the country.
Knowing the importance of place and space in making a conference come alive, several venues for 8IATC were considered by the Local Organising Committee before settling on The Tops.
Venue: Stanwell Tops, New South Wales
Stanwell Tops is situated on the east coast of Australia just 50km (or 1 hour drive) south of Sydney on the New South Wales (NSW) coastline.
Resting high on the Illawarra escarpment ‘The Tops’, as it is affectionately known, overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the neighbouring village of Stanwell Park. The Tops is bounded on all sides by state-forest reserves and other forested crown lands which adjoin the Royal National Park and the Garawarra State Conservation Area.
The region surrounding The Tops is known as one of NSW’s most popular coastal playgrounds for leisure pursuits. Signature features and attractions include the Illawarra escarpment, which is covered with world heritage national parks and rainforests and the area’s famous coastal routes dotted with crystal clear coves boasting some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.
Because The Tops is surrounded by Australian bushland and beaches with ample opportunities for a range of outdoor adventures, the Local Organising Committee feel this an ideal location for 8IATC.
The climate at The Tops could be described as a mild coastal climate. September is autumn in Australia, with an average minimum temperature of 11oC/52oF and average maximum temperature of 20oC/68oF at that time of year. For more detailed information on the climate around Sydney see http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_066062.shtml
For more information on the conference venue see: Stanwell Tops Conference Centre
Access to ‘The Tops’
Convenient freeways connect the region to Sydney or alternatively, you can take the scenic route along the Grand Pacific Drive. The Grand Pacific Drive passes through Stanwell Park on its spectacular route along the coast to the South Coast.
Sydney Airport
Sydney Airport is the closest option for delegates flying from overseas and other domestic areas. Sydney Airport welcomes close to 40 million international and domestic passengers annually. Thirtysix international passenger airlines operate scheduled services to and from Sydney International Airport, with over 600 international flight arrivals every week.
Delegates from Asia and the Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, North America and South America can fly direct to Sydney. Major international airlines offer direct or onestop services from key hub cities including Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Johannesburg, Santiago and Singapore. Please refer to appendix 1 for approximate flight costs from major global cities to Sydney.
From Sydney Airport, Stanwell Tops is easily accessible by road, train on the South Coast line, and bus. The area is only 45km south of Sydney Airport, approximately 50 minutes’ drive along the F6 Freeway.
Train
Delegates can catch the train to Wolli Creek Station and change to Platform 4 for the train to Stanwell Park (The South Coast line). Travel time is approximately 1 hour 19 minutes. Alternatively, catch the train to Central Station and change to the South Coast Line from the Country Platforms (1-13) at Central Station. Travel time is approximately 1 hour 33 minutes.
Car rental
There are several car hire companies based at the airport for delegates’ convenience. Car rental companies include Thrifty, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Hertz and Delta. Alternatively, taxi services operate 24 hours, 7 days throughout the area.
Airport and Train pickups
For the convenience of international and interstate delegates, the Local Organising Committee will be planning some pickups at convenient locations. Stay tuned for details as they become available…
Useful information about New South Wales, Australia
Currency, credit cards and money
The NSW currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD) and currency exchange is available at international airports and many hotels and banks. All major credit cards, including American Express, MasterCard and Visa, are widely accepted and food and beverage outlets also have access to electronic payment system known as EFTPOS.
Banks
Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 4 pm or 5 pm, depending on the branch. A select number of major branches also open on Saturday mornings. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are available across the city.
Climate
A major draw card for international visitors, the state’s subtropical climate is temperate all year round, with warm and sunny summers and mild winters. Summer months in NSW are December to February and winter falls from June to August. Average daily temperatures range from 16ºC/61ºF in winter to 26ºC/78 ºF in summer.
Time
NSW operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), meaning it is 10 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Daylight saving operates between October and April and sees our time move to 11 hours ahead of GMT.
Shopping hours
Trading hours vary however most shops open until 5 pm or 6 pm in the evenings. Large shopping complexes open late until 9 pm on Thursday evenings and most stores trade seven days a week.
Tipping and bargaining
Tipping is always your choice while in NSW. Hotels and restaurants do not add service charges to your bill. However, in premium restaurants it is usual to tip (10 per cent of the bill) waiters who offer good service. Bargaining is not a custom in Australia.
Taxes
Australia has a standard 10 per cent goods and services tax [GST] that applies to all consumer transactions, such as restaurant meals, hotels and consumer goods. International visitors, subject to conditions, can apply for a tax refund through the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) office at Sydney Airport. Conditions include a minimum spend of A$300 or more in the one store and goods must be taken as carry-on baggage when returning overseas. For information visit www.customs.gov.au
Smoking
The clean air in NSW is one of its biggest appeals and smoking is not permitted indoors at pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes or in public places such as cinemas, theatres, trains, ferries and buses. A selection of hotels offer smoking rooms.
Public holidays (varies by year)
New Year’s Day………………………………………. 1-Jan
Australia Day…………………………………………. 26-Jan
Good Friday……………………………………………. 3-Apr
Easter Monday……………………………………….. 6-Apr
Anzac Day……………………………………………… 25-Apr
Queen’s Birthday……………………………………. 8-Jun
Bank holiday*………………………………………… 3-Aug
Labour Day…………………………………………….. 5-Oct
Christmas Day……………………………………….. 25-Dec
Boxing Day…………………………………………….. 26-Dec
*applies to banking and financial institutions
What else would you like to know? Feel free to ask questions and provide feedback on the information provided…