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Meeting Site

The convention will be held at the Holme Building, Cullen Room, Level 4, Science Rd, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia — a beautiful and historic venue just 11 km (6.8 miles) from Sydney Airport.

📍 Google Map — HostCo Sydney

There is metered parking onsite (view map), and a café at the venue with many cafés, pubs, and restaurants close by.

Download more parking information.

Getting to the Holme Building

The best way to reach the Holme Building is via the Parramatta Rd Footbridge. The closest bus stop is University of Sydney Footbridge on Parramatta Rd, a 3-minute walk from the building. Buses 412, 413, 435, 436, 437, 438, 440, 461, 480, or 483 will get you there. The Holme Building is next to the Courtyard Café.

📍 Walking directions from Rydges Hotel | Written directions

Tip: Type “HostCo Sydney University” in Google Maps to navigate directly to the venue.


Getting to Sydney

From the Airport

Sydney Domestic & International Airport (also called Kingsford Smith or Mascot) is well-connected to the city:

  • Train: Follow signs at the airport. You’ll need an Opal card (available at the station). Cost to Central Sydney is approximately AUD$20. Transport options
  • Taxi: Taxi ranks available at the terminal — approximately AUD$60 to the city.
  • Uber: Pickup zones outside Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 3 (domestic).
  • Car hire: Available at the airport (book ahead). Cars are driven on the left-hand side of the road. City traffic can be congested during peak hours.

Public Transport

Sydney has excellent public transport with buses and trains. You’ll need an Opal card, available at train stations and 7-Eleven stores. Tap on/off on buses and trains. Download the Opal Travel App to plan your journey.

Uber is widely used in Australia. Taxis are also available — e.g., Silver Taxi Sydney: 1300 389 489.

Sydney Opal public transport card


Accommodations

Important Note: The Arrangements Committee has personally visited the Rydges and Four Points Sheraton. Other hotels listed are suggestions and we cannot vouch for their quality.

Featured: Rydges Hotel Camperdown — Convention Venue Partner

9 Missenden Rd, Camperdown, NSW 2050

The most convenient hotel — Thursday’s Welcome Drinks and Saturday’s Banquet are held here. Just a 10-minute walk to the University of Sydney, with shops, pubs, and restaurants within walking distance. Four-star hotel with its own bar and restaurant. Does not accept cash. Parking: $35/day (prebook).

PA Convention attendees receive a 12% discount! Select your dates, click “I have a code” at checkout, and enter: 2608PARAS

Book at Rydges Camperdown

Getting to the venue: Walk to Parramatta Rd (main road), turn left, 10-minute walk to the footbridge. Cross the bridge — the Holme Building is close by.

Rydges Camperdown Hotel

Featured: Four Points by Sheraton, Central Park — High-End Option

88 Broadway (entrance at 4 Central Park Ave), Chippendale, NSW 2008

A four-star Marriott Bonvoy hotel with a classy ambience. Walking distance to shops, cafés, and restaurants. 15-minute walk to the University of Sydney, 28-minute walk to Rydges. 16 min drive from the airport.

Special convention rate: AUD$270/night! Book for any dates during August 11–19. If this rate sells out, email Joyce at jycbk@yahoo.com.au to request more rooms.

Book at Four Points Sheraton (use the convention link for special rate)

Parking: $45/day.

Four Points by Sheraton Sydney Central Park

Featured: The Lansdowne Hotel — Budget Option

2-6 City Rd, Chippendale, NSW 2008

Affordable accommodation just a 9-minute walk to the University of Sydney. Offers bunk beds (6-8 per room) with shared bathroom, as well as private rooms with ensuite.

The Lansdowne Hotel

The Lansdowne Hotel Chippendale Sydney

Other Accommodation Options

Mid-Range:

Higher-End:

Budget / Backpackers:

  • The Village Glebe — Private and dorm rooms, communal kitchen, lounge, BBQ area. 24-min walk to the university.
  • Little Drifter, Glebe — Dormitory with some ensuites, shared kitchen, lounge. 24-min walk to the university.

Tip: There are many Airbnb options in the area. Look for suburbs: Camperdown, Newtown, Chippendale, Glebe, and Darlington.


Practical Information

Visa Requirements

Countries that generally do not need a visa: New Zealand, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. However, requirements can change — please check: Australian Visa & Entry Requirements | Customs & Biosecurity

Money & Payments

The currency is Australian dollars (AUD). Bring a combination of cash and credit/debit card or a travel card (e.g., Wise). ATMs and currency exchanges are widely available. Some venues do not accept cash. Most vendors charge 1.5% for card use.

Approximate exchange rates: AUD$1 ≈ US$0.70 / EUR€0.60 / GBP£0.50 — Check current rates

Tipping: Not customary in Australia, though you may tip for exceptional service. Some tourist tours may expect a tip.

Weather

August is the last month of winter in Sydney. Temperatures typically range from 9°C (48°F) to 18°C (64°F). Bring layers — it can be cold at night but warmer during the day. Occasional rain is possible.

Good to Know

  • Smoking: Prohibited inside buildings, hotels, and eating areas. Permitted outdoors.
  • Recreational drugs: Prohibited, including marijuana.
  • Electrical plugs: Type I — two inverted V-shaped pins and one vertical pin. Bring an adapter.
  • Hotel rooms: Usually provide instant coffee, teabags, milk, and a kettle. Hairdryers and clothes irons are typically supplied.


Sightseeing in Sydney

Sydney is a lively city with stunning harbour views, world-class dining, great coffee, art, festivals, and live entertainment. Here are some highlights if you have time to explore:

Circular Quay Sydney

 

Circular Quay — See the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Cafés, live music, Museum of Contemporary Art. Take the ferry to Manly Beach or Barangaroo.

The Rocks Sydney

 

The Rocks — Historic cobblestone streets and colonial buildings at the foot of the Harbour Bridge.

Australian Museum Sydney

 

Australian Museum — Science, culture, and nature at 1 William St. Free general admission!

Blue Mountains Sydney

 

Blue Mountains — World Heritage-listed. Hikes, Three Sisters lookout, charming towns. 2-hour train from Central Station.

More to explore:

  • Newtown — Bohemian neighbouring suburb with vintage shops, great food, and live music. Train to Newtown Station.
  • Sydney Tower Eye — 309m tall with 360° city views. Near Darling Harbour and Hyde Park.
  • Bondi Beach — Famous surf beach with stunning ocean views and cafés. Train to Bondi Junction, then bus 333/380/381/382.
  • Taronga Zoo — Over 4,000 animals including koalas, kangaroos, emus, and platypus. 12 min by ferry from Circular Quay.
  • Hunter Valley — Australia’s wine birthplace (semillon & shiraz). 2 hours north of Sydney.

Tourism Australia — Sydney Guide


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