Useful Links & Information for
OzOmnis 2006
Below are links to some web sites and information that we thought you might find useful.
Virgin Blue Airlines is for those of you travelling from within Australia, this is a great no-frills airline, that gets you extremely competitive rates. Virgin does not fly internationally at this time.
Jetstar Airlines is the newest addition to airline options in Australia. This airline is also a no-frills airline, a subsidary of Qantas. Jetstar does not fly internationally.
Qantas Airlines is the world's second oldest airline, and the oldest airline in the English-speaking world. It was founded in the Queensland outback in 1920. Qantas is recognised as one of the world's leading long distance airlines, having pioneered services from Australia to North America and Europe. Qantas also operates an average of 5335 domestic flights a week (more than 760 per day) and serving 73 destinations in all states and mainland territories. Qantas operates around 550 international flights every week, offering services to around 65 destinations in 31 countries. The airline serves major cities in the Asia/Pacific region, the UK, Europe, North America, South America and southern Africa.
Taking a City Circle train, the Monorail or walking is the best way of seeing city attractions, while buses and ferries represent the best way to visit points and attractions around the harbour.
The government-run Explorer Buses and Sydney Pass service represent an ideal and inexpensive way to see most of the main tourist points around the city and out to Bondi.
Sydney Ferries, are also government run, provide an inexpensive way of seeing the most beautiful harbour in the world. See map of ferry cruises around Sydney Harbour.)
Taronga
Park Zoo is the nation's leading zoological garden, featuring Australia's
finest collection of native animals and a diverse collection of exotic
species. What makes Taronga Park something special is its location at
Bradley's Head, Mosman. The zoo is situated on elevated land along the
waterfront, in one of the most beautiful vantage points on Sydney Harbour.
As you zigzag your way up along the paths among the animal enclosures,
you are able to enjoy magnificent harbour views. Although you can drive
to Taronga Park, most visitors prefer to go there by ferry - a 12-minute
ferry ride from Wharf 2, Circular Quay in the city. The zoo has its own
jetty and you are able step off the boat and walk directly into the zoo.
The
Royal Botanic Gardens, 
which are just a short walk around the water's
edge from the Sydney Opera House, is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful
settings you will see anywhere, with the gardens filling an area of land
between the harbour and the eastern part of the central business district.
The gardens sit on the side of an undulating piece of land and the harbour
views from up on the hill are superb. There are large trees with a wonderful
shade canvas and this makes the best spot imaginable to stop and have
lunch - sitting on the grass and taking in the harbour views.
Bridge
Climb is a small group adventure offering the ultimate experience
of Sydney with 3 1/2 hour guided Climbs to the summit of the Sydney Harbour
Bridge, Day and Night. The exhilaration and personal satisfaction achieved
by reaching the top of the Bridge is rewarded by the breathtaking view
that lies before you as you scale the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
There is no adventure like it in the world ...no view like it ...no feeling like it!
The Opera House is a cultural and architectural masterpiece, our foremost tourist attraction is home to some of the world's most celebrated performing arts companies.
General information:
Local telephone calls in Sydney are not metered, i.e. they are flat rate call.
Long distance telephone calls are typically metered.
Public phones: 40-cent local calls (Sydney metropolitan area). Most public telephones will accept coins in addition to calling cards, credit cards, and prepaid telephone cards.
Important Telephone Numbers:
Local OzOmnis office International:+ 612 9555 4777 Local Sydney: 02 9555 4777. All representatives David Lewis, Vik Shah, Amanda Turner can be contacted via mobile phone also.
In case of emergency such as fire, serious illness, personal injury or threat, dial 000 from any telephone. Police, fire and ambulance services will be dispatched for 000 calls so obviously, this is not meant to be used for toothaches. *grin*
Telephone directory assistance (charges may apply):
Directory Assistance: Local & National: 12 455 or 1223
We sincerely hope that you do not get sick or have any sort of mishap whilst at OzOmnis. If you are unwell however, we hope that you find the information below to be useful.
Sydney, like most parts of Australia, presents no real health risks for foreign visitors. Tap water is good, restaurants and eating places are required by law to maintain a high standard of food preparation, and most are non-smoking, the city streets are generally clean. Smog is less of a problem than with cities such as London, Hong Kong and Bangkok, but is still quite high. Exposure to the sun can be a problem for those who are fair-skinned. Also, those with little experience in swimming in the surf should be cautious when swimming at Sydney's famous surf beaches, Bondi and Manly, and should always swim between the warning flags erected by lifeguards. Medical costs in Australia are not exorbitant like in the United States and Europe, but travel and medical insurance is still recommended. Emergency phone number for police, ambulance and fire is 000.
The Local Currency is Australia Dollars (AUD$)
Notes and cents. Notes: $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. Coins: 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, $1 and $2.
For the current exchange rate, and conversion to other world currencies, use this currency conversion guide link.
Organization Team
David, Vik and Amanda will be available most of the time during the conference. If you have any questions, suggestions or need something, please contact them, so that your needs can be addressed promptly. The Westpac Conference Centre staff will know their whereabouts and will always be able to contact them.
Front Desk
The Westpac Conference Centre's reception is manned is manned till 11:00 PM daily, offering standard hotel services, such as wake up calls, dry cleaning and laundry, and information about the local area. You will be responsible for any telephone charges, bar bills, and Internet access from your room at checkout time. The Westpac Conference Centre accepts most major credit cards except Diners and cash in Australia Dollars.
Evenings
Since all meals are all included in the conference fee and there are evening sessions planned, there are no external events planned during the conference. However, the Westpac Conference Centre's lounge/bar will be open until 12:00 a.m.
On Tuesday Night there will be a Sponsored Gala Dinner.