Travel to Sydney

Important Travel Update: Australia has removed the requirement of COVID-19 vaccination status declaration from 6 July 2022 onwards, you can read more about it here. Earlier this year on 11 March 2023, Australia ceased the COVID-19 predeparture requirement in China which includes the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau. As restrictions can change at any time, click here to stay updated with travel regulations to Australia.

Start planning your travel itinerary while you are here in Sydney for SIGGRAPH Asia! As a perk, here’s an exclusive 10% discount for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 attendees on a range of experiences and attractions. Click here to explore now!

SIGGRAPH Asia has also partnered with HotelMap to provide a range of recommended hotels conveniently located around the ICC Sydney. Click here to secure them early.

For questions you may have regarding the Event, Sydney, Registration & Ticketing, Visa, Travel & Safety and the Venue, you may refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) here.

Entry to Australia

Here are some of the important things to do prior to your arrival in Australia (information accurate as of 7 July 2023):

1.  Check for your VISA Eligibility and Apply

Aside from Australian citizens, you will need to apply for VISA prior to your arrival. New Zealand passport holders can apply upon arrival.

  • Ensure that you have successfully registered for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 and received the ‘Letter of Invite’ to apply for VISA link embedded within the Registration Confirmation Email
  • Ensure that your passport validity covers for your intended period in Australia
  • Check the type of VISA that you would need to apply, here
  • Apply either via the Australian ETA App or ImmiAccount, depending on the type of VISA

For more information on the types of VISA, head over to the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.

2. Complete the Incoming Passenger Card (IPC)

  • This is a requirement under Australian law to identify ourselves and provide certain information through the completion of a passenger card
  • The IPC will be handed on board, to be completed before arriving in Australia
  • Details are to be accurate and completed in English only

click here for more information on the IPC.

How to get to Sydney?

The easiest way attendees can get to Sydney is via their International Airport – Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. However, there are also other international airports near Sydney (within 1,000 km) that can be considered for Domestic Transfer such as Canberra, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Most international flights fly into Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and there are multiple domestic flights that fly from other states of Australia into Sydney:
RouteRoad Distance (km/miles)Hours by Plane
Adelaide – Sydney1412/8771.83 hours
Brisbane – Sydney917/5701.5 hours
Canberra – Sydney286/1770.5 hours
Cairns – Sydney2421/15043 hours
Darwin – Sydney4210/26104.25 hours
Hobart – Sydney1589/9851.75 hours
Melbourne – Sydney879/5461.5 hours
Perth – Sydney4054/25134 hours

How to get to ICC Sydney?

International Convention Center (ICC), Sydney is located approximately 12km away from the Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport. It is easily accessible by both public transport and taxis; however, the easiest public transport will be via the train.

T8 Airport & South Line: Sydney International/Domestic Airport Station -> Museum Station

The journey from Airport Station to Museum Station will take approximately 16 mins with the train frequency being every 15 minutes.
RouteFirst Bus (GMT +10)Last Bus (GMT +10)
WEEKDAYS
Sydney International Airport -> Museum Station4:22 AM11:57 PM

12:57 AM (Friday)
Sydney Domestic Airport -> Museum Station4:24 AM11:59 PM

12:59 AM (Friday)
WEEKENDS
Sydney International Airport -> Museum Station4:42 AM11:42 PM

12:27 AM (Saturday)
Sydney Domestic Airport -> Museum Station4:44 AM11:44 PM

12:29 AM (Saturday)
To find out more about the train schedule, click here to view the timetable.
However, for most up-to-date times and real-time information for your trip planning, use of Trip Planner or travel applications are encouraged.
Where to get on
The station is located at the northern end of the terminal and accessible from the Arrivals level. Click here for the video guide to locating the train station.
Fares & Ticket Purchases
The price of the ticket depends on the intended travel distance and as a general indication, travel from Airport Station to any of the City Stations:
Mode of Ticket Payment/PurchaseApproximate Cost for 1x Adult Ticket
Contactless Card*/OPAL CardAUD $18.39
Single Trip Ticket purchase from machineAUD $20.60

*Contactless card includes American Express, Mastercard or Visa credit or debit card.

Useful Apps You Need to Have While You’re in Sydney!

First time in Sydney and not sure what you need to prepare? SIGGRAPH Asia got you covered with the list of useful apps that will help you when you’re in Sydney this December! 😜 Whether you are just here for SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 or will be extending for holiday, you’ve got to have them.
Service NSW
Stay up to date with the latest NSW Government information. Access COVID-19 updates, digital licences, renew your rego and check fines and demerits.
Transportations
Sydney has an extensive public transport system of buses, trains, metro rail, light rail and ferries. To use the network, you need to either purchase an Opal card or use a contactless debit/credit.

1. Opal Travel

Opal Travel is New South Wales only official Transport app which help you to manage your travel across the Opal Network in Sydney and surrounds. With Opal app, you can:

  • view your Opal or contactless card travel history.
  • set Opal card auto top ups.
  • plan your travel.
  • check travel alerts.
The Opal Travel app is free to download for all and can be found in both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store!

2. Taxi Services

Sydney is served by numerous taxi companies and there are many ways you can get a taxi either through street hailing or booking via applications such as 13cabs and GoCatch

13cabs app is free to download for all and can be found in both Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store!

Download 13cabs:

Download GoCatch:

3. Ride Sharing

Most major ridesharing platforms operate in Sydney, including Uber, Ola and DiDi, as well as local operator GoCatch.

Tip for female travellers – you can also book a ride with Shebah, a rideshare service with all-women drivers catering to women.

(PS: Adult men can use the service if they need to transport a child who requires an approved child safety seat.)

Download Uber:

Download Ola:

Downlaod DiDi Rider:

Foods
Australia is a lucrative market for on-demand food delivery services and there are currently many on-demand delivery companies. Here are the Top 3 delivery apps that Australians use the most:

1. UberEats

Everyone should be familiar with this! Uber Eats is an online food ordering and delivery platform launched by Uber in 2014 and is now operating in over 6,000 cities across 45 countries!

2. DoorDash

DoorDash founded in 2013, is a San Francisco-based technology company which has connected customers with their favorite local and national restaurants in more than 600 cities across United States and Canada!
Navigations
There are several popular navigation apps used in Australia that provide reliable maps, directions, and real-time traffic information. Aside from the commonly used Google Maps, below are some commonly used navigation apps in Australia:

1. HERE WEGo

HERE WeGo is a navigation app that offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and public transportation information which provides coverage across Australia and can be used on both Android and iOS devices.

2. Waze

Waze is a community-driven navigation app that relies on user-generated reports to provide real-time traffic information, including accidents, road closures, and police presence. It offers turn-by-turn directions and has a strong user base in Australia.

COVID-19 Updates

Regulations in New South Wales, Sydney

Travellers arriving in NSW are not required to test for COVID-19 before departure or after arrival.

Masks are not mandatory in airports, cruise terminals or on public transport in NSW, however, may be required for international flights.

There are no restrictions on interstate travel to NSW. Click here to learn more about regulations in NSW.

Onsite Safety & Hygiene Measures

Although the current restrictions in Sydney do not require any compulsory COVID-19 regulations such as mask wearing, social distancing or proof of vaccination, we still encourage everyone to be socially responsible.