Destination
Welcome to Sydney!
Australia’s largest and most famous city known for its beautiful blue harbours, white sandy beaches, and ingenious architectural feats like the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, nicknamed “The Coat Hanger.” With a population of 5.3 million, Sydney is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Explore this thriving cosmopolitan city by strolling along one of its many parks and gardens, hit the waves at some of the world’s best surfing beaches, admire Australia’s unique native animals and sea life at the Taronga Zoo and SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, learn about Aboriginal culture and traditions in museums, and so much more!
Getting To Sydney
Sydney is one of the world’s safest and friendliest cities to visit. The Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport is Australia’s busiest airport with more than 35 airlines flying in and out daily making Sydney accessible to key destinations all over the world.
Getting Around
Sydney is easy to navigate – an efficient network of transport options makes traveling around Sydney enjoyable and affordable. The Sydney public transport system consists of trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.
Visas
All visitors, except New Zealand Nationals, require a visa before arriving in Australia. Find out what you need to visit Australia as a tourist or business person, how to extend your stay, and what documents you need to carry with you to transit through Australia. Please check your individual eligibilities for the visa type applicable to you while you visit Australia.
The climate in Sydney is humid subtropical. Temperatures range from daily highs of 17°C to lows of 8°C (63°F/46°F). We recommend bringing layers and a mid-weigh jacket.
The Australian national currency is Australian dollars (AUD). It comes in denominations $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 dollar bills; coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents and one and two dollars.
English is the most commonly spoken language in Australia.
Sales tax on goods and services (GST) is 10%.
It is voluntary to tip in Australia. However, many people choose to tip hospitality staff, such as waiters, 10% of the bill before taxes. Hairdressers, beauticians, hotel staff, and taxi drivers do not expect tips, but it is common to round up to the nearest dollar.
In case of emergency: 0-0-0
Australian Government Poisons Information Centre: 131-126
Australia operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. The power socket and plug type are of type I, which is a plug with three flat pins in a triangular pattern.
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are banned in all enclosed public areas, sporting fields, beaches, public transport stops, and within 10m of the playground.
Child Care Options at CogSci 2023
While we will not be able to provide childcare at CogSci 2023, we have compiled a list of trusted agencies that attendees can contact directly to make arrangements.
Parents are encouraged to make the necessary arrangements directly with their provider of choice. Please note that the agencies listed below are not affiliated with the Cognitive Science Society or Podium Conference Services Inc and as such, the Cognitive Science Society and Podium Conference Services Inc are not responsible for services rendered by these agencies.
https://www.littlelovelies.com.au/
• Offering mobile nanny service at your hotel
https://kiddoapp.com.au/
• An Australian phone number will be required

The Cognitive Science Society is pleased to announce the establishment of the CogSci Grove which aims to mobilise cognitive scientists to offset carbon emissions associated with their professional activities.