Frequently Asked Questions

Student Week

Contents

Booking

How do I book for Student Week?
How do I get from the airport to the hotel or CSIRO Marsfield site?
How do I book my hotel?
How do I find someone to share my accommodation with?
What about visas?

Register and Book your trip to the IPTA Student Week, using these steps:

  • Register for student week here (in person or virtual).
  • Choose your method of transfer from the airport to the hotel or CSIRO site (see Public Transport section below)
  • Book accommodation here.
  • Looking for someone to share accommodation with? List your details or find someone here.
  • Details for visa requirements found here.

Travel

What happens when I arrive in Sydney?

Like most countries, you will clear customs and collect your baggage, before heading to public transport/taxi ranks. Note the international and domestic terminals are at different locations.

In the unlikely event you experience any issues with customs, feel free to contact the IPTA LOC members through the dedicated support channel: #ipta_2023_help via direct message, or email to Ariadna Hernandez or Andrew Zic. Meeting organisers are not responsible for issues with and will only supply advice and direction.

Public Transport

Where do I go from the airport?
What public transport is available?
Is public transport safe?
How do I get to my hotel (Mercure)?

Both the International and Domestic terminals have a connecting train line that takes passengers to Sydney's main rail station - Central station. The cost of this fair is approx. $17 AUD one way.

If you do not wish to catch the train, you can also get a taxi to Central Station (in the city) from outside the airport terminals. The fair is approx. $30-$50 AUD (depending on traffic). If there are 2-3 of you travelling together to the city, you could carpool and split the fare.

Once you are in the city, the train and bus network can take you anywhere you need to go, including out to Marsfield and the Mercure Hotel. Take the train to Macquarie University. The CSIRO Marsfield site is a short 5-minute drive or 20-minute walk from this train station, and the hotel is even closer (about 500m away).

Travel cards in Sydney are called OPAL cards (recommended). You can purchase your OPAL card here, and learn more about them here . The transport across the city is very safe. To use your OPAL cards you must tap on when starting your journey and tap off when finishing your journey. Taxis take both cash and cards.

TRAIN TRANSFER

To travel by train to Macquarie Park from the international airport:

Go to the Airport Train Station, Platform 1. Take the T8 line to the City Circle via Museum. You will arrive on Platform 5 at this station.

Disembark and cross over to Platform 4 where you will board the Hornsby via Gordon train, which will take you to Chatswood Station, Platform 4.

Once again disembark and walk for two minutes to Platform 3 at Chatswood Station, where you will board the Tallawong metro. This metro will take you to Macquarie University Station where you will have reached your destination. The Mercure Hotel is a short walk from here.

BUS TRANSFER

To travel by bus to Macquarie Park from the international airport:

Go to the Airport Train Station, Platform 1. Take the T8 line to the City Circle via Museum. You will arrive on Platform 5 at this station.

Disembark and exit the station, taking the Clarence Street exit. On Clarence Street, there will be a few bus stands, and you will need to go to Stand R.

Board bus 288, 291 or 292 (any are fine) which will take you to Macquarie University Station where you will have reached your destination. The Mercure Hotel is a short walk from here.

Buses also accept OPAL cards for payments.

The TripView app TripView App is useful for planning local public transport.

trips

Currency and Tipping

What is the Australian currency?
Where can I exchange money?
Do most places accept cards?
Do I need to leave tips?

The Australian currency is the Australian dollar, and you can exchange money prior to your arrival, or at the airport terminals.

Nearly all places in Australia accept cards with Mastercard and VISA being more accepted over AMEX. It's a good idea to carry a small amount of cash in case of emergencies. We cannot guarantee all foreign credit cards will work, so having cash is handy. In Australia, we use paywave / tap-and-go functions (requires chip in card or phone), but merchants can also request your signature when using your cards. You should let your financial institution know that you are travelling to Australia and will be using your card, so it is not flagged as an international scam transaction (which can lock the card).

In Australia, tips are not socially-mandated and is generally not done. If paying cash you may wish to round up to the nearest dollar to avoid breaking small change.

Accommodation

What is the address of the Mercure Hotel?
How far is the Mercure Hotel from the Marsfied site?

Mercure Sydney Macquarie Park is located at 81 Talavera Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. This is about 500m from the Macquarie Park train station.

The hotel (and the train station) are approx. 2km distance from CSIRO Marsfield site. This is about a 20-30 min walk or 5-10 minute cab ride.

Student Week Access - Marsfield Site

Do I need special access to get into the Marsfield site?
Will I have Wi-Fi access at Marsfield?
Are there meeting rooms available?

Yes, you will not be able to enter the building until you have been let through reception, where you will be required to sign in.

Guests who are staying on-site at Marsfield will be required to complete an online site induction that should be sent to you from CSIRO Visitor Services. Please let us know if you did not receive this.

When on location, you will be given a name badge sticker which must be displayed at all times. Once inside the complex, you can move around designated meeting areas. Several areas will require, such as the lunch courtyard, will require an security card to access.

Eduroam Wi-Fi will be available, but we cannot guarantee network coverage without disruptions when many people might be using it simultaneously.

There are a small number of spare desks.

Virtual Access

How do I attend student week virtually?

Conference attendees have been emailed the appropriate links.

Food on-site

Is student week catered for, or do I need to buy/bring my own food?
Are there any social events or dinners for student week?
How much should we budget for food daily?

Yes, lunch is catered for as part of student week - which includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Feel free to bring any snacks along if you wish. There is also an onsite canteen where you can purchase food, drinks and coffees (closes at 2pm).

Breakfast can be organised through the Mercure Hotel at $20 AUD per day. This can be organised through your booking.

Nearby Macquarie University also has a large food court with multiple food outlets.

We are planning on having one evening dinner, please fill out this form if you are planning on attending.

Given we are supplying food during the day for student week, you will likely only need to cover breakfasts (at the hotel) and dinners. The general cost of food is roughly (in AUD) $20 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, and $20-$30 for dinners.

Shopping Centre

Is there a nearby shopping centre where I can buy my own food and items?

The Macquarie Centre (shopping centre) is located at the Macquarie University train station. There are multiple food, clothing, accessory, etc. shops, as well as supermarkets and food courts. You can buy anything you need from there (e.g., snacks, chargers, converters, etc.). It is located 500m from the Mercure Hotel and less than 2km from the Marsfield site.

Sydney City

How far away from Marsfield is Sydney City?
How do I get to the city?
What are some tourist things to do?
I am staying for Saturday (17 June) after student week - is there anything I can do on this day?

The city of Sydney is about 17km away from Marsfield and getting to and from the city is easy with trains, buses and taxies (and ubers).

If you want to spend time in Sydney on tourist activities, see here.

Sydney is a beautiful harbour city and there is much to explore. From the Jurrasic rainforests in Blue Mountains to the west, to our world-famous golden beaches in the east.

You may wish to join our PhD student Rami Mandow on one of these adventures on the day. Multiple weather and cost options listed, and you are free to do any that you like.

Climate and Weather

What is the climate like this time of year in Sydney?
What will the weather forecast be for Student Week?

Sydney weather this time of year can be four seasons in one day. June is the start of our winter months, so the temperatures can be cool, esp, at night. Days are sometimes also wet. Pack jumpers and jackets for this trip, as you are likely to need them.

Closer to the date, you can see the Sydney forecast here.

Marsfield local walks

Are there any local walks I can do in my own time around Marsfield?

Marsfield is a pleasant suburb to walk around, without too many steep hills. There is also a nearby nature reserve that connects to one of Sydney’s national parks (Lane Cove National Park).

Health, Safety and Inclusivity

Are there any risks at the Marsfield site?
Are there any risks in the local area?
What do I do if I get COVID?
How do I learn more about the IPTA Code of Conduct?

You are required to be aware of everyday risks (like tripping over) when on site.

Native wildlife is known to visit the Marsfield site. These mostly include birds, lizards, possums, and small spiders, which do not pose serious threats. There have been very rare sightings of snakes on site. In the unlikely event of a snake sighting, stay calm, walk away slowly, and report to a local staff member.

When entering the nature reserves and national parks, you are entering the homes of wildlife, so you should take extra care not to disturb them, and know who to call in the event of an emergency. We strongly encourage you not to approach any wildlife in these locations.

If you come down with COVID during your visit, we ask that you follow our COVID Guidelines.

All attendees (in-person or virtual) are also asked to review and commit to the IPTA Code of Conduct.

Emergency contacts

Who do I call if I am stuck at the airport?
What number do I call for medical emergencies?
Who do I call for help at Marsfield?

If you require assistance, let a member of the LOC know through the #ipta_2023_help channel on the IPTA slack instance.

In Australia, the EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 000.

This will connect you with an operator who will ask about your condition and location, to dispatch paramedics to you.

Science Meeting

Contents

Booking

How do I book for the IPTA Meeting?
How do I book for the shuttle service from the airport?
How do I work out who to share my apartment with?
How do I book for the conference dinner?
What about visas?

Register and Book your trip to the IPTA meeting, using these steps:

  • Register for the meeting here (in person or virtual).
  • Submit abstracts here.
  • Book apartment accommodation here (we strongly encourage you to co-share an apartment with other attendees).
  • Looking for someone to share accommodation with? List your details or find someone here.
  • Book the shuttle service from the airport to the resort here (approx. 1-hour trip).
  • Book a spot at the conference dinner here.
  • Details for visa requirements found here.

Travel

What happens when I arrive in Sydney or Brisbane?
Do I need to change airports in Sydney or Brisbane?
How do I book a flight to Cairns?

Like most countries, you will clear customs and collect your baggage, before heading to public transport. Note the international and domestic terminals are at different locations in Sydney - and you will be required to travel between the two terminals depending on where you land.

No, you don't need to change airports in Sydney or Brisbane.

Flights to Cairns (closest airport to Port Douglas) at Sydney Domestic Terminal leave from Terminal 2 for all airlines, excluding QANTAS, which leaves from Terminal 3. We recommend having booked these flights prior to your arrival in Sydney.

In the unlikely event you experience any issues with customs, feel free to contact the IPTA LOC members through the dedicated support channel: #ipta_2023_help via direct message, or email to Ariadna Hernandez or Andrew Zic. Meeting organisers are not responsible for issues with and will only supply advice and direction..

Port Douglas Public Transport

Where do I go from Cairns airport?
What public transport is available in Port Douglas?
Is public transport safe?
How do I get to my hotel (Pullman)?

Once you get to Cairns airport, there is a shuttle service that will take you up to the seaside town of Port Douglas, where the meeting will be held. The shuttle service can be booked here and takes about 1 hour. The cost is $50 AUD.

You can also hire a car or use rideshare services. Find out more here.

Public transport in Cairns and Port Douglas is very safe and will take you to your destination and the hotel.

Currency and Tipping

What is the Australian currency?
Where can I exchange money?
Do most places accept cards?
Do I need to leave tips?

The Australian currency is the Australian dollar, and you can exchange money prior to your arrival, or at the airport terminals.

Nearly all places in Australia accept cards with Mastercard and VISA being more accepted over AMEX. It’s a good idea to carry a small amount of cash in case of emergencies. We cannot guarantee all foreign credit cards will work, so having cash is handy. In Australia, we use paywave / tap-and-go functions (requires chip in card or phone), but merchants can also request your signature when using your cards. You should let your financial institution know that you are travelling to Australia and will be using your card, so it is not flagged as an international scam transaction (which can lock the card).

Whilst many places in Port Douglas also accept credit cards, there are likely many places that prefer cash, so it would be wise to take some local currency as required.

In Australia, tips are not socially-mandated and is generally not done. If paying cash you may wish to round up to the nearest dollar to avoid breaking small change.

Accommodation

What is the address of the Pullman Hotel?
How far is the Pullman Hotel from the airport?
Should I share an apartment with someone from the conference?
Does the Pullman hotel accommodate accessibility needs for all abilities?

The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Resort is located at 1 Mitre Street Craglie QLD 4877. Port Douglas does not have an airport, so flights will arrive in the nearby coastal town of Cairns. From here it is approx. one hour’s drive to Port Douglas.

Regarding accommodation at the Pullman, the LOC strongly encourages reaching out to other attendees of the IPTA meeting to co-share apartments. This helps lower the cost for each of you. List your details or find someone here.

The Pullman hotel is fitted with ramps and accessibility needs as required. If you have any special needs, please let us know.

Meeting Week Access

Do I need special access to get into the Meeting at the Pullman?
Will I have Wi-Fi access at the meeting?
Are there any side meeting rooms available?

No, once you have arrived at the hotel, you are at the destination of the meeting. The meeting events will take place on location.

There will be wi-fi available at the Pullman hotel.

Whilst we have booked several rooms, we intend to use these as part of the IPTA meeting. If you wish to step away to make a call or send emails, we recommend you use your own apartments or some of the shared hotel facilities, like lounge area.

Virtual Access

How do I attend the IPTA meeting virtually?

Conference attendees will be emailed the appropriate links.

Food on-site

Is the meeting catered for, or do I need to buy/bring my own food?
Are there any social events or dinners for the meeting week?

Food will be provided as part of the meeting, including morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. If there are any special dietary requirements, please note these when registering.

Given we are supplying food during the day for the meeting week, you will likely only need to cover breakfasts and dinners. Cost of food is roughly (in AUD) $20 for breakfast, $20 for lunch, and $20-$30 for dinners.

There is also a special dinner, which is covered by the conference price.

Shopping Centre

Is there a nearby shopping centre where I can buy my own food and items?

The sea side resort town of Port Douglas stretches along the QLD coastline, and the largest shopping centre (and general Village Centre), that has a supermarket is approx. 5 km away to the north from the Pullman hotel

Port Douglas City

How far away from the hotel is Port Douglas town?
How do I get to the town?
What are some tourist things to do?

As Port Dougles stretches along the coastline, the town itself is also stretched. The Pullman resort is towards the south end of Port Douglas. You can take a walk along the coast to get into town, or use taxi services, though, we don’t think you will need to leave the resort much.

If you want to spend time in Port Douglas on tourist activities, see here.

Climate and Weather

What is the climate like this time of year in Port Douglas?
What will the weather forecast be for the meeting week?

June in Port Douglas is considered the dry season, with temperatures during the day averaging about 25 degrees Celsius, and falling to approx. 16 degrees Celsius at night. It is, however, the tropics, so climate can change fairly quickly, so pack warm clothes as well.

You can keep your eye on the weather forecast for Port Douglas, closer to the date, with this link.

Health, Safety and Inclusivity

Are there any risks at the conference site?
Are there any risks in the local area?
What do I do if I get COVID?
How do I learn more about the IPTA Code of Conduct?

You are required to be aware of everyday risks (like tripping over) when on site.

Port Douglas is also closer to the equator, and so much more warmer and humid than Sydney. We strongly encourage attendees keep up their fluids and apply sunscreen, and wear a hat when outdoors for long periods of time.

Port Douglas is located in the tropics, featuring two beautiful rainforests. These environments may contain many dangerous Australian animals like large birds, crocodiles, spiders, snakes and marine stingers. It is very important to always let people know if you are planning on entering these rainforests on your own, and strongly suggest you adhere to all warnings and signs in each location.

When entering the nature reserves and national parks, you are entering the homes of wildlife, and so you should take extra care to not disturb them, and know who to call in the event of an emergency. We strongly encourage you not to approach any wildlife in these locations and travel with a local guide at all times.

If you come down with COVID during your visit, we ask that you follow our COVID Guidelines.

All attendees (in-person or virtual) are also asked to review and commit to the IPTA Code of Conduct.

Emergency contacts

Who do I call if I am stuck at the airport?
What number do I call for medical emergencies?
Who do I call for help at the hotel in Port Douglas?

If you require assistance, let a member of the LOC know through the #ipta_2023_help channel on the IPTA slack instance.

In Australia, the EMERGENCY NUMBER IS 000.

This will connect you with an operator who will ask about your condition and location, to dispatch paramedics to you.