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Host city

26–29 October 2023 | #WONCASydney2023
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Sydney

Sydney, Australia’s gateway city and the capital of New South Wales is built around one of the largest, most beautiful harbours in the world and along miles of golden surfing beaches which stretch north and south of the city on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The beaches and harbour play a major role in the leisure and sporting lives of Sydneysiders – yachting, surfing, sailboarding, swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing are all popular activities.

Many national parks and protected areas of natural bushland surround the city and the beautiful Blue Mountains are a short journey to the west.

Perhaps the most famous of Sydney’s landmarks is the spectacular Sydney Opera House with its graceful ‘sails’. The Opera House has become Sydney’s cultural centre, offering opera, ballet, drama and film. The historic ‘Rocks’ area, site of the original white settlement, is nearby, and this part of the harbour foreshore is a hub of activity for both local residents and visitors.

Sydney is a vigorous, cosmopolitan city, a major industrial, business and commercial centre and is endlessly fascinating in its variety and beauty – make sure you make the most of what it has to offer.

Your ultimate guide to Sydney

Registered delegates attending WONCA 2023 can access an exclusive 10% discount offer on a range of experiences and attractions in Sydney, New South Wales.

Enjoy all that Sydney has to offer. From cruises on Sydney Harbour, Aussie animal encounters at a Sydney Zoo or a performance at Sydney Opera House. And explore beyond the city, with an abundance of things to do in the mountains, coast and wine regions of New South Wales.

Delegates will receive a 10% off code to use when booking with Sydney Experiences website. This code will be provided to delegates via email and in the conference app.

The special rates are available from one week prior to the conference, through to one-week after the conference.

Bookings are subject to standard Terms and Conditions and you can refer to the Frequently Asked Questions for further information or support.

Continue reading below for suggestions on experiencing Sydney

Sights to see in Sydney

Chinese Garden of Friendship Sydney

Free Entry into Chinese Garden of Friendship

FREE ENTRY – simply show your delegate name badge to the front desk.

Located only a short 2-minute walk from ICC Sydney, the stunning Chinese Garden of Friendship is a hidden oasis from the hustle and bustle that respectfully recreates the philosophy and harmony of a traditional Chinese garden in its waterfalls, lakes, koi fishponds, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways.

Opened on 17 Jan 1988 for the Bicentenary, the Garden was modelled after ancient private gardens in China from the 5th century and is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese culture infused with Australian characteristics.

Designed by the Guangzhou Landscape Bureau, the Garden was laid out according to the ancient Chinese philosophy of Taoism and its principle of Yin and Yang and imitates the setup of traditional Chinese landscape paintings of miniature mountains and water.

If you fancy staying for a while, experience The Gardens by Lotus, an onsite restaurant in a heritage listed teahouse serving dumplings, Chinese tea and fiery Sichuan cuisine.

Opening hours
Daily 10am to 5pm (Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday)

To find out more information including free daily tours, exhibitions and workshops: 

Find out more

 


See Sydney at its best - take the Climb of Your Life with BridgeClimb Sydney. From dawn until dusk, the view is always different. Climbs are available at dawn (limited departures), by day, twilight or night. Don’t miss this unforgettable, and uniquely “Sydney” experience.
 
Your special conference rate will be displayed at the checkout after you click ‘Book Now’.

Book now


BridgeClimb Special 20% Conference Rate Terms and Conditions

  • The Special 20% Conference Rate is valid for sale until 5th November 2023 and is limited to climbs (as stated above) occurring between 19th October 2023 and 5th November 2023 inclusive.
  • Conference delegates must present proof of their conference registration or a conference lanyard at time of check-in at BridgeClimb. Please note that the full rate will apply if this condition is not satisfied.
  • The Special Conference Rate may be extended to family and friends, but they must be accompanied by a conference delegate on the Climb for the rate to be valid
  • Refer to http://www.bridgeclimb.com/things-you-need-to-know-to-climb/ for more details on how to prepare for your Climb


It looks amazing on the outside but wait till you see what’s inside! Step beneath the ‘sails’ of this iconic building on your visit to Sydney. Take a tour, venture backstage, have a memorable dining experience in one of several restaurants, bars and cafes, or take in a show of music, theatre, dance, or opera. 

Find out more

 


The Glenmore is one of the oldest rooftop establishments, dating back pre-Harbour Bridge days. In the heart of The Rocks, the charming iconic pub has some of the best views over the city, Circular Quay, the harbour and Opera House, making it a perfect destination for long lunches and sunset dining. 

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Discover. Learn. Relax. Whatever your mood, there’s always something to do in the Garden. You’ll find all you need to know about community festivals, exhibitions, plant sales and special events here.

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Experience the best of Australia’s wildlife right in the heart of Sydney! Discover some of the most endangered creatures in the world including Tasmanian Devils, a friendly Quokka and an adorable Numbat. Plus, get up close and personal to the ‘Aussie Big 5’ including Kangaroos, Koalas and our Wombat, Platypus and giant Saltwater Crocodile. 

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Explore five levels of art at one of Australia’s most popular art museums, located within beautiful parklands overlooking Sydney Harbour, just 10 minutes walk from the city.

See an extensive collection of Australian art, including one of the largest galleries of Aboriginal art in the country, alongside European masters, Asian treasures and leading local and international contemporary art.

Enjoy refreshments in the award-winning restaurant or cafe, and pick up a unique gift from the Gallery Shop.

Find out more


The Sydney Tower Eye – often referred to by Sydneysiders as Sydney Tower, Centrepoint Tower, AMP Tower, Westfield Centrepoint Tower or Sydney Skytower, amongst other names – has been an integral part of the famous Sydney skyline for the past 30 years. Sydney Tower is Sydney’s tallest structure and the second tallest observation tower in the Southern Hemisphere. 

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The Enmore Theatre is now Sydney’s oldest and longest running live theatre. The Enmore Theatre plays a distinctive role in the social and cultural life of the city and occupies a unique position in Sydney’s theatrical history. Originally built in 1908 and opened to the public as a photo-play theatre in 1912, The Enmore and the Szarka brothers commenced a succession of sold out performances and remarkable success. The Enmore Theatre is classified by the National Trust and is listed in the Historic Buildings Register of the Australian Institute of Architects. The Enmore Theatre is one of two surviving art deco theatres in Sydney and the only one in its full original condition. 

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Day Tours


The Big Bus Sydney is the perfect way to take in all the major sites of Sydney. Get an introduction to the best of Sydney on day one of your visit or take a grand circuit to see the sites one final time before your holiday ends. Also, a perfect way to give your feet a rest, or to save time getting from one attraction to another. Gaze at all the impressive iconic buildings and monuments, and of course spectacular views of the harbour, from the comfort of open-top double decker buses. Choose from several routes – or make time for all – and hop on board for door-to-door service to the best sights, along with on-board commentary in 8 languages.

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Explore the World-Heritage listed Blue Mountains. Crisp, clean, fresh mountain top air with distant blue haze horizons overlooking deep ravines with rainforest ca rpeting the valley floor. To book a coach tour with Grayline Tours . 

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Passionate food and wine enthusiasts will delight in a day trip to Australia’s most visited wine region, Hunter Valley. Some of the nation’s oldest wine families call this valley home where traditional methods and techniques of wine making are used. Those with a more modern palate are catered for by numerous young innovative growers offering up original blends. To book a coach tour with Grayline Tours. 

Find out more

 

 

Australia’s capital city, Canberra, was purpose-built to cater for the nation’s political seat. Its location was chosen as a compromise between rival cities Sydney and Melbourne. Canberra is also the location for numerous social and cultural organisations which hold national significance such as National Gallery, Australian War Memorial and Australian National University. The modern architecture is striking and the layout most impressive.

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Cultural Tours


The Rocks Aboriginal Dreaming Tour is a perfect instroduction to the living Aboriginal Dreamtime Cultural Heritage of Sydney’s natural landscapes and seasons. Join Aunty Margaret as she shows the physical dreamtime story in a seasonal environment. Aunty Margaret’s reputation is unparralled amoung aboriginal communities and in the global tourism market.

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Join your First Nations Guide and admire the beauty and history of Sydney Harbour through the lens of the Gadigal. On the tours you will stroll along the stunning Sydney Harbour foreshore while listening to stories of Gadigal lifestyle, traditions, hisotry and connection to country and community.

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The tour will emerse you in the native history of Warrane (Sydney Harbour) and the importance of the land to Australia’s Aboriginal heritage and its significance to the clans of the Eora Nation. Taking place in Barangaroo Reserve where there is 75,000 native trees and shrubs this tour is a must for the gardening and green enthusiast.

Find out more
 


Restaurants

Cuisine Restaurant Distance
Indigenous Australian Midden by Mark Olive
Western Broadwalk. Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point NSW 2000
3.1km from ICC (walk)
Classic pub The Glebe Hotel
63 Bay Street, Glebe, Sydney NSW 2037
1.3km from ICC (walk)
Chinese Xi'An Dumpling & Noodle Bar
Shop 8/339 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
1km from ICC (walk)
Chinatown Chinatown Haymarket. Sydney – multiple restaurants
82/84 Dixon Street, Haymarket NSW 2000
400m from ICC
Malaysian The Malaya
39 Lime St, Sydney NSW 2000
1.7km from ICC (walk)
French The Little Snail Bar and Restaurant
3/50 Murray Street, Pyrmont NSW 2009
1km from ICC (walk)
Vietnamese Hello Auntie
Shop 2/16 Nicolle-Walk, Haymarket NSW 2000

1km to ICC

Malaysian Chinta Ria Buddha Love
Darling Square, 14 Nicolle Walk, Haymarket NSW 2000

750m to ICC (walk)

Spanish Braza Churrascaria
1/25 Harbour St, Sydney  NSW 2000
300m (walk)
Indian Manjits Wharf
10/49 Lime Street, Sydney NSW 2000
1.2km (walk)
Mexican Tequila Daisy
Shop 11/33 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo NSW 2000
1.7km (walk)
Various (Dining precinct) King Street Wharf. Sydney
Lime Street, Darling Harbour, Sydney NSW 2000
1.5km (walk)



Here are some useful links to help you best plan your time when you are visiting Sydney: 

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