Sydney information

630+ Direct flights

Sydney Airport is one of the world’s leading low-cost, long-haul airports—a major and growing international airline hub. With 47 international airlines flying to Sydney, and over 630 international direct flights arriving every week*, delegates can easily travel to Australia’s global city.

Inbound flight capacity into Sydney is on track to return to 90 per cent by September this year, with capacity already increasing from 71 per cent in January 2023 to 85 per cent in June 2023. We are also seeing some key markets returning to or above pre-pandemic capacity, such as India, Korea, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Fiji, and others steadily growing. With capacity continuing to grow at this rate, delegates can expect a greater selection of flights and more competitive airfares to Sydney.

We have a world-class visa system, and delegates from every country will find it easy to get a visa to come to Australia.

^{*Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE), April 2023.}

Airport to city in 13-minutes

Sydney Airport is Australia’s international gateway welcoming 38.5 million passengers a year and connecting Sydney to 44 international, 22 domestic interstate and 22 regional destinations.

It is conveniently located 8 km (5 miles) from the city centre. That’s only 13-minutes by train for approx. AUD18, or 25-minutes by car, taxi or ride share for approx. AUD45-55.

Integrated public transport network

While most places delegates need to go are easily accessible by foot, the city’s extensive public transport network is always nearby. It includes buses, trains, light rail and ferries. It’s simple and easy to use with one electronic ticket, the Opal Card, providing access to public transport in Sydney and surrounding regions.

Delegates travelling on an Adult fare can also choose to use their credit card (Amex, Mastercard or Visa, or a linked device) for contactless payment at all Opal readers. Fares are calculated on the distance travelled and are capped to ensure delegates can travel all day for no more than AUD15.

Taxi and ride share

Many private taxi companies operate in the city. You can book taxis, hail them from the kerb or engage one at any taxi rank. Rideshare providers Uber, Bolt (Taxify), GoCatch, OLA, and Shebah also operate in Sydney.

Sydney climate

Sydney has a moderate climate with seasons opposite to the Northern hemisphere. June is a winter month in Sydney, with an average daytime high temperature of around 17-19 °C (63-66 °F). At night, it cools down to about 9-11°C (48-52 °F). Sydney in June usually receives low to moderate rainfall, averaging around 98 mm (3.9 inches).

To enjoy the StarShip cruise on Sydney Harbour (on Friday after the sessions), it is prudent to bring warm and wind-protected clothing.

Sydney travel information

Sydney has a rare talent for combining excellent business activities with great leisure pursuits and it attracts the majority of travellers who head to Australia for business. From cruises on Sydney Harbour, Aussie animal encounters at a Sydney zoo or a performance at Sydney Opera House, through to exploring the mountains, coast and wine regions beyond the city, delegates will be spoilt for choice.

BESydney has partnered with ExperienceOz to offer delegates access to a range of experiences and attractions at special rates to enjoy during their time in Sydney, New South Wales. Delegates can unlock an exclusive 10% discount when they make a booking via the Sydney Experiences website.

The unique code for the INFORMS Marketing Science Conference 2024 is ISMS10 and is valid for bookings from one week prior to the conference, through to one week after the conference.

The links below are a small sample of what can be explored in Sydney and its surroundings.