Attending

Attention: Workshops and tutorials (Monday and Tuesday) are held at the Sydney Masonic Conference & Function Centre.

The conference will take place in the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour, the heart of Sydney -  the capital of the State of New South Wales. Sydney is consistently rated as one of the world's most liveable cities and it has been ranked as the world's number one city for the ninth consecutive year at the 2010 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards.

Sydney is Australia's biggest, oldest, most cosmopolitan and exciting city, set on a stunning harbour. Sydney's natural attractions such as the harbour and beaches are well known, as are the outstanding human creations such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge which forms part of this year's ISWC's logo.

Sydney is also Australia's international and national gateway with over 40 passenger airlines operating over 600 scheduled international services a week, see our travel page.

The Landmarks

The heart of Sydney is undoubtedly its harbour. Flanked by the iconic Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House, the harbour is Sydney's playground. Visitors can easily walk the waterfront along Circular Quay, experiencing the numerous bars, cafes and restaurants on offer.

Just a short stroll from the city centre is the vibrant waterside precinct of Darling Harbour. Cockle Bay and King Street Wharf offer some of the best bars and restaurants in the city, while Darling Harbour is also home to the SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Wildlife World. If you'd like to see more wildlife, Taronga Zoo is also a quick ferry trip across the harbour, offering family fun and some great views of the city.

A stroll through The Rocks will offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Sydney. Home to some of the oldest settlements in Sydney, as well as the Museum of Contemporary Art, regular markets, and a host of guided tours, The Rocks should satisfy all culture-buffs.

If you seek action and adventure, why not take a trip to the top of the Harbour Bridge? The dizzying climb is well worth the effort, offering panoramic views of the city as well as a sense of achievement. Perhaps you'd like to see the sites at high-speed? The crew at Harbour Jet offer full throttle rides in a speed boat across the harbour. Though not for the faint of heart, the rides are an exhilarating way to see the sites.

The Hot Spots

The most famous beach in Sydney (arguably the whole of Australia), lies just 30 minutes to the east of the city centre. With golden sands, high energy residents and bustling promenade, Bondi Beach is bound to leave a lasting impression.

Art galleries, fashion boutiques, trendy cafes and terrace houses line the streets in the suburb of Paddington. Chic doesn't begin to describe this suburb. Home to some of Australia's best fashion labels, as well as some of the best new emerging labels, Paddington will surely please every fashion conscience visitor.

A visit to the relaxed beachside suburb or Manly should be on every visitor's "To Do" list. A quick trip on a ferry will allow visitors to experience the casual dining (fresh from the beach) or the refined restaurants and wine bars. It's no wonder many chose to take a day to experience all that Manly has to offer.

The Day Trips

Situated in the middle of a national park, and only two hours from Sydney by train, are the Blue Mountains. Offering some of the best bush-tracks, from beginner strolls to intense hiking experience, it is home to unique elements of Australia's natural and indigenous culture. The Blue Mountains also offer excellent restaurants and art galleries showcasing local artists.

One of Australia's premier wine regions, the Hunter Valley, lies just two hours north of Sydney. Offering over 150 wineries, and boasting some of Australia's best produce, many visitors choose to spend an entire weekend tasting the delicacies on offer.