Wednesday, 9th November

Pre-dinner drinks and dinner at ‘Phillips Foote’ restaurant (7.30 pm - 10.00pm; meet in hotel lobby for short walk at 7.15pm).

Phillips Foote pub/restaurant, located at 101 George Street, is a well known informal style semi-outdoor restaurant only a short distance (200m) from the hotel where we can meet, after a welcome drink, to catch up with colleagues and friends before the conference.

After a pre-dinner drink, you can select from the salad & fruit bar, daily baked fresh breads, and potatoes; and then you choose your main course, to barbecue yourself - either steak (Sydney cut; T-bone; marinated rump; rump; fillet mignon; beef kebab; lamb cutlets), or fish; chicken or pie. Later you can select your dessert. Wine, drinks, water and coffee included. www.phillipsfoote.com.au

Cost per person: £55.00

Thursday, 10th November

Dinner at Hugo’s in Manly – transfer by ferry. Meet in Hotel lobby at 5.30pm (for short walk to Wharf 3 at Circular Quay to catch 6.00pm ferry to Manly); walkabout, then onto restaurant for pre-dinner drinks at 7.30pm; dinner at 8.30pm.) Return at leisure, last ferry at 12.55am.

 

Thursday night has traditionally become an informal evening and this year is no exception, but there is no musical or theatre entertainment. We will initially travel by public ferry for 30 minutes across the harbour to the resort of Manly – one side is the sheltered harbour side; the other side (a short 400m walk) is Pacific Ocean facing and noted for its beach fronting pine trees. On arrival there is free time to explore Manly (a map will be provided) – maybe also to see the sea-rays swimming outside the aquarium; then we will re-join for pre-dinner drinks at Hugo’s on the waterfront overlooking the harbour, followed by a two course dinner. Then we can have more free time and maybe walk up the Corso and have an ice cream or a bar drink. The return to Sydney by ferry presents tremendous night time views of the Opera House, Bridge and city skyline – a memorable experience. www.hugos.com.au

Cost per person: £85.00 (including return ferry ticket)

Friday, 11th November - afternoon

As there is a city tour and harbour cruise on Saturday, on Friday afternoon we offer two options either:

Sydney Express Bridge Climb – 2¼ hrs; 2.30pm – 4.45pm. Meet in lobby at 2.00pm for short walk to the Bridge Climb reception at 3 Cumberland St.

This is perhaps a lifetime experience to climb one of the most famous bridges in the world (and to be guided about its history and to see Sydney from a breathtaking perspective). Walking in a small group of 12, climbers are briefed, harnessed and suitably clothed before this ‘express’ climb lasting 2¼ hours (including preparation time). http://www.bridgeclimb.com/

Please note that before the climb all participants are breathalysed for alcohol, which should therefore be completely avoided at lunchtime!

Cost per person: £135.00 (Purchasing photographs taken during the climb by the Bridge Climb company are optional extras. Naturally this option should be avoided for those with a fear of heights or pre-existing medical condition. Please note: Our group is restricted to 12 people and offered on a ‘first come first served’ basis. If our group number is exceeded, it MAY be possible to offer a place on another later tour group with the general public.

Or

Sydney Opera House - private group guided tour– 2.45pm. Meet in lobby at 2.15pm for short walk to the Opera House.

This is an opportunity to understand and experience, from the inside, with a private guided tour, the world famous design and acoustics of this landmark entertainment venue. http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

Cost per person: £30.00

Friday 11th November - Evening

Gala dinner at the Summit restaurant, 264 George St (47th floor), 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Meet in lobby at 7.10pm for short walk to restaurant. 

On Friday evening there will be a dinner (in a private area) in a spectacular restaurant located on the 47th floor of the Australia Square Tower Building on George St. During dinner the restaurant revolves offering stunning and memorable views of Sydney. http://www.summitrestaurant.com.au  

Cost per person: £90.00

Spouse/guest excursions

No excursions have been formally arranged for this conference at this time. However nearer the time possible ideas/suggestions can be made such as: a water taxi to Rose Bay with lunch at the Catalina restaurant; a visit to the Botanical Gardens and café lunch; visit to Taronga Zoo; and a general shopping area guide.

Saturday 12th November

City excursion by bus; followed by harbour cruise lunch (9.15am to 3.30pm – meet in upper lobby, by gift shop of hotel, at 9.00am).
 
We depart by coach after breakfast for a morning excursion around the city to see the main landmarks and also to visit Bondi beach. The morning tour will also include a stop at Mrs Macquarie’s Chair which offers a superb view of Sydney Harbour and city skyline.  The coach tour will also travel through the exclusive suburbs of Double Bay and Vaucluse as well as travel through Kings Cross, the red light district of Sydney before heading off to The Gap where we will experience views of the Pacific Oceans and the Heads before a visit Bondi Beach, Australia’s most famous surf beach.  We will return to Circular Quay for a buffet lunch cruise (in the private Sirius lounge of the boat).

The boat will dock in the Rocks (or you can stay onboard to go to Darling Harbour, which is a 20 minute walk back to the hotel). On a Saturday afternoon in the Rocks area there is a regular street market offering a variety of artefacts and local merchandise.

Cost per person: £95.00 (including lunch with a choice of menu, wine, water and soft drinks etc)