Transport  

The University of Wollongong is located approximately 10 minutes (by car) from the Wollongong CBD and 80 minutes (by car)  from Sydney Airport.

Getting to UOW.

Air:  Wollongong is best serviced from most inter-state locations via Sydney domestic airport. There are limited flights to/from some regional centres to Wollongong Regional Airport, at Albion Park, to the south of Wollongong City Centre. For those flying interstate or internationally, your options for connecting to Wollongong from Sydney airport are to use the rail system, to book a seat on a shuttle bus service (several commercial operators run shuttles to Wollongong from Sydney airport – a simple internet search will return a range of companies offering such services), or to drive (hire car). The train journey is scenic but allow plenty of time for connections and the slow bit of the line where the train navigates the Royal National Park and picturesque Illawarra escarpment.  From the Airport to UOW.

Bus:   The UOW is well serviced by the GONG shuttle.  This is a free bus service.   Timetable iPhone App.  The free Gong Shuttle public bus service operates seven days a week around Wollongong  – a high frequency loop service from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University travelling in both directions via Princes Highway and Cliff Road. You can hail the bus from any specially marked green Gong Shuttle bus stop, and hop right on. The service operates between 7.00am and 10.00pm from Monday to Friday; every 10 minutes during peak (7.00am-9.00am & 3.00pm-6.00pm) and every 20 minutes off-peak. The weekend service operates every 20 minutes between 8.00am and 6.00pm.  It is a good way to get a feel for central city/inner-city areas, as well as get from your hotel to the conference, to cafes, pubs and the beach etc. Due to the popularity of the Gong Shuttle, additional free public bus routes have been created. 

Train:  UOW and Wollongong City Centre are both connected to the South Coast line of Sydney’s City Rail network. UOW is closest to North Wollongong station – which is a 15 minute walk from campus or 3 minutes on the free North Gong shuttle bus – they connect UOW with North Wollongong station every 7 minutes in peak hours, every 15 minutes thereafter. Delegates connecting from Sydney airport (domestic or international terminals) can use airport railway stations: catch the train heading to Sydney Central Station, and then catch an express train to Wollongong from Central. Check screens at Central Station for platform information. For those confident with the Sydney rail network, an alternative (which cuts out having to navigate Central Station) is to connect via airport stations to Wolli Creek and Hurstville stations, then the South Coast line. Either way, please plan your journey in advance to avoid long waits or near-miss failed connections. Timetables and trip planners are available at: http://www.cityrail.info/

Taxi:  If you need a taxi call Radio Cabs of Wollongong on 131 008.

Car-parking:  Parking on campus is limited and parking enforcement officers regularly check all car parks.  Pay and Display ticket bays and the Short-term Parking Station provides spaces for a fee.  The University encourages carpooling and there are dedicated free car parks for those who car-pool (3 or more people). See http://www.uow.edu.au/parking/students/UOW002245.html  for information.  If you choose to drive, the South Western Carpark is the most convenient.  The Parking Map will show more options.

Cycling: Some parts of Wollongong, especially along the beaches/coastal fringe, are well connected by dedicated, safe cycle-ways and the city is steadily becoming a destination for professional cycling groups. If you are a keen cyclist, consider hiring a bike and exploring the city’s string of northern beachside villages, hemmed in by the escarpment, by cycle-way. Options for cycling to/from the UOW campus don't have dedicated cycleways as yet. For information see http://www.uow.edu.au/transport/cycling/index.html

Maps and Guides

Computer access

Below is the UOW Wireless Setup User Guides link for visitors to configure their laptop computers.

http://www.uow.edu.au/its/wireless/guides/index.html

If you have problems with the wireless network when on campus please go to Information Technology Services (ITS), 1st floor of Building 17 for assistance.

There will also be access available to desktop computers in the labs in Bld 17, first floor.   

Dining

There are many options for dining in Wollongong from cafes to fine dining.

Lunch options on campus during AustMS.  The following outlets are generously offering AustMS attendees a discount (show your conference pass):

• Oriental Express
• DeLish Bar
• Bamboo Fiction
• Out of Lunch
• Picasso
• Health Bar
• Ka-fé  Espresso Bar

Fitness

URAC is UOW's fitness and aquatic centre and has generously given AustMS attendees membership rates for the duration of the conference.  Just show your conference pass at the reception desk.

Wollongong contains many scenic walking and running tracks.  For cyclists  you can't go past the Wollongong Bike Track that runs along the coastline.

Childcare 

There are three Long Day Care Centres catering for children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. These include Kid's Uni North, Kid’s Uni South and South Coast Workers Child Care Centre. The centres operate between the hours of 7:30am and 6:00pm Monday to Friday. All three centres offer full-time, part-time care and occasional care.  It is advisable to book ahead if you need childcare as spaces are limited.

For older children, URAC runs UOW Kids Sports Camps September 26 until October 7.  These are full day activities available 9am-5pm with active sport filled days in indoor and outdoor facilities. Booking options are flexible  with no minimum or maximum days.

Local Weather

It will be Spring during the AustMS meeting and the weather should be glorious.  For daily updates check the Bureau of Meteorology.