Plan your travel, book your stay, and get ready for ICDIES 2026.

Travel and accommodation

Plan your visit to Wollongong with details on how to travel from Sydney Airport, visa requirements for international attendees, and recommended accommodation options near the conference venue.

Visas

VISA RELATED INFORMATION

  1. The Australian Government has different visa options that suit your needs. For more information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs Visa Finder
  2. If you require an invitation letter as a supporting document to assist you in your visa application, ICDIES 2026 can provide this to you. Such a letter is issued to the following individuals:
    • Authors (and accompanies) of technical papers
    • Panel speakers
    • Keynote speakers
    • Industry Speakers
  1. Please send the request for the invitation letter to icdies-admin@uow.edu.au and provide the information including Paper ID, Paper Title, Full name(s), and affiliation. Please note the invitation letter will only be issued after your registration process is completed.
  2. The conference organising committee will not take any responsibility for visa outcomes and will not be liable to refund author registration fees due to any visa-related issues.

Getting to Sydney

The nearest international airport to Wollongong is Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). Travellers should arrange their flights to Sydney, Australia, using the airport code SYD, and ensure they hold a valid visa before entering the country. It is also recommended to review the current travel requirements and any recent travel advisories before departure.

Upon arrival in Sydney, visitors can reach Wollongong by train, bus, or taxi - details on transport options are provided below. Accommodation options in Wollongong, please can be found at the bottom of the page.

Getting to Wollongong

Please remember there are two UOW Campus' in Wollongong. The conference will be held at the Innovation Campus. The other campus, which is our main campus is referred to as Wollongong Campus.  

South Coast line has two stops one is North Wollongong Station which is close to UOW, and second is Wollongong Station which is close to CBD.

Trains travel to and from Sydney Domestic and International Airports between 5am and midnight, 7 days a week.

The train station is located directly under the airport terminals and there are also taxi ranks at both airport terminals.

Finding the Station

  • From Terminal 1 Arrivals, Exit A turn right and head to the end, or use the lift/escalator by Check In desk A.

Steps to reach Wollongong

  • Catch the train and step down at Wolli Creek or Central Station.
  • After stepping down at the above-mentioned stations, please change to a Port Kembla, Dapto or Bomaderry train (South Coast Line).
  • To catch a train, you will need to get an Opal card or purchase an Opal single ticket. You can also pay using a contactless credit or debit card or mobile device to pay an Adult Opal fare.
  • There is free bus service from North Wollongong station to reach the University of Wollongong (Bus No: 9N on weekdays and 55A or 55C on weekends).

Note: The Transport for NSW Trip Planner provides scheduled train times. Search for a journey from the “International Airport” or “Domestic Airport” to “North Wollongong Station”. Alternatively, using Google Maps is convenient and precise while commuting on public transport.

Private airport transfer - Leisure Coast Limousine Service

You can book your travel to Wollongong prior to your arrival by Airport Transfer Service provided by Leisure Coast Limousine Service.

For more details, please visit Leisure Coast Limousine website.

Places to stay

Wollongong offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveller. From modern hotels and serviced apartments close to the city and beaches, to boutique stays and coastal retreats, you’ll find something to match your preferences and budget. Many options are within easy reach of the University of Wollongong and the Innovation Campus, as well as local cafés, restaurants, and the scenic waterfront. For a full list of recommended places to stay, visit Destination Wollongong .

Insurance

The organiser does not accept responsibility for accidents that might occur. Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange travel insurance prior to their departure from their home countries. An insurance plan covering accidental loss of belongings, medical costs of injury and illness, and other possible risks related to international travel is recommended.