A vibrant, diverse city and nation in the Asia-Pacific region

Australia is a large and culturally diverse country located in the southern hemisphere, known for its unique landscapes, dynamic cities, and multicultural society. Sydney, as the host city for ICO 2026, is Australia’s largest city and one of the country’s most internationally connected urban centres.

Australia’s population includes people from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds. English is the primary language spoken nationwide, and a rich mosaic of cultures contributes to the country’s social character and global outlook. Sydney, in particular, features a dynamic mix of communities from around the world and serves as a major hub for education, innovation, and international exchange.

Australia’s climate varies across regions, with Sydney experiencing a temperate climate characterised by warm summers, mild winters, and comfortable seasonal transitions. As a well-established destination for international visitors, Australia offers world-class tourism infrastructure, strong transport connectivity, and a welcoming environment for competitors, educators, and guests attending ICO 2026.

Travelling to Australia
Visa & Immigration Requirements
More Essential Info

Australia is well-connected to major international cities via frequent long-haul and regional flights. Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) is the primary international gateway, offering direct services to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. Local transport options such as trains, buses, and ride-share services make it easy to reach the city centre and accommodation areas.

We have already reported the event to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, and official visa guidance, including information on an expedited pathway,

Australia operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST; UTC+10) or Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT; UTC+11) during daylight savings. The local currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD). English is the primary language used across government, transport, accommodation and services. Australia maintains high standards in public safety, healthcare, and hospitality, making it a comfortable and welcoming destination for international visitors.

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Currency

  • Australia’s official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
  • Foreign currency exchange services are available at Sydney Airport and throughout the city.
  • Most places in Sydney accept major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
  • Contactless payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely supported.

Language

  • English is the primary language used in Australia, including in business, education, tourism, and daily life.
  • Due to Sydney’s multicultural population, many residents also speak additional languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Hindi, and Greek.
  • Tourist services and public facilities commonly provide information in English, with multilingual support available in major areas.

Water

  • Tap water is safe to drink throughout Sydney, meeting strict national health standards. Bottled water is also readily available in stores, supermarkets, and vending machines.

Power

  • Australia uses Type I electrical plugs.
  • Standard voltage: 230V, frequency: 50Hz.
  • Participants from regions using different plug types or voltages are advised to bring appropriate adapters or converters.

Religion

  • Australia is a secular country with freedom of religion, and Sydney is home to diverse faith communities.
  • Facilities such as churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and prayer rooms are accessible across the city.
  • Halal, Kosher, and vegetarian/vegan food options are widely available, especially in multicultural areas and city districts.