Getting here
At the AAEE Biennial National Conference, we are dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in every aspect of our event. This page on our conference website is designed to facilitate the transportation needs of attendees, while prioritising environmentally-friendly options.
Why sustainable transport? As a national conference, we recognize that many participants may not have access to traditional methods of travel. It is our responsibility to ensure that everyone can reach Wollongong easily and sustainably. By advocating for sustainable transport options, we aim to minimise our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
Getting to Wollongong
If you are landing or arriving in Sydney, the easiest way to get to Wollongong is by train. You can take the SCO – South Coast Line from Sydney all the way to Wollongong. The journey is approximately 90 minutes and costs less than $10. You can pay for a ticket by tapping your card where other passengers tap their opal cards.
If you are heading straight down from Sydney airport, the closest station to the airport is Wolli Creak. On arrival, you can get off at either North Wollongong or Wollongong Station, depending on which is closest to your accommodation. Click the button below to access the trip planner, which will help you organise your journey.
TIP: From Sydney, head upstairs and sit on the left hand side facing the direction of travel for the best views of the escarpment.
Alternatively, you can also catch a coach bus. Premier Motor Services offer a route from Sydney to Eden, which stops in Wollongong along the way. It is a two-hour trip that costs $18. Travelling from out of town and have friends in NSW? Organise a car pool!
The aforementioned methods are the most sustainable, having a reduced carbon footprint in comparison to driving yourself down to the location. If none of the above work and you have run out of options, then look into hiring a car.
In Wollongong
The University is approximately 4 km from the city centre and foreshore, where you will find most accommodation, food and recreation. Two free shuttles run every 10 or so minutes, connecting various stops with the university. If you are not in walking distance to the university, these will be a godsend!
The North Wollongong train station is 1.5 kms from the University. It is the closest station to the university. You can catch one of the aforementioned shuttles to the university, or continue to Wollongong Station, which is more central.
Wollongong is the only UCI Bike City in Australia! The label is given to cities that show a long-term commitment to supporting cycling at all level. Wollongong has plenty of bike paths and routes, flowing through the city and along the coast, and the University has bike storage facilities. Find yourself a hire bike at South Coast Bike hire, or make use of the Boomerang Stations. We hear South Coast hire will even drop to you! Download cycling maps and plan your route below.
University of Wollongong also offers a ‘3forFree’ service, where carpooling with three or more people allows for free parking in P4 Western Carpark. It is available for students and staff as well as for visitors. You can head to the carpark after the conference and see if anyone is heading in your direction for a ride home.
Driving to the university? Check out the UOW parking page. Campus parking is ticketed, so please ensure you are in the correct zones. We recommend Car Park 3 for ease of access to registration at building 40.