PAKDD 2025 Reception, Banquet and Execursion

Welcome Reception
Date: Tuesday, 10th June 2025
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Extra Ticket: AUD$160 (estimated US$100)
Sydney Masonic Centre, a premier conference function centre in the CBD of Sydney, close to many hotels. Sydney is the home of some of the most popular landmarks such as Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Darling Harbour, Sydney Tower Eye, and Queen Victoria Building, with plenty of dining, sightseeing, arts, shopping and entertainment options. The Sydney Masonic Centre is within walking distance to these landmarks.
The address of Sydney Masonic Centre is 66 Goulburn St, Sydney NSW 2000, and is readily accessible via Chinatown Light Rail Station.
Location


Excursion to Sydney Opera House
Date: Thursday, 12th June 2025
Time: 13:30 – 17:00
Extra Ticket: AUD$110 (estimated US$70)
The Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts centre in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Located on the foreshore of Sydney Harbour, it is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous and distinctive buildings, and a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture.
The address of Sydney Opera House is Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000.
Transportation to Sydney Opera House:
Delegates are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the Sydney Opera House. From the conference venue, you can reach the Opera House by bus (routes 343 or 304, approximately 22 minutes including walking time), light rail, or train. Please note that an Opal card or contactless payment method is required to use public transportation in Sydney. For more information about Sydney transport and the Opal card, please visit: https://transportnsw.info
Tour Group Assignment & Meeting Instructions:
In accordance with Opera House security regulations, bags or items larger than A4 size are not permitted inside the venue. Additionally, no food, water, or drinks are allowed to be brought in. So, please make sure not to bring these items with you for the excursion.
We currently have the following 6 tour groups. Each group will enjoy a 1-hour guided tour inside the Opera House, conducted in English.
Group 1 and Group 2: arrive at the gathering point by 1:45pm
Group 3 and Group 4: arrive at the gathering point by 2:30pm
Group 5 and Group 6: arrive at the gathering point by 3:15pm
Each delegate will be assigned to a specific tour group, with different time slots scheduled for each group’s visit to the Sydney Opera House. Please join only the group indicated on your name badge and ensure that you arrive on time at the designated gathering point to meet our volunteers, otherwise you may miss the tour. Switching between groups is not permitted.
Each group will be welcomed by two volunteers wearing official volunteer T-shirts. They will be waiting at the gathering point outside the Opera House (see the location marked in the figure below). Since the venue may be crowded with external groups, please follow your assigned guide and volunteers throughout the entire excursion to ensure a smooth and organized experience.
Volunteers will check your name badge or extra excursion voucher to confirm your eligibility for the tour. Depending on your group’s scheduled tour time, you are welcome to explore the iconic attractions around the Opera House by yourselves before or after the excursion. These include Circular Quay, the Harbour Bridge, the Royal Botanic Garden, and The Rocks — all nestled in the stunning heart of Sydney. Alternatively, you may choose to head directly to the banquet venue.
Location
Banquet
Date: Thursday, 12th June 2025
Time: 18:00 – 21:00 (the venue gate will open from 17:00)
The Parliament of New South Wales is Australia’s first and oldest Parliament, and its complex of buildings includes the oldest building surviving in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD). This working Parliament continues to serve the people of New South Wales to this day.
Join us for an unforgettable evening at one of Sydney's most iconic locations and one of the most prestigious heritage-listed buildings with a history of over 160 years. Enjoy exquisite food, drinks, and great company.
Transportation to NSW Parliament House:
Delegates are responsible for their own transportation to the banquet venue. After the Opera House excursion, you may reach the venue on foot (approximately 1.1 km, 17 minutes) or by bus (like route 333, around 15 minutes total, including walking and bus time). The only entrance gate is at 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney, and will open from 17:00.
Security Notice for Parliament House Banquet Attendees:
Please be advised that strict security checks will be conducted at the entrance of Parliament House, like airport screening procedures. No identification documents are required, unless a random ID check is triggered for guests who appear under 18 years old and wish to consume alcoholic beverages. Only one screening channel is available, to help expedite the process, we kindly ask that you bring as fewer personal belongingsas possible and arrive early, as security screening will commence from 17:00. After passing through the security check, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the exhibitions in Fountain Court inside the building before entering the Strangers’ Room for the banquet.
Please note that name badges or extra vouchers will be checked by our volunteers to confirm your eligibility for the banquet. Please follow our volunteers’ guidance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.