Social Activities
Monday night – 18:00-20:00WA Maritime Museum – Welcome drinks hosted by the WA Government and ICRAR
At the conclusion of the first day of meetings, conference attendees are invited to take a short (850m) walk to the WA Maritime Museum to enjoy drinks and canapés against the picturesque backdrop of the sun setting over the Indian Ocean. Hosted by the WA Government and the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research, the drinks are a welcome to Western Australia and an opportunity to mingle and socialise with fellow conference attendees.
dress code: smart casual
Tuesday night – 18:50-21:00
The John Curtin Gallery – Launch of Shared Sky, the SKA's international art/astronomy exhibition
Shared Sky is an international exhibition of art inspired by the host sites of the SKA, and created by indigenous and local artists from these regions in South Africa and Australia. This launch event is a first opportunity to see the collection of inspirational and engaging artworks brought together from across the Indian Ocean, reflecting the shared vision of the SKA project.
Come along and see first-hand the impact a project like the SKA can have beyond the science and engineering communities. The evening will include drinks and canapés and an opportunity to meet some of the artists. Free buses will leave from outside the Esplanade Hotel at 6.50pm and depart from the venue from 9pm. Conference attendees wishing to go are advised to have a light snack or supper at the hotel before going.
dress code: smart casual
Wednesday night – 18:30-22:30
Fraser’s Restaurant, Kings Park – Conference Dinner
This year’s official conference dinner will take place at Fraser’s Restaurant in Kings Park, which boasts spectacular views of the Perth City skyline and the Swan River. The dinner includes welcome drinks on arrival, a four-course menu and a four-hour drinks package. We are also pleased to confirm Dr John O'Sullivan as our dinner speaker. Dr O'Sullivan's scientific career has spanned more than 30 years. He led the CSIRO team that was instrumental in developing Wi-Fi technology and is a recipient of the 2009 Prime Minister's Prize for Science among many other awards. Dr O'Sullivan also played a key role in the development of CSIRO's chequerboard design for ASKAP's phased array feed.
The dinner is a subsidised cost of GBP 60 pp ( AUD 110) for conference attendees. Please make sure to pay before the dinner to be issued your entrance coupon. You can pay at the registration desk by credit card (preferred) or in cash in Australian dollars. Free buses will leave from outside the Esplanade Hotel at 18:00. Buses will depart from the restaurant at various times starting from 10.30pm.
dress code: smart casual
Thursday night - 18:00
Visit to the MRO / Free evening
Those of you registered to visit Australia’s SKA site on Friday 3 October will need to travel to Geraldton on Thursday night ahead of an early bus departure the following morning. Please make sure to pay for your charter seat before the start of the trip. You can pay at the registration desk by credit card (preferred) or in cash in Australian dollars. A free bus will leave from outside the Esplanade Hotel at 18:00.
For all other conference attendees, Thursday night is an opportunity to explore the abundant restaurants, cafes and bars within walking distance of the Esplanade Hotel, or to venture further afield into the City of Perth.
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Friday
Free day
With conference sessions wrapping-up the previous afternoon, Friday is an opportunity to join in a range of activities that showcase some of Western Australia’s offerings. Some consortia may have organised further meetings on the Friday – for those of you with the day free, there are many activities around Fremantle and Perth that you can organise for yourself.
Note: due to the many self-arranged meetings on Friday, we have cancelled group bookings for the whale watching tour and wine tour. However, you may still go by contacting them directly.
Swan Valley winery tour
The scenic Swan Valley is less than an hour from Fremantle by bus and is the home to well-renowned wineries and all the finer things in life. Tours allow you to sample all the best wines, cheeses, chocolate, beer, food, tea and coffee the region has to offer. The cost is around $95 per person and more information is available from the Out and About Tours website.
Whale watching boat trip
October is whale watching season off the west coast of Australia as Humpback, Southern Right and Blue Whales make their journey south to feed in the far Southern Ocean during the southern hemisphere summer. Various whale watching tours (of around 2-4 hours) leave from Fremantle and cost around $80 per person. You can visit the Rottnest Fast Ferries Whale Watching page for more
Scitech Discovery Centre
Website; Telephone: (08) 9215 0700
A permanent interactive science museum and planetarium located in West Perth. Weekday opening times: 9.30 am – 4 pm. Adult admission is $17. Price includes a session in the Scitech Planetarium, all science shows and any exhibition showing at the time of visit.
Fremantle Prison
Website; Telephone: (08) 9336 9200
Fremantle Prison is one of Western Australia’s most fascinating and significant cultural attractions. The history of the Prison dates back to the early beginnings of Western Australia. It is the largest convict built structure in Western Australia and the most intact convict establishment in the nation. Entry to the Gatehouse is free of charge and includes: the Convict Café, Gift Shop, Prison Gallery and an interactive Visitor Centre. Guided tours range in price from $20 to $100 depending on the option chosen.
Swan Valley River Trip
Website; Telephone: (08) 9325 3341
Captain Cook Cruises offer a range of tours along the Swan River, including full and half day cruises, some of which also visit Swan Valley wineries or restaurants. While most of their cruise options depart from Perth, some depart from Fremantle, including a return cruise into Perth with time for shopping or to roam the city.
Perth Zoo
Website; Telephone: (08) 9474 0444
Australia’s best small zoo is just 5 minutes from the Perth CBD on the banks of the Swan River. Perth Zoo is open every day of the year. You will need at least half-a-day to see everything Perth Zoo has to offer but a full day to make the most of your visit is recommended. The zoo is open from 9am to 5pm daily. Adult admission is $27.
The Perth Observatory
Website; Telephone: (08) 9293 8255
Western Australia's oldest observatory is located 25km east of Perth in Bickley. The Observatory has served the state of WA for over 100 years and remains actively involved in the service of public education. In recognition of its scientific, cultural and historical significance, the Observatory was entered on the state's Heritage Register in 2005. The observatory runs star viewing tours on various days – visit the website to see their tour program.
Kings Park & Botanic Gardens
Website; Telephone: (08) 9480 3600
Kings Park is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful inner city parks. It is rich in Aboriginal and European history, contemporary culture and offers innovative design, displays and services. Kings Park has an international reputation for scientific research, leading horticulture, conservation and public education. Kings Park is home to the spectacular Western Australian Botanic Garden, which displays over 3,000 species of the State’s unique flora. Two thirds of the 400 hectare park is protected as bushland and provides a haven for native biological diversity. The Visitor Information Centre, free daily guided walks, Aspects of Kings Park gallery shop, cafes and public transport are easily accessible.
Aviation Museum
Website; Telephone: (08) 9311 4470
The Aviation Heritage Museum provides a unique museum experience of civilian and military aviation through its extraordinary aviation displays, helpful guides and special tours. The Museum's talented volunteers have designed, donated and built a truly amazing array of aviation displays that include 30 aircraft and thousands of artefacts. Adult admission is $10, and the museum is open from 10am to 4pm daily.
The Perth Mint
Website; Telephone: (08) 9421 7376
The Perth Mint offers a unique combination of activities, exhibitions and demonstrations, enabling visitors to experience the astonishing allure of gold. The Perth Mint's primary functions to refine gold from Western Australia's eastern goldfields and strike gold coinage continue to this day, with precious metal coins struck onsite at the Mint, and gold refined at The Perth Mint Refinery, situated near Perth Airport. Conveyed through its visitor experience, The Perth Mint also issues the nation's official bullion and commemorative coin programs, and offers a variety of investment bars and other precious metal products. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Art Gallery of Western Australia
Website; Telephone: (08) 9492 6622
The Art Gallery is open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 5pm. Entry is by gold coin donation. The gallery’s particular emphasis is on the arts of Australia and the Indian Ocean Rim.
Shopping and Restaurants
Both Fremantle and Perth offer great shopping and dining options for you to explore. For dining ideas, check out these web pages dedicated to venues in Fremantle and Perth.
