Ditch the beaches and sunshine and experience Sydney and its contemporary art offerings during wintertime. Mark your calendar for the Biennale of Sydney 2008 (18 June-7 September, www.biennaleofsydney.com.au). Like other Biennales around the world, Sydney uses alternative public spaces to showcase various exhibitions. The ubiquitous Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens and Cockatoo Island (a former prison) are all venues for 2008. 

This year, artistic director Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev has chosen ‘Revolutions’ as the theme and has selected 180 artists – many homegrown talents – to interpret this idea. Two to watch for are Australians Tracey Moffat and Shaun Gladwell, who work with film and photography, and have exhibited at the MoMA and the Tate Modern in London. South African William Kentridge is another must-see. The animator/videographer will perform at Cockatoo Island on 17 June at 3pm, using charcoal and only one sheet of paper to address the political issues and upheaval in his home country. Later that day, Singaporean-based artist Ana Prvacki will perform at the Museum of Contemporary Art. At the 2006 Singapore Biennale, Prvacki created a velcro wall, dressed the audience up in sticky jackets and invited them to throw themselves at the wall and stick to it. What will she have in store for Sydney? 



Where to stay: If you are in Sydney for the Biennale, don’t skimp on accommodation. Join the ranks of Sydney’s café society and stay east of the harbour in Darlinghurst. The Medusa (from S$393 per night, www.medusa.com.au) is a popular choice – a dog-friendly hotel housed in an architecturally splendid townhouse with colourful interiors and Aveda toiletries. 
What to see: Art aside, get away from the city and head to the northern shore. Manly Beach is as laidback as it comes; once there, soak up the sun and try your hand at every Sydneysider’s favourite hobby, surfing. Ferries depart roughly every half hour from Circular Quay (www.sydneyferries.com) and while the hotels are not as trendy as those in the city centre, the Sebel Manly Beach Hotel (S$375 per night, www.agoda.com) facing Ocean Beach is definitely worth a night’s stay. 
How to get there: Fly to Sydney direct from Singapore on Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com).

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