We are continuing the arts theme today with a contemporary art festival, the Biennale of Sydney, because it also provides a good reason to visit a great Sydney landmark, Cockatoo Island.

Over 180 artists are exhibiting during the festival, utlising buildings all over the island. There are also a number of events from talks to mystery tours taking place most days. For more information on events and artists see the Biennale website.

The festival finishes on the 7th of September (next Sunday) so make sure you don't miss out. Biennale means "every other year" in Italian, so you will have to wait until 2010 for the next one.

A free ferry service is operating throughout the exhibition period. Ferries depart from Commissioners Steps at Circular Quay and Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay. More details here.

Cockatoo Island in itself is worth a trip. It's the largest Island in Sydney Harbour, has World Heritage nominated buildings, is a former imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory and gaol, and was an industrial shipyard for most of the 20th Century.

It also has a Camping Ground which can be great fun when the weather warms up.

From WeekendNotes for Friday the 29th of August 2008

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