The mesmerizing Sydney Harbor reaches 20km inland to meet the Parramatta River and is called Port Jackson. The place is dotted with small islands that include Clark Island Goat Island and Rodd Island. It is in the northwest of Sydney CBD. All these islands are part of Sydney Harbor National Park.

Goat Island

West to the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge and near the Sydney suburb of Balmain, this largest island of Port Jackson was once home to the Sydney water police who kept an eye on escaped convicts and smugglers. Some of the finest buildings of Sydney are made with the sandstone queried by the convicts from here.

This rocky island also has an illustrious history of being a store for explosives, convict stockade, a quarry, boatyard, and a film set. A number of tours are arranged for visitors who want to explore the island. Queen’s Gunpowder Magazine and a chair carved out of stone by Charles Anderson an 18 year convict, are among the relics from the days when it was inhabited by the convicts. One can see the scribbling on the walls of the guard rooms written by guards leading a secluded life away from home. North East Wharf, Harbor Masters Lawn, Water Rats Roof, and Queens Powder Magazine are some of the favorite sites here.

In recent times this place of Sydney’s natural and cultural heritage has been host to many rock concerts. It is an experience of a life time roaming this island full of convict and maritime history.

Clark Island

Named after a marine officer, Lieutenant Ralph Clark, this island is a picnic paradise. The area is complete with drinking water, picnic tables, and has toilet facilities too. The added bonanzas are the breathtaking harbor views.

It is essential to do the bookings as the picnic groups are restricted to only 30 people per group, and a maximum number of 150 people are allowed on the island at any one given time. One can also hire Clark Island for a private experience. The central section of the island is a bush land. There is also no electricity on the island

One can enjoy swimming, Snorkeling etc at Clark Island or simply admire the enchanting views. The place is accessible by water taxies or by NPWS ferry service.

Rodd Island

Rodd Island, the smallest and lesser known of all the harbor islands, is named after Brent Samuel Rodds who had a long association with the local area and the island. Located in the center of Iron Cove off Birkenhead Point near the Sydney suburb of Rozelle, Rodd is a very small island on Paramatta River. The place has summer houses and colonial style halls to hold picnics. The island capacity is 100 people and groups of 50 people are allowed.

It is a perfect half a hectare location for picnics, day outings and formal and family functions. The place is dotted with palm trees and grassy carpets.

Looking for a day adventure? Visit these magnificent islands.

Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbor is a great place full of surprises, history and entertainment. Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers, off the coast of Western Australia, it is a former imperial prison, a reformatory, and was an industrial school for girls. It is a rugged sandstone island spread over16 hectares, and is the largest of eight islands in Port Jackson.

One of Australia’s biggest shipyards during the twentieth century, it is a great historical place too. There hasn’t been any maritime industrial activity since 1972.

It is named because of the presence of Sulphur-crested cockatoos and as one views the old artifacts belonging to the island’s past, one can feel the lives and times of the convicts and the aborigines who lived there long back.

The island is dotted with historical buildings like residences, workshops, wharves, slipways and the prison buildings which are nominated for UNESCO’s Heritage sites. The island gives a breathtaking view of Sydney Harbor. Regular free ferry services from Circular Quay ensure that visitors can explore the intriguing places as they please. There is a campsite and a café at the island.

The entry to the island is free but the audio guide, which costs $5, is worth its money. It gives a comprehensive insight into the harsh conditions endured by those who ever lived on the island, and then there is the fascinating naval history. It is a very well preserved site and though the place is not marked properly, the map is something very useful. One should carry sunscreen and plenty of water and also wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes.

Cockatoo Island started allowing people in to view the place in 2007 and is under the management of Sydney Harbor Federation Trust. The trust organizes guided tours on the weekend when you can walk through the barracks, the docks and view the shops. For people who want to stay on the island, camping facilities are also available at Plate Yard . The island is disabled friendly though the surfaces are uneven at some places. There are volunteers at the station to help the tourists.

A team of rangers& island security controls the island. Beer and wine is available there but otherwise bringing alcohol is not allowed. Neither are BBQ. One can not take the pets there. Golf, swimming and fishing is prohibited there and visitors are allowed to spend night only in restricted camp sites. There is a complete list of inland Etiquette which one is supposed to follow while visiting.

The island has first world class waterfront camp site on a national heritage-listed island, ten min. from the Sydney Center and easily connected by ferries. There are also two historic houses with all the facilities for those who do not care for camping.

It is an experience of a lifetime to explore the hidden treasures from the history and watch the magnificent Harbor scenes while touring the Cockatoo Island.

A pride and major landmark of NSW Australia, this place is worth a visit.

Situated at the Sydney Cove, Circular Quay is a major hub and ferry terminus of the city harbor. Vibrant and bustling with activity this place is the stepping-off point for many tourist attractions of Sydney. Located at the end of the CBD, this place is always dotted with, ferries, sail boats and cruises. It is a convenient starting point. One can reach any part of Sydney by catching a bus, train or taking a ferry from Circular Quay. Water taxis are also available from west Circular quay area.

The quay is actually semi-circular and got its name from the cove’s old crescent-shaped, convict-built sea wall. This is also the birth place of Sydney city.

There are walk ways, restaurants, parks, pedestrian malls and many ferry and train stations here. The icon of Sydney the Opera House is part of this beautiful area along with art galleries and The Museum of Contemporary Art. The grand custom house is also a major attraction. On the eastern side are food courts, large Dendy’s Opera Quays Cinema, cafes, bars all the way to the Opera house and on the western side are nice looking restaurants and famous Rocks area with serene and quite shopping arcades. One more major attraction here is the quaint Royal Botanical Gardens.

Many people love the winter walkways which start from the Overseas Passenger Terminal connect the terminal to the jetties and then again up to the fore court of the Sydney Opera House. One can find around 50 bronze plaques of writers like Joseph Conrad, D H Lawrence, Kipling and Mark Twain with passages from their works. One can take guided tours; book a seat for music shows, live theater, ballet or opera in any of the theaters and enjoy a great evening. On weekends street performers enthrall the visitors.

The quay is a hit with locals who love its quite serene surroundings and comfortable open spaces as well as with commuters who travel each day from Sydney Bay and other places. Many people gather to watch the magic of the mist rising out of blue waters and the sun appear in the early mornings. The nights at the quay are festive and full of life with lights from the Opera and other buildings reflecting playfully in the waters. Two major shopping areas are just a few minutes from the quay.

It gives great view of the city protected and sheltered from strong winds by ridges. The Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Opera House frame the quay, giving it a unique view.

The place is a focal point for community celebrations and is worth a visit during New Year Eve and Australia Day firework celebration. One gets some of the most enchanting views of the Harbor and the city from here. It is a true picture postcard real life place.

Circular Quay is always well lit and patrolled.

It is a pleasant combination of leisure, transportations and tourism and one of the iconic places of Sydney. So don’t forget to be here.