Breathtaking Islands Of Sydney – A Visitor’s Delight
Tourists visiting Sydney will be completely enthralled by the mesmerising and breathtaking Sydney Harbor which meets the Parramatta River and is referred to as Pot Jackson. There are small beautiful islands like Rodd Island, Clark Island and Goat island which lend beauty to the surroundings. These islands form a part of Sydney Harbor National Park.
The Port Jackson was previously home to the water police of Sydney who kept a watch on smugglers and escaped convicts coming in the city from the sea route. This rocky island boasts of being a storehouse of explosives, boatyard, convict stockade and a quarry. Tourists will love the special tours and can explore the island. Some of the relics which are housed here are the stone chair and the Queen’s gunpowder magazine. Other places worth visiting are the Harbor Masters Lawn, North East Wharf and Water Rats Roof.
Sydney has hosted rock concerts and is also known for its cultural and traditional richness and heritage. Tourists will have an unforgettable experience roaming this island which has a rich traditional original and maritime history. Another beautiful island worth visiting is the Clark island which is another picnic paradise. The area has excellent picnic tables and drinking water facilities. The breathtaking harbour views are a delight to the eyes.
Tourists who come in groups may have to do prior bookings as there is entry only for thirty people each group. At any time, not more than one hundred and fifty people are permitted entry on this island. There are many groups who love to have their private party at this island. The bush island is the central part of the island. Other activities which tourists can take up are swimming, snorkelling etc. The enchanting views of the island can be accessible by NPWS ferry service and water taxies.
The Rodd island is a lesser known harbour island and is named in fond memory of Brent Samuel Rodds. This island is centrally located at the centre of Iron Cove off Birkenhead point. The island houses summer cottages and there are exquisite colonial style halls where picnics can be held. About hundred people can be accommodated on this island. It is an ideal location for picnics, family functions and day outings. The island is dotted with grassy carpets and palm trees.
Tourists may also want to visit the Cockatoo island which is rich in history and entertainment and has pleasant surprises for visitors. This island is located at the Lane Cover and Parramatta rivers towards Western Australia’s coast. There is a reformatory, imperial prison etc. This sandstone island is spread over sixteen hectares. The place has a rich historical background and has housed big shipyards.
Tourists can also view the old arts and artefacts of the island and can feel the lives lead by the convicts and the life of the aborigines.
Goat Island, Clark Island And Rodd Island
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
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.
Shark Island
The Sydney Harbour has many small islands that are worth exploring. Shark Island is one of these islands that dot the ocean around Sydney Harbour, Australia. It gets its name from its shape and not due to sharks being found in that area. Sydney itself is a modernistic urban place, but the islands around it are relatively untouched, and the natural beauty of these islands is very relaxing.
Shark Island is a part of the Sydney Harbour Park. It is just 100 meters from the popular Cronulla beach. The tiny island comprises of a rocky ledge that is surrounded by shallow waters. The natives call the island Boambilly. Till 1995 it served as an animal quarantine and naval depot. Then it became a picnic spot included in the Sydney Harbour National Park.
It has a scheduled ferry and tour operators take people to the island.
Since Shark Island is connected by ferry, and is just a kilometer away from Rose Bay, it has become a popular picnic destination. Picnic tables are set on the grassy park which is full of shady trees. It is known for its beaches, for fishing and also as a picnic spot where you can spend a peaceful day with your friends and family.
Shark Island is a popular destination for surfers and body boarders. The most popular event at Shark Island is the annual Shark Island surfing contest. On heavy days, the waves are so big, that only the very experienced surfers are advised to surf there. In fact adventure lovers think that the surf here is thrilling and risk the huge waves for the adrenalin rush.
Even if you are not a surfer or body boarder, you can visit the place and take the awesome pictures of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and also the Sydney Opera House. They look magnificent from this island.
Shark Island is available for special events like functions, weddings etc, and can accommodate up to 500 people. You can book your event in advance.
Facilities available on the Island
- Five picnic shelters consisting of one table, one attached bench each. Additionally there are four open picnic tables also having benches attached to them
- There is just one gazebo which can easily accommodate 25 to 30 people. The sad part is that this can not be booked. The first large group that visits the island can avail of it, so you need to be early to get this.
- They offer you facilities like drinking water and toilets.
There are many shady spots and a small beach area for swimming.
Since there is no shopping area, you should carry your own picnic basket and drinks along with you.
Shark Island is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm and during daylight saving from 8 am to 8 pm. To visit the island you have to book your trip in advance.
The ferry to Shark Island starts from Circular Quay and there are four trips a day. Of course you could hire a water taxi but it is expensive. The adventurous and more agile people could hire a canoe and paddle their way across to the Island from Rose Bay.