Discover Sydney's Harbour Islands

Discover Sydney's Harbour Islands

Sydney Harbour isn’t just famous for its sparkling blue waters and world-class icons - it’s also home to 13 unique islands. Each one tells a story of Aboriginal heritage, colonial history, and modern reinvention.

From peaceful picnic spots to UNESCO World Heritage sites, exploring the islands is one of the most rewarding ways to see a new side of Sydney. While some former islands - such as Bennelong, Darling, Glebe, and Berry - have been annexed to the mainland through land reclamation, the remaining Harbour islands still stand proudly as reminders of Sydney’s layered past.

The 13 Sydney Harbour Islands

• Shark Island (Bo-a-mbilly)
• Cockatoo Island (Wa-rea-mah)
• Goat Island (Me-mel)
• Clark Island (Be-lang-le-wool)
• Fort Denison (Mat-te-wan-ye / Pinchgut)
• Garden Island (Ba-ing-hoe)
• Spectacle Island
• Snapper Island
• Rodd Island
• Chowder Island
• Berry Island (now joined to the mainland at Wollstonecraft)
• Darling Island (now part of Pyrmont)
• Bennelong Island (now part of Bennelong Point, site of the Sydney Opera House)

National Park Islands

Several Harbour islands are protected within Sydney Harbour National Park, preserving their natural beauty and cultural heritage. Shark Island (Bo-a-mbilly), Clark Island (Be-lang-le-wool), and Goat Island (Me-mel) offer tranquil escapes surrounded by sweeping harbour views. Managed for both conservation and visitors, they’re perfect for picnics and cultural events.

Shark Island (Bo-a-mbilly)

Fringed by lawns and shady trees, Shark Island is a favourite for relaxed harbour days. Named for its shape rather than its marine life, it has been a quarantine station, naval depot, and now a much-loved picnic spot including on Sydney’s famous Hop On Hop Off Harbour Explorer ferries.

• Picnic and swim with 360-degree views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
• Walk the island’s foreshore paths and spot resident seabirds
• Special events: Shark Island was the launch point of the first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 1945
• Fun fact: Landscaped in Edwardian times, it still features old stone pathways and picnic shelters

Cockatoo Island (Wa-rea-mah)

The largest island in Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island has lived many lives - from convict prison to bustling shipyard. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and cultural hotspot.

• Explore sandstone workshops, shipyard relics and convict quarters
• Attend festivals, art exhibitions and concerts hosted year-round
• Stay overnight with unique waterfront camping and glamping options
• Fun fact: The island built ships for both World Wars

Goat Island (Me-mel)

Once a significant place for the Gadigal people, Goat Island later became a convict quarry and powder magazine. Its layered history makes it one of the harbour’s most intriguing destinations.

• Discover colonial buildings and work sites
• Discover Aboriginal middens and tool-making sites
• Enjoy spectacular Harbour views from its vantage points
• Interesting fact: Goat Island has featured in TV and film, including Water Rats

Clark Island (Be-lang-le-wool)

Tucked near Double Bay, Clark Island is small but serene, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark, who tried to grow vegetables here in the 1790s, it remains a green and quiet escape.

• Picnic on native grass lawns with Harbour views
• Visit as part of an Aboriginal cultural cruise to hear Gadigal stories
• Wander restored bushland trails
• Fun fact: Once used as a sailing race marker by the Sydney Flying Squadron

Fort Denison (Mat-te-wan-ye / Pinchgut)

Rising like a sentinel near the Opera House, Fort Denison was built in the 1800s as part of Sydney’s defences. Its Martello tower and sandstone ramparts make it one of the harbour’s most recognisable landmarks.

• Currently closed to visitors, allowing for significant conservation and repair works to the Barracks building and seawalls
• Interesting fact: Once used as a prison, it earned the nickname “Pinchgut” for the meagre rations given to inmates

Garden Island (Ba-ing-hoe)

Located just east of the Royal Botanic Garden, Garden Island is Sydney’s longest continually used naval base.

• Most of the island is an active defence site
• The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre and ferry wharf is currently closed to the public
• Fun fact: Garden Island was once connected to Potts Point via land reclamation, making it an “island” in name only today

Getting There

Exploring the islands is part of the fun:

• Captain Cook Cruises Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer connects you to Shark Island and can be paired with other destinations like Taronga Zoo, Watsons Bay and Manly. Fort Denison, Clark, Garden and Goat Islands are also visible from this ferry service
• Public ferries run daily to Cockatoo Island
• Water taxis and private charters are available for Goat and Clark Islands

Make a Day of It

Combine your island visit with another classic Sydney stop. Spend the morning picnicking on Shark Island, then head to Watsons Bay for fish and chips. Or cruise to Manly for a beachside afternoon - and don't forget to have some icecream! With history, culture and scenery at every turn, the harbour islands are waiting to be discovered.