Shark Island, or Boowambillee, is a stunning national park picnic destination with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour. There is a reason the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race starts here - you can't get a more spectacular spot, right in the middle of Sydney Harbour. National Park fees apply, which are included in your return rocket ferry fare.
Shark Island getaway in the middle of Sydney Harbour
Timetables
- Services operate daily
- Printed timetables are issued daily on arrival or onboard
- Special timetables may operate on selected dates.
Register for Live SMS Updates
We've launched new new software to manage our SMS updates making it easier and faster! Wherever possible we try to give our customers notice of any disruptions to our services. However, due to the nature of on-water transport this is not always possible and your understanding is appreciated.
Registrations for the Hop On Hop Off Harbour Tourist Ferries last 48 hours after which you will no longer receive notifications and your registration deleted from the system
Map
Location, location!
Shark Island is located just off the exclusive eastern suburbs of Point Piper, Rose Bay and Vaucluse with panoramic views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge to the west and the entrance of Sydney Harbour to the east. The modern island name comes from its shape, not the local marine life. Between 1880 and 1975 the island was used as a recreation reserve, animal quarantine area and a naval storage depot before becoming part of the Sydney Harbour National Park in 1975.
Fares
| Type | Return |
|---|---|
| Adult | $20.00 |
| Child | $17.00 |
One-way and concession fares are unavailable. Visa/MasterCard/Amex & OpalPay accepted. All ferry services are cashless. All prices are per person and subject to change. Reservations essential for groups.
More Information
Shark Island Facilities
- Amazing 360° views
- Five picnic shelters with table and bench
- One gazebo for up to 30 people (cannot be pre-booked - first come, first served basis)
- Drinking water and toilets
- Plenty of shady trees, grassy areas and a small beach area
- There is no shop on the island - all food and drink should be taken with you
- There are no BBQ facilities
- Open daily
- A National Park fee is applicable to all visitors, which is included in the return rocket ferry price
- Rubbish bins are not provided - please ensure you take all rubbish with you. Penalties may apply for non-compliance
- Wheelchair access is not available
- Download Shark Island map
Not permitted on the island
- Amplified/loud music and/or public address systems
- Candles or other open flames
- Confetti, rice, petals or similar
- Vines and other exotic plant material
- Roping off areas or signs for events
- Butterfly releases
- Pegging or staking items into the ground
- Depositing ice or iced water on grassed areas
- Water balloons and paintball equipment
- Domestic animals
- Weddings unless pre-booked - a wedding consent fee applies - call NPWS (02) 9253 0888
- Smoking is not permitted on the island
Please respect other groups and families whilst on the island. Please drink responsibly.
OpalPay FAQ
Please note, the below information is correct at the time of publishing and subject to change. Visit OpalPay for the latest information and services.
| What is Opalpay? | OpalPay is a convenient way to pay for travel using your Opal card on participating privately operated transport services. |
| Where can I use OpalPay? | You can now tap to pay with your Opal card on selected private ferry services. Look for 'OpalPay accepted here' signs. |
| Why use OpalPay? | With OpalPay, you can use your Opal card on a wider range of transport services, allowing you to travel to more places more easily. There is no need to buy individual trip tickets, you can just tap to pay with your Opal card for a more convenient way of paying your fare. |
| How much is an OpalPay fare? |
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| How do I use OpalPay? |
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| Which Opal cards are compatible with OpalPay? |
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| Will tapping on with OpalPay contribute to my Opal travel benefits? | No. Unlike trips made with Opal cards on other public transport services, OpalPay trips do not contribute to Opal travel benefits or discounts. |
| Can two people travel together using the same Opal card? | No, each customer over the age of four must have their own reloadable Opal card with sufficient balance to travel. |
| What if my Opal card is lost or stolen? | If your card is registered and it's lost or stolen you can report on opal.com.au. Your existing balance can be protected and you can get it transferred to a new Opal card and sent to you. |
| Can a tap be reversed? |
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| Is there a maximum fare with OpalPay? |
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Still looking? You might find it here
- Wheelchair access
- Accessible: Sydney 2000 (Ocean Deck), Captain Cook 3 (Main Deck), The Jackson (Main Deck)
- Rocket Ferries: The entrance level deck of rocket ferries are wheelchair accessible with wheelchair accessible bathroom, however not all destinations are wheelchair accessible. Click here for onsite Taronga Zoo accessibility
- Please check our Accessibility page for full details and wharf access considerations
- Still looking? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page
- Terms & Conditions: Visit our Terms & Conditions page for full booking and cancellation policies
- Our Fleet: Learn more about our vessels on the Fleet Overview page
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SEE SYDNEY IN STYLE!
Hop On Hop Off Sydney Harbour Explorer
SUPER SPECIAL
Upgrade to the 2-Day Pass for $1When in Sydney travel like the locals do, on the harbour highway with the official Sydney Harbour Explorer. Up to 6 destinations, one easy to follow ferry timetable, expert local assistance and the flexibility to hop-on and hop-off as you like.
From $42.00 Per adult
Normally $48.00. Save $6.00.
