Summer day trips
From family-friendly wading waters to relics of our convict past, there's something for your every inclination in Time Out's selection of Sydney's best island getaways
By Kamani Thanakrishnan
Fort Denison
The real or exaggerated threat of war has left Sydney with some impressive relics, such as the small rocky island in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Fort Denison. Known as Mattewanye by the local indigenous population; it was later named Rock Island and Pinchgut by white settlers and used as a place of punishment for difficult convicts, before being turned into a fort between 1841 and 1857 and used as a defence against feared invasion. Designed in the Martello style, Fort Denison is one of the few intact examples surviving in the world - although visible damage can be seen on the tower, a result of being fired upon in 1942 after a Japanese submarine entered the Harbour.
Today, it still operates as a harbour navigational facility, with a beacon, foghorn and tide gauges, and tours of the Fort's tunnels and cannons run daily. Morning and afternoon teas are available everyday with a BBQ lunch from 11.30am.
National Wildlife and Ferry service, open seven days a week (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Cockatoo Island
One of the largest islands on the Harbour today, Cockatoo was the obvious choice for one of the toughest labour prisons of Sydney's convict past. The bushranger Captain Thunderbolt was the Island's most infamous prisoner, although he spent far less time there than he should have after escaping with the help of his wife, who swam to the Island bearing escape tools. Sitting at the junction of Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, this Harbour oasis is relatively anonymous - although it did briefly register on Sydney's radar when it played host to the Cockatoo Island Festival in 2005, attracting up to 7000 visitors each day. It houses a rare collection of early Australian hydraulic, electric power and pumping equipment and there are great tours that take in our convict past, some conducted by torchlight for added drama.
Ferry from Circular Quay, Open 7 Days (www.harbourtrust.gov.au 02 8969 2131)
Bare Island
This island, famous for a cameo in Mission Impossible II, is connected to the suburb of La Perouse by footbridge. A popular spot for snorkelling, Bare Island never reached its potential as an outpost fort due to some shoddy workmanship. Considered a 'back door' to Sydney, Bare Island was seen as the perfect fort location to limit the odds of an attack through the northern headland of Botany Bay. But before the structure was completed, it began to crumble and was decommissioned before finally being converted into a retirement home for war veterans. Today it is a museum, with guided tours available every Sunday.
Anzac Parade, La Perouse. (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Dangar Island
Even in 2007, cars on Dangar Island are as rare as a McDonald's in Newtown. In fact, the preferred mode of transport is the wheelbarrow used to transport goods from the ferry to people's homes. Although historically an artist's colony, the 76-acre island jewel on the Hawkesbury River is becoming a popular getaway destination for locals who want to escape the hectic madness of the city. If you stay the night, there'll be no arguments over where to have dinner, as there's just one café on Dangar, or if you're feeling like having a big night out, there's a bowling club with bar included. It's a bit like going back in time to a slower, simpler pace of life. And we mean that in a good way.
An hour by car to Brooklyn from the CBD; Five minutes by ferry or water taxi to Dangar Island from Brooklyn. (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Shark Island
Named for its shape rather than the grouchy cartilaginous buggers that lurk in its shallow waters, this island was traditionally used as an animal quarantine area and a naval storage depot, but now it's sole purpose is to offer great views of the Harbour and both North and South Head. With large grassed areas, a wading beach, gazebo and tables, this is the perfect spot for a family picnic.
A ferry service to Shark Island from Circular Quay operates 7 days. Reservations are essential. (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Clark Island
Named after the most famously unsuccessful potato farmer in history, Lieutenant Ralph Clark - who threw in the towel after his vegetables were continually pilfered by convicts - this harbour island has unparalleled views of the Opera House and Bridge. Situated off Darling Point, with a maximum capacity of 150 people, there's an abundance of natural shade and shelter for picnics.
Access by National Park Wildlife Service ferry or private car (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Goat Island
The largest island on Port Jackson, Goat Island is located west of the Bridge near Balmain and is home to Sydney's most impressive convict-built sandstone structures. First used in the 1820s as a quarry, then as storage for much of the colony's gunpowder, the island then became a bacteriology station to investigate the Rocks' infamous bubonic plague outbreak in 1900. Following this brief epidemic, the island became the HQ of the new Harbour Trust. Currently closed for maintenance, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is undertaking studies to determine the island's future use. Whatever the outcome, the NPWS is looking at ways to make it a key destination for tourists and locals while balancing its cultural, historical and natural heritage.
Access by National Park Wildlife Service ferry or private car. (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au 02 9247 5033)
Rodd Island
Sydney's little Italy, Leichhardt, offers a back door to one of Sydney's smallest islands, Rodd. The first public recreation reserve in Sydney Harbour, it boasts two beautiful colonial style summer homes dating back to the 1920s and three quaint witch's hat trellis pavilions with long tables and benches. A biological research station from 1889, then a quarantine station for imported stock, it is now an outdoor paradise with rich green tropical palm trees. The island is often booked exclusively for weddings and functions, so call ahead if you plan on taking the family out. (Access is via private boat or water taxi only. (www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
02 9247 5033)