What’s there?

Extending over 30 hectares, the Royal Botanic Gardens occupy one of Sydney's most spectacular locations, right on the edge of the harbour. Sydney Harbour National Park includes most of the harbour islands and large amounts of foreshore.

The Sydney Harbour islands – all have both cultural and historical significance. Some of the sites are associated with Aboriginal history while others reflect a European past, with convict-built structures and old forts.

Fort Denison Island

In convict days offenders were banished here and in the 19th century the outcrop was evened out to make a fort. Nowadays the island is a popular spot for functions with its restaurant and museum. It is a part of the Island Hopping festival, hosts special evening events and historical tours. Fort Denison is also an outlook for New Year's Eve celebrations and the annual Ferrython arranged in January.

Shark Island

Shark was once believed to be infested by sharks but it was actually the shape of the island that inspired its name. Today it is one of the best spots for a picnic and you can watch the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the Ferrython and the fireworks on New Year's Eve from the island. 

Clark Island

Clark was declared a public reserve in 1879 and for a while skiff races were run from the site. Now the island is a place for leisure, for example picnics and functions. It is also open for special events. 

Rodd Island

This traditional Aboriginal campsite was named after the lawyer Brent Clement Rodd who tried to buy it in the 19th century but didn't succeed. In 1879 it became a public reserve and afterwards a research laboratory for the French scientist Louis Pasteur. There is a gazebo and two summer houses on the island which function as shelters for picnics and special events.

Goat Island

The Goat Island has had a lot of different functions in the past, it has served as a TV set; quarry, shipyard, gunpowder depot, Aboriginal fishing area and a recreation spot visited by Bennelong. Some of Australia's oldest convict era buildings can be found on the island. It is open for special events like Kid's Day Out and the New Year's Eve fireworks. 

Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo is the largest of the islands and here you can find the most unusual urban park in Sydney. It is also a rather unique harbour landmark. In the past the island has been an imperial jail, school and shipyard and these were opened to the public only a few years ago. Visitors can camp on the island, take a guided or audio tour and visit the cafe. They can also stay over night in the luxurious historic holiday houses. Some visitors paddle to Cockatoo in a kayak. The island has become a popular venue for corporate events and private parties. In addition Cockatoo is a setting for festivals like the recent World's funniest Island comedy festival and All Tomorrow's Parties music festival.  

Things to do

- Join a scenic cruise departing from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour   

- Charter a yacht and sail around Sydney Harbour

- Take one of 16 walks along the harbour foreshore, including the easy 1.5km Heritage Walk from Rose Bay to Vaucluse and the walk from Cremorne Point to Mosman Bay

- Attend a cheese and wine tasting on Fort Denison

- A heritage tour of Cockatoo Island

- Stay overnight at Q Station, North Head, site of the former quarantine station at Manly

- Kayak on the harbour from Rose Bay or at Middle Harbour

- Take a shore dive or go on a snorkelling tour from Chowder Bay in Sydney Harbour

Things to see

- Native and exotic plants at the Royal Botanic Gardens

- A bird's eye view of the harbour by seaplane from Rose Bay or helicopter