NSW Islands
Cockatoo Island - Sydney Harbour’s largest island located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cover rivers has an interesting history as a former industrial school, reformatory, gaol and one of Australia’s largest shipyards. All industrial shipping activity stopped in 1992. This Sydney landmark still retains its workshops, wharves and other buildings of its industrial past and today boasts a campground and café. There is a regular ferry service to the island.
Fort Denison – This fascinating historical place in the middle of Sydney Harbour was called Mat-te-wan-ye meaning ‘rocky island’ by early Aboriginals and then ‘Pinchgut’ by starving convicts when the island was used as a penal colony. The Martello Tower (fort) was built in 1857 to help defend the settlement from possible French and American invasion and is the only one of its kind in Australia. Fort Denison, named after an early Governor became part of Sydney Harbour NP in 1993. Apart from a museum and café, the tide gauge, foghorn, beacon and channel markers are all still a part of the island’s vital work. Guided tours of the tunnels and cannons can be organized by the Visitors Information Centre at the Rocks.
Other NSW Islands
- Shark, Goat, Rodd and Clark Islands are all located within Sydney Harbour.
- Lion, Long and Spectacle Islands are found in the lower Hawkesbury River region north of Sydney.
- Dangar Island is a remarkable place and rich in Aboriginal and European history. It is surrounded by the Brisbane Water NP (north), Ku-ring-gai Chase NP (south), Pittwater and the Pacific Ocean (east) and the Hawkesbury River (west). Only access is by water.
- The Solitary Islands are located just off the coast at Coffs Harbour and are part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park covering an area of over 70 000 ha.
- Rawdon Island is made up of two islands, Little Rawdon and the main island and is located 15 mins west of Port Macquarie made up of picturesque farming lands.
- Montegue Island is located 9 km from Narooma on the state’s South Coast. Many species of seabirds can be seen here as well as Humpback whales and fur seals.
Pig Island, also known as Bass Island is one of the Five Islands in the Illawarra region, south of Sydney. Only access is by boat with diving being very popular particularly at the southern side. Great variety of fish, rays and wobbegongs.
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