Top Things to do in Sydney
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Things to do in Sydney, New South Wales: The Best Islands
Sydney offers plenty of historical and contemporary Australian flavor. The marvelous Sydney Opera House looks like a great origami sailboat, floating peacefully in a harbor. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets of The Rocks and then take in a street performance on the Circular Quay before heading into the Museum of Contemporary Art. The views from the Sydney Tower Eye observatory are epic – use this chance to get to know the layout of the city from high above.
Restaurants in Sydney
1. Goat Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By nick164 - Sydney, Australia
Our guide was excellent - friendly and knowledgeable. We toured the island at an easy pace, exploring the various uses of the island over the years from early settlement til present day. It really does have a fascinating history (similar to Cockatoo Island, in that regard). Book online via the National Parks & Wildlife Service website (tours only run a few times per month). Your ticket price includes the ferry to/from Circular Quay.
2. Rodd Island
3. Garden Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By nick164 - Sydney, Australia
The Royal Australian Navy Heritage Centre / Museum located in the public access area of Garden Island is one of the city's best kept secrets. It's a short ferry ride from Circular Quay (as of Nov 2019, only open on Sundays due to building works). Entry is free. There's lots to see - both inside and outside of the main museum building. The exhibits are well laid out (telling the history of the RAN from its establishment to present times) and well signed. Highly recommended to visit (and quiet, given it's not a well known attraction)! Tip, be sure to check out the view from the roof of the old signals building located at the top end of the gardens.
4. Shark Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 37 reviews
One of several tiny islands in Sydney Harbor, Shark Island is known for its lovely beaches with great surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and fishing. It's also a perfect place for a relaxing picnic lunch.
Reviewed By BSach72
Wonderful place for viewing NYE fireworks!!! I loved that our ticket price (buy months in advance) goes to the national parks. Because its a national park, guests on the island are limited, which makes for a nice experience. I suppose a visit during any other part of the year would be a great idea too! A great get away from the busy city with the best views of the bridge and opera house imaginable.
5. Clark Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
6. Fort Denison Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 232 reviews
Was Once A Prison For The Worst Convicts
Reviewed By midwaytoheaven - Midway, United States
We traveled past this old fort several times during our stay in Sydney. It has quite an interesting history from being a prison to military fort to restaurant. It was originally just a rock Island. Sadly the fort is currently closed for renovations until late 2019 so we could not take a ferry out to tour it. Looked like it would be a fun little trip though. It is in surprisingly great shape considering its been around for over 160 years since 1857. It still has an old cannon on top. Not sure if is the one they used to fire off at 1pm each day. We did not hear it while we were here. BOTTOM LINE: CURRENT CLOSED for renovations until late 2019. Can be see fairly close when traveling on the Manly ferry or by cruise ships sailing in or out of the harbor. MY VISUAL RATING: 9/10
7. Cockatoo Island
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 920 reviews
Located in the heart of Sydney Harbour, a short ferry ride from the CBD, Cockatoo Island is a historically significant place where visitors can explore historic landmarks and stay overnight. Known as ‘Wareahmah’ by the region’s Aboriginal People, the island – a former convict penal establishment and ship dockyard – has emerged as a popular arts and entertainment venue, having hosted everything from Australia’s largest visual arts event, the Biennale of Sydney, through to live performances by musicians Lorde and Justin Bieber. Cockatoo Island’s year-round offerings include heritage accommodation, a waterfront campground, tours for all ages, tranquil picnic spots with panoramic harbour views, and two licensed cafes: Societe Overboard and the Marina Cafe and Bar. Additionally, the island’s heritage buildings and distinctive terrain provide visitors with insights into the complex and layered history of this fascinating destination. These include the convict penal establishment, which h
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
Recently visited Cockatoo Island on a lovely Spring day. There were a few other tourists on the island, but the place is large enough for people to disperse quickly, so in several precincts we felt as though we had the place to ourselves. There's plenty to recommend here: fab and varied views of the harbour from just about anywhere, a rich and usually well explained colonial and more recent heavy-industrial history, plus food/beverages available at a couple of cafes - or scenic picnicking spots if you come prepared. I am a great one for just walking around a place and taking in the ambience, and in my view there are few better locales for that. The visitor centre was unattended because of Covid when we visited but we were at least able to pick up a map of the island, which proved very useful. We spent three hours on the island, including time for lunch, and thought that plenty to have a good look around. One thing to note at this time of year is the huge number of nesting seagulls, which are all over the island except up on the hill that includes the historic houses and convict precinct. There are nests in just about every crook and cranny, between bushes and under buildings. Some of the mother gulls are sitting on eggs or protecting tiny, days-old chicks and get more than a bit antsy when you venture too close, so best give them a bit of space and keep curious kids away from them.
8. Scotland Island
9. Snapper Island
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Spectacle Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
