You might be surprised to know that ‘island hopping’ is not only very possible in Sydney Harbour, but also a whole experience in itself that you should definitely add to your bucket list. It’s no secret that Sydney has some of the most stunning beaches in the world — and out of the 100+ beaches, more than 40 of them are located within Sydney Harbour and its islands.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor looking for a new way to experience the world’s most beautiful harbour, here are the 6 best islands in Sydney Harbour that you should visit in 2024.
1. Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is arguably the most prominent island destination in Sydney Harbour, featuring historic landmarks that make it a UNESCO heritage site, outdoor live music concerts, and a variety of accommodation options for overnight stays. Popular with both families and adults, the island has a plethora of entertainment options that warrant at least a one-night stay on the island to fully experience it to the fullest.
Known for: Live music concerts, great camping spaces and facilities, historical tours of old convict gaol sites.
Getting there: Entrance to the island is free and can be easily accessed via ferry services, water taxis, or private boat charters.
Best time to visit: Summer months from December to February.
Staying on the island: Onsite accommodations ranging from luxury holiday houses to shared campgrounds on the waterfront.
2. Goat Island
Goat Island, also known as Me-Mel by the local Cadigal people, lies just off the coast of Balmain and has great historical significance in the Sydney city’s early development. Today, it’s part of the Sydney Harbour National Park and can only be accessed via guided tours. Tours range from historical guides into Goat Island’s past as a home for convicts, a water police station, and a filming location, as well as open water kayaking adventures that take you to the island.
Known for: Highly engaging tours of historically significant sites.
Getting there: Access to the island is not available to the public, only through guided tours that can be booked online.
Best time to visit: Visit times are subject to the schedule of the guided tours. Be sure to check their websites for the timings and dates!
Staying on the island: Overnight stays are not allowed on Goat Island.
3. Clark Island
Located close to Double Bay in the eastern suburbs, Clark Island is a haven of its own. Offering views of the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Clark Island is the perfect picnic spot for those looking to escape busy beach hotspots on the weekend. The island is also part of an Aboriginal cultural cruise tour that explores its history as an Aboriginal coastal settlement complete with traditional demonstrations and a cultural performance.
Known for: Pristine picnic areas with views spanning the harbour.
Getting there: Access to the island can only be made privately via water taxi, boat charter, or kayak. A $7 landing fee will apply to each person.
Best time to visit: The island is open 7 days a week, between sunrise and sunset, but getting there in the early morning is recommended to snag a picnic spot.
Staying on the island: Overnight stays are not allowed on Clark Island.
4. Shark Island
If you’re looking an eastern suburbs weekend spot, we’ve got the island for you. Situated just off Rose Bay, Shark Island is yet another stunning picnic spot on this list, featuring lush grassy areas, picnic shelters and gazebos, and a foreshore to access the harbour waters for an afternoon dip. Being extremely popular among the Sydney-siders, advanced bookings must be made in order to visit the island.
Known for: Excellent picnic spots, 360 ° views of the harbour, and harbour swims
Getting there: Access to the island can only be made privately via water taxi, boat charter, or kayak. Captain Cook Cruises operates a ferry service during school holidays. A $7 landing fee will apply to each person.
Best time to visit: The island is open 7 days a week, between sunrise and sunset. Be sure to make a booking in advance to secure your visit.
Staying on the island: Staying overnight is not permitted on Shark Island.
5. Rodd Island
Moving further west, you’ll find Rodd Island in the quiet waters of Iron Cove, making it a tranquil spot for an island picnic or a fishing day out. Rodd Island has beautiful gardens and summer houses that create a charming atmosphere. Combined with a panoramic backdrop of the bay, it’s an idyllic location that can also host weddings and special functions.
Known for: Family picnics, fishing trips, and a wedding destination.
Getting there: Access to the island must be arranged through an NPWS-licensed transport operator. Private vessels may be used for pick-up and drop-off with permission only.
Best time to visit: The island is open 7 days a week, between sunrise and sunset. Be sure to make a booking in advance to secure your visit.
Staying on the island: There are no options for staying overnight on Rodd Island.
6. Fort Denison
Also known as Muddawahnyuh, Fort Denison is a heritage fort island which hosts a former military museum as one of Sydney’s most popular attractions. However, as of the time of writing, Fort Denison is closed for upgrade works and is due to open in late 2024 with a new restaurant and other hospitality facilities. Keep an eye out for the reopening — we foresee that it’s going to be a big one!
Known for: Fort Denison's museum, and a hospitality destination in late 2024.
Getting there: Fort Denison is currently inaccessible due to repairs but will feature a new wharf that allows for private vessels upon project completion.
Best time to visit: The island is set to reopen in late 2024.
Staying on the island: Overnight stays at Fort Denison are not available.
Explore Sydney Harbour’s Islands with a Private Boat Charter
Already making plans for your island getaway? Getting a private boat charter will enable you to access all of the islands above on your own time, and in style! Skip the queues and get to the island quicker with Sydney Harbour Escapes — we offer a wide variety of boats for hire, from luxury yachts like the Isola to power boats like the Spectre!