Sydney, Australia Things to Do and Attractions
It's not hard to understand why Circular Quay is the first port of call for many visitors to Sydney. As the main ferry terminus, Circular Quay is the gateway to the Sydney Harbour and a hotspot for many of city's attractions and events. With the
It's not hard to understand why Circular Quay is the first port of call for many visitors to Sydney. As the main ferry terminus, Circular Quay is the gateway to the Sydney Harbour and a hotspot for many of city's attractions and events. With the famous Sydney Opera House as a backdrop, the quay is home to numerous street performers that turn any day into a festival. Almost directly underneath the huge span of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Rocks district, the site of the city's first non-Aboriginal settlement, underwent a complete facelift in the 1970s. Now, with its maze of cobbled lanes, beautifully-restored sandstone buildings, art galleries, opal stores, bars and restaurants, it couldn't be more charming. Visitors can either fill a day with activities at the Quay, or simply opt for a relaxing afternoon of enjoying the waterfront view.
Part of the original port of Sydney, Darling Harbour was redeveloped as a pedestrian and tourist precinct in the 1990s, and the area is now viewed as one of the world's best urban redevelopment programs. Over 15 million people a year visit the
Part of the original port of Sydney, Darling Harbour was redeveloped as a pedestrian and tourist precinct in the 1990s, and the area is now viewed as one of the world's best urban redevelopment programs. Over 15 million people a year visit the harbour to enjoy a plethora of cultural and entertainment attractions. In addition to being home to the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour is home to the Powerhouse Museum, where guests can learn about Australian history and culture, and the National Maritime Museum, a showcase on the history of and stories from the seas.
Other attractions include the Sydney Aquarium, the Chinese Garden of Friendship and Sydney Wildlife World. Darling Harbour also provides free weekly entertainment and hosts seven free major events a year including the Australia Day spectacular on January 26, the Latin American-inspired Fiesta, a jazz festival and the Hoopla Acrobatic and Street Theatre Festival. At night the harbour stays busy with an array of theatres, shows, pubs, bars and nightclubs.
As the city's retail core, the Pitt Street Mall is Australia's busiest retail strip and, during peak hours, boasts 14,500 pedestrians an hour. The mall mixes contemporary plazas and beautifully renovated arcades to offer world-class shopping
As the city's retail core, the Pitt Street Mall is Australia's busiest retail strip and, during peak hours, boasts 14,500 pedestrians an hour. The mall mixes contemporary plazas and beautifully renovated arcades to offer world-class shopping opportunities. Shoppers can browse among 600 stores that feature award-winning Australian designers such as Akira Isogawa and Collette Dinnigan and international labels such as Versace, Armani and Louis Vuitton. Several cafes and eateries are available for breaks between stores.
A visit to the port city of Sydney is not complete without venturing out onto the water itself. Several harbour cruises are available, but guests can also simply take the Manly Ferry to the beach suburb of Manly. Offering unforgettable views of the
A visit to the port city of Sydney is not complete without venturing out onto the water itself. Several harbour cruises are available, but guests can also simply take the Manly Ferry to the beach suburb of Manly. Offering unforgettable views of the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the city skyline and the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Manly Ferry is one of the most popular visitor activities in Sydney. The 30-minute journey takes guests past the dramatic cliffs at the harbour entrance over to Manly, where the pace of life slides down a couple of notches. After arrival, visitors can explore this laid-back beach suburb, take a dip in the water or just kick back under the sun.
The ferry departs Circular Quay to Manly every 30 minutes Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 11:45 PM, Saturday from 8 AM to 11:45 PM and Sunday from 8 AM to 11 PM. Return ferries run every 30 minutes Monday through Friday from 6:40 to 12:20 AM, Saturday from 8:45 to 12:20 AM and Sunday from 8:45 AM to 11:45 PM. A single adult fare from Circular Quay to Manly is AU$6.40.
This Activity Tours day-long excursion starts with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park and offers participants the opportunity to feed kangaroos, pet koalas and visit with over 2,000 different types of other Australian animals including crocodiles,
This Activity Tours day-long excursion starts with a visit to Featherdale Wildlife Park and offers participants the opportunity to feed kangaroos, pet koalas and visit with over 2,000 different types of other Australian animals including crocodiles, Tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes and snakes. After another stop at the Sydney 2000 Olympic site, guests continue to the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, one of the most popular parks in Australia featuring graceful waterfalls, steep cliffs and aromatic eucalyptus trees. Guests can ride the Scenic Skyway or the steepest railway in the world before boarding an afternoon cruise down the Parramatta River from Homebush Bay to Sydney Harbour.
Private group charters are available. Tours pick up from various locations in the city between 7:30 and 8:10 AM and return to the city at 6 PM. Tickets are AU$75 for children and AU$75 for adults.
Perhaps Sydney's most iconic tour, Bridge Climb is a must-do experience that offers three-and-a-half-hour guided tours to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guests can select from two tour options: the Bridge Climb takes guests along catwalks
Perhaps Sydney's most iconic tour, Bridge Climb is a must-do experience that offers three-and-a-half-hour guided tours to the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Guests can select from two tour options: the Bridge Climb takes guests along catwalks and ladders, climbing steadily to the summit of the bridge; and the Discovery Climb gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at this Australian icon by allowing them to explore the inner-workings of the bridge before climbing to the summit. Both climbs are available daily from dawn to well into the night. Tour prices start at AU$179.
Located in one of Sydney's most idyllic settings, the 135-year-old Coogee Bay Hotel sits opposite the golden sands of Coogee beach. Much more than just a hotel, the Coogee Bay is a local icon, boasting seven bars sure to keep any guest from sports
Located in one of Sydney's most idyllic settings, the 135-year-old Coogee Bay Hotel sits opposite the golden sands of Coogee beach. Much more than just a hotel, the Coogee Bay is a local icon, boasting seven bars sure to keep any guest from sports fans to music aficionados, entertained. Though the building has undergone major design changes and renovations over the years, it remains a wonderful example of early Australian beachside architecture with Victorian period cedar staircases, long street side verandas and intricate wood finishing. The Beer Garden, the largest in Sydney, is an al fresco spot where patrons can enjoy nightly events such as poker and live music. The Sports Bar features plasma screens and three separate sports viewing areas, while Selina's Nighclub is a 1,800-seat entertainment venue, hosting acts from international stars to local DJs. Hours vary based on venue, but most bars are open after midnight. Prices vary and some venues have cover charges.
Star City Casino is Sydney's only legal casino, featuring two gaming floors with popular games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Mini Baccarat, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Caribbean Stud Poker, Pai Gow and Pontoon. On the waterfront in Darling Harbour, it
Star City Casino is Sydney's only legal casino, featuring two gaming floors with popular games such as Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Mini Baccarat, Sic Bo, Big Wheel, Caribbean Stud Poker, Pai Gow and Pontoon. On the waterfront in Darling Harbour, it enjoys sweeping views of the harbour and city skyline. Guests can also stop by one of eight bars and seven restaurants, or visit the Lyric Theatre or Star Theatre, which adjoin the complex. The Star City Casino also boasts 35 hotel rooms. Star City Casino is open 24 hours a day.
Sydney Architecture Walks are specially-designed, architect-led city walks that seek to explore ideas through architecture. Walks span architectural genres and seek out edgy, beautiful, provocative and daring local and foreign buildings to try to
Sydney Architecture Walks are specially-designed, architect-led city walks that seek to explore ideas through architecture. Walks span architectural genres and seek out edgy, beautiful, provocative and daring local and foreign buildings to try to uncover unique meanings behind their construction. Four tours, Sydney, Utzon, Harbourings, and Public, explore varying buildings based on tour theme, with notable locations being the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and Aurora Place. Custom group tours are available.
Tours generally run Wednesday and Saturday at 10:30 AM; additional tour times vary based on tour type. Tour tickets, which include the entrance to the museum of Sydney, cost AU$25.
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most distinctive and famous performing arts venues in the world. Having been granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007, it sits proudly on Bennelong Point next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Designed by Jørn
The Sydney Opera House is one of the most distinctive and famous performing arts venues in the world. Having been granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 2007, it sits proudly on Bennelong Point next to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Designed by Jørn Utzon, a Danish architect, the Opera House houses five main performance spaces which can also be used for activities such as conferences, ceremonies and social functions. In fact, the Opera House was used as a key meeting venue at APEC Australia 2007, a series of political meetings held between the 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
In addition to hosting a constant stream of touring theater, ballet and musical productions, the Opera House is home to the internationally-acclaimed Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Opera Australia and regular performances by the Sydney Theatre Company. Visitors can also take various guided tours, from the Backstage Tour to the Asian Spotlight Tour, of the concert hall and opera theater. The opera house has facilities for private events of 20 to 1,000 guests.
The Sydney Opera House Box Office is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 8:30 PM. The Guided Tours Desk is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Tour schedules and tickets vary based on type, with prices starting at AU$26.
Sydney Wildlife World invites visitors to take a walk on the wild side right in the heart of downtown. Located on the shores of Darling Harbour and attached to the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World recreates nine unique Australian habitats, from
Sydney Wildlife World invites visitors to take a walk on the wild side right in the heart of downtown. Located on the shores of Darling Harbour and attached to the Sydney Aquarium, Sydney Wildlife World recreates nine unique Australian habitats, from spectacular rainforests to grasslands spread across three floors. With more than 6,000 native creatures, visitors have the chance to see everything from the eye-catching Thorny Devil to well-known Australian icons koalas and kangaroos.
Sydney Wildlife World is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. Tickets are AU$15 for children ages 3-15 and AU$29.50 for adults. Reduced prices are available for tickets bought online.
The Basement is a landmark music venue that has entertained Sydney with some of the best musicians of the last 25 years including Prince, Tim Rogers, Vince Jones and Guy Sebastian. Although widely recognized as the country's number 1 jazz venue, it
The Basement is a landmark music venue that has entertained Sydney with some of the best musicians of the last 25 years including Prince, Tim Rogers, Vince Jones and Guy Sebastian. Although widely recognized as the country's number 1 jazz venue, it also features a range of other musical styles including acoustic, folk, acid jazz, soul, funk and rhythm and blues. Off the main entrance, the Green Room bar, decked out in posters, flyers and album covers from past shows, offers a large selection of beer, wine and spirits.
The Basement is available for private events of up to 400 guests. The Green Room is open Monday through Friday from noon to close and Saturday and Sunday from 7 PM to close. Basement schedules and prices vary based on event, but dinner and show deals are available starting around AU$40.
This chic Sydney bar with a Moorish Kasbah design and stunning views of the harbour is the epitome of opulence. Chandeliers of colored Spanish beads hang above the grand wood-paneled bar while ambient lighting diffuses a soft amber glow throughout
This chic Sydney bar with a Moorish Kasbah design and stunning views of the harbour is the epitome of opulence. Chandeliers of colored Spanish beads hang above the grand wood-paneled bar while ambient lighting diffuses a soft amber glow throughout the dining room. Grouped into Middle East, Far East, Mediterranean, American and Australia sections, the bar's cocktail selections are extensive and unique. Sadam's Apple and Fizz of Damsacus are found in the Middle East group, while the Far East drinks include Girl from Okinawa and Tibertan Mule. Patrons should definitely try the bar's signature drink Bagdad Iced Tea, a mixture of fresh green apple, cucumber and mint, with blue vodka, apple liqueur, gin, rose and jasmine tea. Guests can order tapas to enjoy between drinks, including tempura vegetables and salt and pepper squid.
The bar is also available for private events. The Loft is open Monday through Wednesday from 4 PM to 1 AM, Thursday from 4 PM to 3 AM, Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 AM and Sunday from noon to 1 AM.
Lord Dudley's owner James Couche spent over 30 years taking great care to restore the Lord Dudley into a traditional "English Style" pub. The pickled eggs and pork pies on the menu and English artifacts and dart boards on the walls are testaments to
Lord Dudley's owner James Couche spent over 30 years taking great care to restore the Lord Dudley into a traditional "English Style" pub. The pickled eggs and pork pies on the menu and English artifacts and dart boards on the walls are testaments to his success. The pub's casual and down-to-earth atmosphere attracts people from all walks of life from office employees to sports stars. The three-level pub features three bars offering 18 beers on tap, numerous bottled beers and an Australian wine list.
Lord Dudley has two rooms available for private functions: the Guinness Room, capable of seating 60 to 100 people, and the Boardroom, capable of seating 30 to 60 people. It is open Monday through Wednesday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Thursday through Saturday from 11 AM to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 PM.
Enviably located overlooking the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ARIA first opened its doors in 1999 and offers a quintessential Sydney experience. Guests can take advantage of the Kitchen Table, a glass-enclosed
Enviably located overlooking the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, ARIA first opened its doors in 1999 and offers a quintessential Sydney experience. Guests can take advantage of the Kitchen Table, a glass-enclosed table for eight in the middle of the action where diners can watch what happens behind the scenes as their dishes are prepared. The contemporary Australian menu, inspired by the head chef's passion for using the finest seasonal produce, includes a mouthwatering lamb loin roasted with basil, ratatouille and fennel paste, and roasted John Dory with mussels, bok choy and crushed kipfler potatoes. The wine list offers over 700 selections, both Australian and international varieties.
ARIA offers three dining areas for private functions: the main dining room for 80 to 100 guests; private dining room for up to 60 guests; and outdoor terrace for 80 to 120 guests. Aria serves lunch Monday through Friday from noon to 2:30 PM and dinner Monday through Friday from 5:30 to 11:30 PM, Saturday from 5 to 11:30 PM and Sunday from 6 to 10:30 PM. Dinner entrees range from AU$44 to AU$56.
With sophisticated décor and panoramic views of the city and harbour, Astral is the Star City Casino's premier dining venue on its 17th floor. With a focus on modern French cuisine, the restaurant has received a variety of accolades such as Chef of
With sophisticated décor and panoramic views of the city and harbour, Astral is the Star City Casino's premier dining venue on its 17th floor. With a focus on modern French cuisine, the restaurant has received a variety of accolades such as Chef of the Year 2008 and Chef's Hat Award 2007 and 2008 by the Sydney Morning Herald's Good Food Guide. Astral's signature dish is duck and foie gras pie floater on crushed peas with a delicate shiraz jus, while other favorites include Angus beef tenderloin, steamed snapper and zucchini risotto. An extensive list of specially-selected wines is available to complement any dish. The private dining room, resplendent with glass panels, mohair-covered chairs, copper lighting fixtures and an enclosed terrace, is available for private events of up to 18 people.
Astral serves lunch Friday from noon to 3 PM and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 6 PM to close.The three-course menu costs AU$105. Tasting menus start at AU$125 per person while pre-theater menus cost AU$70 for two courses and AU$85 for three courses.
Located in Rose Bay, Catalina has enjoyed consistent rave reviews from food critics since opening in 1994. The restaurant offers a seasonal Mediterranean-influenced menu with a strong aquatic theme, including Sydney rock oysters, shucked on the
Located in Rose Bay, Catalina has enjoyed consistent rave reviews from food critics since opening in 1994. The restaurant offers a seasonal Mediterranean-influenced menu with a strong aquatic theme, including Sydney rock oysters, shucked on the premises, and a signature dish of roasted snapper fillet with potato and garlic puree and lemon caper butter. With simple yet sophisticated decor, virtually uninterrupted views of the harbour and frequent entertainment provided by Rose Bay's resident pelicans, Catalina is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner during one of Sydney's famous flaming sunsets.
Catalina is available for private events of up to 250 people. Catalina is open Monday through Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 6 PM. Entrees range from AU$39 to AU$45.
As a well-regarded hangout for the rich and famous, Icebergs offers superbly stylish, yet affordable, extravagance. Perched on the rocks at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Icebergs towers above the surfers and affords its diners wraparound views of
As a well-regarded hangout for the rich and famous, Icebergs offers superbly stylish, yet affordable, extravagance. Perched on the rocks at the southern end of Bondi Beach, Icebergs towers above the surfers and affords its diners wraparound views of the beach and Tasman Sea. It's been the restaurant of choice for the likes of famed soccer player David Beckham and actress Nicole Kidman, and the Italian-style food is as sexy as the clientele, with selections such as a 30-day-aged ox filet and a selection of seasonal fish served with a choice of almond aioli, Murray River salt, soft herbs or virgin olive oil. The restaurant is available any Monday for private events.
Icebergs Dining Room and Bar is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 10 PM. Entrees range from AU$36 to AU$48. Reservations are recommended.
The historic Sydney Observatory, located near the Rocks district and Harbour Bridge, offers various educational exhibits including Transit of Venus, which explores when the planet crossed the sun in 2004, and By the Light of the Southern Stars,
The historic Sydney Observatory, located near the Rocks district and Harbour Bridge, offers various educational exhibits including Transit of Venus, which explores when the planet crossed the sun in 2004, and By the Light of the Southern Stars, highlighting the history of Australian astronomy. Guests can also opt for a daytime tour, which includes stops at the 3D Space Theatre, the historic 29cm lens telescope, 42cm computer-controlled telescope and hydrogen-alpha solar telescope; or the nighttime tour, where visitors can get amazing views of the moon and planets and learn about the unique features of the southern sky.
Sydney Observatory is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and 6:15 to 10:15 PM. Admission to the observatory and museum is free. Daytime tours cost AU$10 for children and AU$15 for adults. Nighttime tours cost AU$5 for children and AU$7 for adults.
Sydney Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in Sydney and the 2nd tallest building in Australia. Ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world, its unique design makes the tower capable of withstanding earthquakes and extreme wind
Sydney Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in Sydney and the 2nd tallest building in Australia. Ranked as one of the safest buildings in the world, its unique design makes the tower capable of withstanding earthquakes and extreme wind conditions - a necessity for a structure that towers roughly 1,000 feet above the heart of Sydney's Central Business District. The turret contains two levels of restaurants, a coffee lounge and an observation deck for guests to stroll, while the more adventurous can attempt the Skywalk, an altitude walk 850 feet above ground with an expert sky guider. The tour is also home to OzTrek, the largest simulated ride in the southern hemisphere, which takes guests on an amazing cultural, historical and geographical virtual reality ride across Australia.
Sydney Tower is open Sunday through Friday from 9 AM to 10:30 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 11:30 PM. Skywalk is open daily from 9:30 AM to 8:45 PM. Tickets, which include a visit to the observation deck and admission to OzTrek, are AU$15 for children ages 4-15, AU$25 for adults and AU$19.50 for seniors and students. Admission for children under 4 is free.
Aside from its fine collection of native animals and other exotic species, what sets Taronga Zoo apart from other zoos is its location on elevated land alongside the harbour. Overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Taronga
Aside from its fine collection of native animals and other exotic species, what sets Taronga Zoo apart from other zoos is its location on elevated land alongside the harbour. Overlooking Sydney Cove, the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, Taronga Zoo has its very own wharf, making a12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay a convenient, and memorable, mode of travel to the zoo. At the zoo visitors can see animals, several of which are endangered, hailing from six continents, from the small white-lipped tree frog to the large Indian rhinoceros. Guests can also take a ride on the Zoo Sky Safari Chair Lift or meet reptiles, koalas, giraffes and seals at the Animal Encounters Experience. The zoo has two facilities for private events: the Taronga Centre for up to 450 guests and the ANZ Conservation Theatre for up to 300 guests.
The Taronga Zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Admission is AU$19 for children ages 4-15 and AU$39 for adults. Admission for children under 4 is free. Group rates are available, as are discounted rates for ferry and zoo pass packages. While a new parking lot is being built, parking is available on Bradley's Head Road for AU$10.
This stunning coastal walk, just 30 minutes from downtown, is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in Sydney. Beginning at the southern end of the famous Bondi Beach, the walk winds past sea-sculpted cliff edges, the golden beaches of
This stunning coastal walk, just 30 minutes from downtown, is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in Sydney. Beginning at the southern end of the famous Bondi Beach, the walk winds past sea-sculpted cliff edges, the golden beaches of Tamarama and Bronte and the snorkeling haven of Gordons Bay. The walk ends at the beautiful sands of Coogee Beach. Every summer, the Bondi to Bronte section of the coastal walk features "Sculpture by the Sea," a series of sculptures installed among the cliffs, sand and crashing waves.
Sydney boasts over 300 acres of parks, gardens and open spaces, including the oasis that is Hyde Park. Bordering the eastern edge of downtown, Hyde Park has been a local favorite since 1972. Its centerpiece is the majestic Archibald Fountain, which
Sydney boasts over 300 acres of parks, gardens and open spaces, including the oasis that is Hyde Park. Bordering the eastern edge of downtown, Hyde Park has been a local favorite since 1972. Its centerpiece is the majestic Archibald Fountain, which commemorates the alliance between Australia and France during World War I. The tranquil Nagoya Gardens and a giant outdoor chess set where locals go head to head in mighty battles are found at the northern end, while the southern end is home to the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) War Memorial, a monument to the Australian Imperial Force during World War I. Hyde Park is an especially lively spot during the month-long Sydney festival in January when it's filled with music, art and food stalls.
Located on the harbour's shore next to the Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a collection of three botanical gardens that together offer hidden spots, shady walkways and colorful plants. Guests are welcomed at the entrance with a sign
Located on the harbour's shore next to the Opera House, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a collection of three botanical gardens that together offer hidden spots, shady walkways and colorful plants. Guests are welcomed at the entrance with a sign encouraging them to "walk on the grass, smell the flowers and hug the trees," leaving them at ease to spend a whole day exploring or having a picnic in the picturesque setting. Aside from the flora, hundreds of giant fruit bats hang from the tree tops and cockatoos proudly strut around the garden lawns. The gardens offer several breathtaking facilities for private rentals.
The Royal Botanical Gardens are open daily, November to February, from 7 AM to 8 PM; daily, March and October, from 7 AM to 6:30 PM; daily, April and September, from 7 AM to 6 PM; daily, May and August from 7 AM to 5:30 PM; and daily, June and July, from 7 AM to 5 PM. Admission is free.
Sydney has no fewer than 37 golden sandy beaches in its immediate vicinity, from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south. Many of them, including the two most famous of Bondi and Manly, are easily accessible from downtown by public
Sydney has no fewer than 37 golden sandy beaches in its immediate vicinity, from Palm Beach in the north to Cronulla in the south. Many of them, including the two most famous of Bondi and Manly, are easily accessible from downtown by public transportation. Several of the beaches are lined with eateries and shops, and also serve to host outdoor events and festivals. Most beaches, which are infamous for their rough surf and powerful rips, are also patrolled by Surf Lifesaving Clubs, instructing visitors on the safe places to swim and monitoring those who venture into the water.
Although the eight islands are all prominent landmarks in the Sydney Harbour, Shark, Clarke, Fort Denison, Goat, Cockatoo, Spectacle, Snapper and Rodd have varying degrees of accessibility. Now undergoing a total restoration, the largest island of
Although the eight islands are all prominent landmarks in the Sydney Harbour, Shark, Clarke, Fort Denison, Goat, Cockatoo, Spectacle, Snapper and Rodd have varying degrees of accessibility. Now undergoing a total restoration, the largest island of Cockatoo was first used for convicts, then later housed a reform school and eventually was a site for shipbuilding during World War II. A mixture of former prison buildings and industry workshops, the island is a very popular tourist attraction for campers, hikers, kayakers and sightseers. On Clark Island, guests can also explore the walking track, which boasts excellent views of the Sydney Opera House. Shark Island, named for its shape, not its wildlife, is an ideal place for a picnic. Rodd Island is the smallest but boasts a hall, summer houses dating back to the 1920s, a small stage and a gazebo. Many of the islands are available for private events, ranging in capacity from 100 to 500 people. Island hours and schedules vary. Some islands are accessible by ferry, but many require guests to make arrangements for transportation.
