Sydney Harbour National Park
Update:
Fires, closures, firebans
Guided tours
You can see the sights of Sydney Harbour National Park at a more relaxed pace by boat. The Cadmans Cottage Information Centre can arrange a visit to some of the harbour's islands - contact the centre for bookings, rates and information on the private group tours that are available. You can visit:
- Fort Denison, which has a fascinating place in Sydney's convict past. It was once a place of confinement for hardened convicts, who named it Pinchgut after the starvation rations they had to face. It has also been used as an important military installation in the defence of Sydney Harbour.
You can take a tour of the fort's tower and cannons. Or you can take a ferry to Fort Denison to have morning tea or lunch, visit the museum and see the video presentation. The tour of Martello Tower is only included in the guided tour. Ferry services leave from Darling Harbour Pier 26 and Circular Quay wharf 6 and operate from 9:30am to 4:00pm 7 days a week. Find out more on the Captain Cook Cruises website. - Shark Island, which is perfect for a picnic with a large grassy area and shady trees, together with a gazebo for up to 30 people.
- Clark Island, which has picnic tables, toilets and drinking water. You'll need your own transport to get to the island.
- Rodd Island, which covers half a hectare in Iron Cove near Birkenhead Point. The island has historic houses, palm trees, flat grassy areas, toilets and drinking water.You'll need to organise your own water transport.
Note: Goat Island - tours of Goat Island are temporarily suspended for remediation works.
Sydney Ferries also offers cruises around the harbour, which let you see the sights of the park - like Shark, Clark and Goat Islands, Fort Denison, Middle Head and Nielsen Park - from a distance.
Discovery activities in the park
Fort Denison Heritage Tour
Join a half-hour tour of Australia's only Martello Tower with a NPWS guide and enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view of Sydney and its harbour. Explore the self-guided displays and discover more fascinating history from the audio-visual presentation. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a meal or a snack from the café whilst on the fort. Please remember your hat and sunscreen. Price includes ferry transfers to and from Fort Denison. Ferry services operate between 9:30am and 4:00pm seven days a week from Circular Quay Wharf 6. For enquires at the café, please call Tailored Events on 9358 1999.
School groups
For school groups the cost is $12.00 per child and accompanying teachers pay for transport only, that is, $10 per adult, at a ratio of 1 adult per 15 students. Additional teachers and parents are charged at adult prices.
Meeting place: Tours begin at Fort Denison
Cost: $27 adults; $22 concession; $17 child (5-15 yrs); children under 5 free.
Bookings: Group bookings are required at least 6 weeks in advance. Public bookings are recommended at least 24 hours prior to the date of tour. Bookings can be made by calling Cadmans Cottage on 02 9247 5033.
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
Shark Island ferry service
The NPWS, in conjunction with Captain Cook Cruises, operates a Shark Island ferry service everyday. With great views and a spectacular setting in Sydney Harbour National Park, Shark Island is a perfect destination from a picnic, large grassy areas, shady trees, small beach and picnic shelters. Enjoy a relaxing ferry trip each way and spend a few hours or the whole day on Shark Island.
Meeting place: No 6 Jetty Circular Quay, or Darling Harbour Pier 26
Cost: Adults/concession $17, children (5-15years) $15
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
The kids' corner
Looking for a birthday party with a difference? Trying to find that unusual outing for the school holidays or just want an educational experience that is heaps of fun? Look no further as NPWS offers all aspiring junior rangers a great selection of tours including:
- Convicts, Cannons and Critters at Fort Denison
- Military Madness on Bare Island
- Bound for Botany Bay at La Perouse
- Bugs, beetles and mini-beasts at Congwong Bay, La Perouse
Meeting place: Various locations around Sydney Harbour and La Perouse.
Cost: Varies
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
Middle Head Forts Tour
Fear of invasion led to the construction of a network of forts around Sydney. Explore tunnels, sandstone gun pits and the thrilling ‘Tiger Cages’ while enjoying amazing views of Sydney. Wear sturdy shoes and remember to bring a torch. Tours are not available between June and September inclusive due to the hibernation of bentwing bats, a threatened species.
Meeting place: Carpark, corner of Middle Head and Chowder Bay Roads, Mosman
Cost: $13.20 adults, $9.90 concession, $36.30 Families
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
Middle Head Forts Tour
Fear of invasion led to the construction of a network of forts around Sydney. Explore tunnels, sandstone gun pits and the thrilling ‘Tiger Cages’ while enjoying amazing views of Sydney. Wear sturdy shoes and remember to bring a torch. Tours are not available between June and September inclusive due to the hibernation of bentwing bats, a threatened species.
Meeting place: Carpark, corner of Middle Head and Chowder Bay Roads, Mosman
Cost: $13.20 adults, $9.90 concession, $36.30 Families
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
Middle Head Forts Tour
Fear of invasion led to the construction of a network of forts around Sydney. Explore tunnels, sandstone gun pits and the thrilling ‘Tiger Cages’ while enjoying amazing views of Sydney. Wear sturdy shoes and remember to bring a torch. Tours are not available between June and September inclusive due to the hibernation of bentwing bats, a threatened species.
Meeting place: Carpark, corner of Middle Head and Chowder Bay Roads, Mosman
Cost: $13.20 adults, $9.90 concession, $36.30 Families
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033
Middle Head Forts Tour
Fear of invasion led to the construction of a network of forts around Sydney. Explore tunnels, sandstone gun pits and the thrilling ‘Tiger Cages’ while enjoying amazing views of Sydney. Wear sturdy shoes and remember to bring a torch. Tours are not available between June and September inclusive due to the hibernation of bentwing bats, a threatened species.
Meeting place: Carpark, corner of Middle Head and Chowder Bay Roads, Mosman
Cost: $13.20 adults, $9.90 concession, $36.30 Families
Contact: Sydney Harbour (Cadmans Cottage), Phone: 02 9247 5033