Formerly there were 14 harbour islands; now only Shark, Clark and Rodd Islands remain unconnected to shore. Their histories offer insight into life in Sydney Harbour.
Goat Island lies on the west side of Iron Cove Bay and boasts stunning Harbour Bridge views from its rocky foreshore, providing visitors with ample opportunity to view harbour wildlife and enjoy picnics under its spacious gazebo. Tours can also be booked; however a landing fee must be paid.
Spectacle Island
Spectacle Island stands as an epitome of Boston Harbor Islands’ motto “Minutes Away, Worlds Apart.” Spectacle offers a large marina, solar-powered visitor center and healthy snack bar – not to mention miles of walking trails and lifeguarded swimming beaches!
In addition to its regular amenities, Spectacle Park is known for its sea glass. Visitors may admire it and take photos, but park rules require them not to collect it.
Boston and Spectacle Island share an intricate history, as two beacons stood on either end of Spectacle Island during World War I to signal ships entering Boston Harbor through President Roads channel. Subsequently, it served various industrial purposes like candle making and horse-rendering plants before it eventually became a landfill in early 1900s – eventually so much waste piled up that sunlight wasn’t reaching Spectacle’s beaches and was eventually contained and transformed into a park.
Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour’s largest island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, features an amazing array of landmarks and structures for you to explore. Once used by Aboriginals as a meeting place, it later served as prison, shipyard and naval base.
Today, the sandstone cliffs and dockyards provide visitors with endless sources of wonder. You can explore at your own pace, join a guided history or paranormal tour, or simply admire its architecture while taking in breathtaking harbour views.
Island camping is also popular for picnics and barbecues – making for an excellent way to spend a day or two! Stay overnight in heritage houses or waterfront campgrounds (the latter of which sleep up to 8 guests in each house), or book one of the luxurious waterfront camping packages that feature fully-equipped camp kitchens with eskies to keep perishable items cool, hot showers, and more.
Goat Island
Goat Island provides visitors with many outdoor recreational activities. Camping, boating, hiking, fishing and hunting for seafood as well as bird watching are among many of these. In addition, Goat Island hosts various wildlife including birds, lizards and native snakes which add another element of fun for visitors.
Goat Island provides visitors with an abundance of cultural experiences. Many events and festivals take place throughout the year to showcase its rich heritage; often featuring local artisans, food stalls and live entertainment.
Goat Island’s waters are an aquatic haven, making it a favorite destination among snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Visitors to different seasons have the chance to see different species as some become more active during certain climates. Furthermore, Goat Island also offers guided tours focused on conservation education – helping guests gain a deeper insight into its ecosystems.
Clark Island
Enjoy an idyllic picnic lunch on an island while discovering its peaceful bushland trails and breathtaking vistas. Originally established as Lieutenant Ralph Clark’s vegetable garden in 1789, today this magnificent island still bears his name.
Clark Island preserve is home to spectacular russet-colored angophoras (sydney red gums), which offer stunning foliage in their preserve, river otters can frequently be found frolicking through its waters and Clark Island also welcomes an annual migration by charismatic humpback whales with one of the longest migration routes for any animal on Earth.
Clark Island Preserve, situated near Thomaston’s historic village, features a picturesque covered bridge, picnic areas, scenic walkway, beach access and year-round fees and services. Open all year, with some seasonal variations in fees and services offered; this summer MCHT land stewards have been hard at work improving this beautiful preserve from trail enhancement to conducting natural resource inventorying and managing invasive plants; generous donations have also been received in support of ongoing stewardship on this precious preserve.
