Fort Denison

Fort Denison is a historic heritage site located on a small island in Sydney Harbour

View of Fort Denison with the dining terrace in the foreground and the Martello tower in the background
View of Fort Denison with the dining terrace in the foreground and the Martello tower in the background cc licensed photo by zcasper

Fort Denison is currently closed for maintenance and conservation work. It is expected that it will re-open late in 2022

Fort Denison is a historic site located in harbour on an island a little north of the Royal Botanic Gardens. The old fortification is rich in history and now has both a museum and restaurant. Today, Fort Denison is operated my the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service.

Europeans first named the small island Rock Island in 1788, but that name was short-lived. After a convict was sentenced to a week of confinement on the island with just bread and water the island became known as Pinchgut Island. Fear of a foreign invasion of Sydney spawned fortification of the island which included construction of Australia's one and only Martello tower, the last to be built in the British Empire. The on again, off again construction began in 1841, however, by the time the fortification was completed in 1857, it was largely out of date due to advances in weaponry.

In 1913 a lighthouse beacon was built on the roof of the Martello tower. Recently restored, it is still signaling ships to this day. Beginning in 1906 a canon was fired from the island each day at one o'clock for sailors to set their chronometers. The practice was stopped during World War 2 to avoid confusion in case of an actual attack. In 1986 the tradition was restored and still carries on today.

There is so much more to the story behind this famous Sydney landmark and a tour of the museum is an ideal way to experience and learn more about its intriguing history. In order to visit the island fort and the restaurant, you take a ferry to get there. Matilda Cruises and Captain Cook Cruises provide regular passenger service to the island. The fare includes the landing fee charged by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services. If you wish to tour the museum you must pay an additional fee. If you would just like to get a close view of the island without actually going there, a harbour cruise on Sydney Ferries is a great option.

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Fort Denison

Fee: Yes - Charges apply for ferry transportation and park fees plus there are additional charges for the optional museum tour.

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Address: Port Jackson Australia Capital Territory 2029
Australia

Phone: +61 2 9253 0880

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 4 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

3 Star Rating The struggle between three and four stars is real and I think the bill for our lunch tipped the scales towards the lower end. Strong message there: go for... Read More

Victor L. Jan-31-2016

5 Star Rating When you camera missed a fraction of second and the event can't be repeated until next day, at 1 pm sharp!.... I don't have words for it! Yep, I'm talking... Read More

Ferdinand W. May-25-2016

4 Star Rating Ever since I first came to Sydney I have always been wandering how you get to that fort that sits in the middle of the harbour. In fact if there is one... Read More

David S. Dec-04-2015

Accommodations near Fort Denison:

Directions

Ferry Line Nearest Station Walking Time
T2, T3, or T8 + FerryCircular Quay 1 minute

How to get to Fort Denison by Ferry

By Train: Take an L2, T2, T3, or T8 train to Circular Quay Railway Station, exit and follow the signs to Wharf 6. Ferries run every 30 to 45 minutes between 9.30am and 4pm.

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Photo Gallery

Video


Close up views of Fort Denison from the water and dock

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