Fort Denison
Fort Denison is a historic heritage site located on a small island in Sydney Harbour
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off again construction began in 1841, however, by the time the fortification was completed in 1857, it was largely out of date due to advances in weaponry.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
Fee: Yes - Charges apply for ferry transportation and park fees plus there are additional charges for the optional museum tour.Address: Pinchgut Island, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Official Website: Fort Denison
Fort Denison Reviews
Rated out of 5
Ah, Fort Denison—known to us convicts as "Pinchgut." Let me tell you about my unforgettable week there.
It all started when I "borrowed" the sergeant's rum ration. As punishment, they ferried me to that rocky island in the middle of Sydney Harbour. The place was officially called Rock Island, but we all knew it as Pinchgut—a name that fit all too well.
The island was barely more than a sandstone lump, rising about 15 meters above the water. They'd maroon us there with nothing but bread and water, leaving our stomachs grumbling louder than the waves. Some said "Pinchgut" was a nautical term for a narrow passage, but we knew it described our pinched bellies perfectly.
On my first night, I discovered I wasn't alone. A skeleton hung from a gibbet—a grim reminder of Francis Morgan, a fellow convict executed years before. They'd left his bones there to deter any thoughts of escape.
With nothing to do but count seagulls, I decided to make friends with them. I named the boldest one "Governor" and trained him to steal extra bread from the guards' supply boat. For a moment, I fancied myself the king of Pinchgut, ruling over my feathered subjects.
But all reigns end. After a week, they fetched me back to the mainland, thinner but wiser. I never "borrowed" rum again, but I did gain a lifelong respect for seagulls and a story that could make even the hardest lag laugh.
Andrew O'Dowd - 2 months ago
A must visit for tourists and history buffs! The guided tours are fantastic! Full of facts, figures and fun stuff!
Make sure you catch the firing of the canon around lunch time!
Plan so that you can catch the ferries to and from Circular Quay
Unfortunately they're closed in 2024 for renovations?
Peter Dan Harding - a year ago
You will pass this historical fort by many ferries route of Manly or Watsons bay.
Not sure if open for public. Maybe by a special tour or other event for dining etc.
Marko Smith - a year ago
Fort Denison is a lovely part of the Sydney Harbour History. Once called "Pinchgut Island" this former Military Building, is now a major Tourist attraction on which you can take a guided tour (when it's open) or just sit and enjoy a coffee as you travel past it on one of the Local Ferry's. Enjoy the History of the building in all ways 😊
Katie Cunningham - 11 months ago
Melbourne trip，all good， nice sunny day，big Benz van，lady driver， admire her
Honest Lee - 3 years ago
Directions
| Ferry Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| T2, T3, or T8 + Ferry | Circular 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Fort Denison:
Photo Gallery
-
The One O'clock Gun fires from Fort Denison with a view of Sydney in the background cc licensed photo by zcasper -
Photo Credit: mertie. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mertie. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mertie. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Bob Linsdell - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: mertie. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Dushan Hanuska - cc license via Flickr
Video
To view this video, please provide consent for cookies and/or disable any ad blockers.
We use cookies to display embedded YouTube content. For more information, see our
Privacy and Cookies Policy.
