Fort Denison Island

The island has a fascinating history and was a secluded place for evil criminals to live alone in the early days as a tent city in Sydney's exile. It slowly developed into a gunhouse and accommodation. The optional extra journey here is actually the most worth a visit.

A fortress situated on a reef in the middle of the Bay feels like a small castle suspended in the sea. On the upper side of the channel is a cylindrical bunker with a shooting or looking hole, or barely a window. On the top of the bunker is a lighthouse, which opens at night, and wind vanes. Beneath the bunker was a row of stone-clad bungalows, all in one style, like barracks. The island is very small, so we need to get in touch with the outside world by boat from the small pier on the side of the island. There are ports and warships in the Bay not far from the blockhouse. The reef fortress is just off the coast.

Although it's an island, it's very small. From the facade of the Royal Botanical Garden, the military fortress covers the whole island, even a little like a submarine. And in such a bullet-shot place, there are ferry boats to go. Guests who have time can experience it and learn about the rich history of the island.

We were about five minutes short ride from the ring pier to Dennisonburg. Our guide to the national parks and safari, Merić, was fantastic and made our trip wonderful. Please note that there is currently no restaurant on the island, so we went to Locke Restaurant for $33 per person, great value for money, returned via Captain Cook cruise. It is suitable for all ages, but there are some stairs, museums and grass on a small island.

We bought a 10.30am Captain Cook service ticket from Lovers Island - $20 per person. Includes return. The ship traveled very little, so we immediately started the round stone bunker tour of the national park (extra charge) as soon as we arrived, and we had to rush back to the ship. It would be better to take a slightly late ferry and reserve more time on the island, but we don’t want to eat in the restaurant there, and other options for spending time are limited. The tower is well maintained, although modified, and a large rotating cannon is removed from the top and replaced with a lamp. The cannon is still inside and it is interesting to see the original asphalt floor in the gunpowder library.