Shark Island, Sydney

Shark Island is a small island on Sydney Harbour with spectacular 360 degree views.

Shark Island has an amazing scenic spot on the Sydney Harbour that has the perfect area for a quiet picnic. When visiting the island, you will need to make sure you bring everything you need. You’ll want to bring any food, water, and things you may need for any activities you want to do when on Shark Island.

Best time to visit

All year round Shark Island is open, with the best times to go is towards late spring and early autumn. If there are any events happening in Sydney Harbour, it’s worth going to Shark Island to check it out.

Popular events that make Shark Island a prime viewing spot are the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

How to get there

There is a small fee to book a ferry to reach Shark Island. The ferries depart from Darling Harbour, Circular Quay, and Taronga Zoo. The departure times run all through the day with different hours during winter and summer.

Have a picnic

Shark Island is one of the best picnic spots in Sydney with amazing views of the harbour and city. Bring along your picnic blanket and snacks and take in the stunning surrounding views. You can sit on the lush grass areas or in the gazebo.
Go for a swim

Most of the time, Shark Island has calm waters that surround the island which makes it a great place to go swimming to cool off. You can stick to the shallow areas so you can relax and enjoy the scenic views in front of you.
Check out the beach

There are small beach areas on the island to relax on as you watch the waves slowly come up onto the beach. You can watch the boats go by as you sit on the beach or on top of one of the larger rocks.
Catch some waves while surfing

Shark Island has great consistent waves that are perfect for catching some waves. The best time to surf is during winter, especially in June while in summer the water is rather flat.