Dangar Island, situated in the Hawkesbury River to the north of Sydney, Australia, spans a place of 30.8 hectares (76 acres) and belongs to New South Wales.
Dangar Island is a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways. With no automobiles allowed on the island, it gives a completely unique lifestyle in which each child and adult can roam freely. Most transportation is by foot, with handcarts used for wearing goods while essential. The island is home to fewer than 300 people, making it Sydney's smallest suburb. Among the residents are everlasting dwellers, in addition to several weekend travelers and excursion domestic owners, who contribute to a completely relaxed ecosystem.
Map of Dangar Island
| Name | Dangar Island |
| Country | Australia |
| State | New South Wales |
| Coordinates | -33.53891097717472, 151.23844174434075 |
| Area | 30.8 hectares (76 acres) |
| Time zone | UTC+11 |
| Population | 313 (2021) |
| Airport | N/A |
History of Dangar Island
Dangar Island boasts a rich record encompassing herbal, colonial, and Indigenous elements. Before the European agreement, the Indigenous humans had used the island as a gathering region for heaps of years.
Shortly after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip navigated the Hawkesbury River.
After tenting at the island and catching an abundance of mullet, Governor Phillip named it Mullet Island.
In 1794, Mullet Island became a certain Crown land. Andrew Thompson leased the island and hooked up a salt works there.
In 1864, a wealthy flesh presser named Henry Carey Dangar bought the island from the British Crown. Soon after, the island was renamed Dangar Island.
In 1886, the Union Bridge Company leased the island for 3 years while constructing the railway bridge across the Hawkesbury River.
In 1917, upon Henry Carey Dangar's demise, his son inherited the island and subsequently sold it. Subdivision started in 1921, with land offered for residential use.
During World War II, military employees used the island as a base to defend the railway bridge from ability assaults. Residential development regularly happened within the years following the war.
Today, Dangar Island remains a cherished holiday vacation spot for Sydneysiders.
How to Get to Dangar Island
The nearest mainland access point to Dangar Island is Brooklyn. You can only get there by boat.
Ferry
The Brooklyn Ferry Service operates regularly from Brooklyn to Dangar Island and Little Wobby seven days a week. You can click the link above for more information on this service.
Water Taxi
Hawkesbury River Water Taxis can carry up to 13 passengers at a time, typically picking up from the Brooklyn wharf. It is advisable to book water taxis in advance.
Private Boats
There are several berths available at the public pier on Dangar Island.
Attractions of Dangar Island
Dangar Island has not been extensively developed as a tourist destination, so do not expect to find hotels, bars, or beach resorts there.
The best way to enjoy the island is to walk around and experience it like a local.
Have a coffee at the Dangar Island Depot, then stroll along the local streets for 4 kilometers, admiring the beautiful homes surrounded by lush vegetation.
Here are some suggestions for things to do on Dangar Island:
1. Island Walk
The 3-kilometer circuit around the island is the best way to explore its natural beauty, appreciate local real estate, and enjoy views of the Hawkesbury River. Look for the intersection of Riverview Avenue, where a path leads to higher ground on the island. In Kiparra Park, you can still find evidence of Indigenous habitation, such as rock shelters.
2. Swim at Bradley Beach
Located on the southern part of Dangar Island, Bradley Beach is a favorite spot for locals, visitors, and day-trippers throughout the year. It is a beautiful and secluded beach accessible via Grantham Crescent. It is a popular picnic spot during warm summer days and evenings, where children play on the sand or in the nearby park. Major island events, such as Australia Day and New Year's Eve celebrations, are also held here. Interestingly, it is one of the few accessible beaches in Hornsby Shire.
3. Enjoy a Picnic
The island has several excellent picnic spots, such as Bradley Beach and the children's playground next to the Bowling Club. The playground is very well-maintained, making it a great place to spend time if you visit the island with children.
4. Have Lunch at the Café or Bowling Club
The Bowling Club (a registered club) offers lunch and dinner from Thursday to Sunday. Check their Facebook page for more information. The café and general store next to the ferry wharf is also a great spot for coffee and lunch. Their menu includes various light meals and breakfast options at reasonable prices (the bacon and egg muffin is particularly delicious), the coffee is excellent, and the view from the terrace is superb.
Accommodation on Dangar Island
- Deerubbin Boat House located on Dangar Island offers seaside accommodation with a private beach area, a garden terrace, and complimentary WiFi. The vacation home provides towels and bed linens, along with an outdoor dining area. Deerubbin Boat House is just steps away from Bradleys Beach, making it convenient to enjoy activities on Dangar Island and its surrounding areas.
- Terrumbula is ideal for couples looking to relax among the treetops while enjoying magnificent views of the Hawkesbury River and bushland.
- Boatshed Bliss is a charming waterside cottage where you can bring your boat and your dog. It's the perfect place for a vacation for 2 or 3 people.