Fort Denison is one of Sydney’s most significant historical sites. Located in the centre of Sydney Harbour, this heritage area offers much for visitors of all ages.

When the first settlers arrived in Sydney in 1788, Fort Denison was a popular fishing spot known to the Aboriginal people as Mat-te-wan-ye. The First Fleet renamed it Pinchgut, and began to use the rocky island as a place to confine convicts who had committed secondary crimes. Here they lived in leg irons on strict rations of bread and water.

In 1839 American warships entered the harbour and circled Pinchgut. This threatened attack led the Aussies to review the waterway’s defences, and erect a fort on Pinchgut. That fort is now known as Fort Denison.

Back then it was called Martello Tower. It was an imposing structure, constructed using 8000 tonnes of sandstone. In 1862 the site was renamed after Sydney’s governor, Sir William Denison. The area became part of Sydney Harbour National Park in 1992.

Today Fort Denison is used as a harbour navigation facility. Visitors can view the modern navigation equipment, and learn more about the island’s history in the museum.

Fort Denison is only accessible by guided tour. Contact Cadman’s Cottage on (02) 9247 5033 to book your tour.

Trading hours: Tours run at 10:45 am, 12:15 pm, and 2:30 pm on Wednesdays to Sundays, and 12:15 pm and 2:30 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays
Location: Fort Denison
Address: Sydney Harbour
Public transport: Catch the ferry from Circular Quay Wharf 6 between 9:30 am to 4 pm daily
Parking: Fort Denison is only accessible by ferry
Cost: One-hour tours cost $27 for adults, $22 for concessions, and $17 for children aged five to fifteen years. Kids under five are free!
Website: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Image source: Niall Kennedy @ Flickr

Post from: The Sydney Traveler