Shark Island
Shark Island
4
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One of several tiny islands in Sydney Harbor, Shark Island is known for its lovely beaches with great surfing, bodyboarding, swimming and fishing. It's also a perfect place for a relaxing picnic lunch.
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4.0
37 reviews
Excellent
19
Very good
13
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
2
BSach72
California103 contributions
Dec 2019
Wonderful place for viewing NYE fireworks!!! I loved that our ticket price (buy months in advance) goes to the national parks. Because its a national park, guests on the island are limited, which makes for a nice experience. I suppose a visit during any other part of the year would be a great idea too! A great get away from the busy city with the best views of the bridge and opera house imaginable.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Curiosity15219
Bakersfield, CA1 contribution
What a wonderful treat to have the opportunity to travel to Sydney this summer (winter in Australia) and what joy, on a beautifully clear day, to have occasion to take the short ferry ride to Shark Island! The tiny beaches are perfect to lounge on, even during the winter months, and take in the magnificent view of the mainland. The often-rugged shoreline is fairly easy to navigate. For those who wish to stay in the center of the island, a variety of trees offer shade. Rainbow lorikeets are prevalent, with their bright flashes of color. Whether one chooses to enjoy a picnic lunch on the island or simply goes there for a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, I think you will find the trip to Shark Island to be one that will make lasting memories.
Written 12 August 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick F
8 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
We booked onto shark island for new years eve and were really impressed. the views at midnight were stunning and the tiny island somehow held nearly 800 people without feeling cramped. we had a great vantage point for the fireworks, and the bar was well stocked with reasonable prices (for sydney). we brought our own food to save money and had plenty of space for a picnic blanket.
Written 18 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John B
London, UK7 contributions
Dec 2019
I spent $250 for the ticket, $15 for a burger and $45 for a bottle of rosé when visiting on NYE 2019. It was windy and cold and the views are obstructed in many of the places. Come midnight, everyone was so fed up with the conditions that they ran back to catch the first ferry back (watching the fireworks from the boat). A waste of money and time. Go to East Balmain, it's closer to the bridge.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisbolton
Frome, UK160 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
This trip was my Christmas present and I was so happy. We went on the ferry to see the start of the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. This is a small island but it does have good clean toilets. We walked round the island and there are lots of interesting sights even for such a small island. We took a picnic and you must take your own rubbish away with you. Make sure you are well prepared, take food and drink and sun hats for the summer and take the opportunity to see every nook and cranny.
Written 13 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jdoh0219
Sydney, Australia17 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Don't pay full price, there are numerous vouchers on line for discounted cruises. The info sent out upon booking was very clear as to where to go and what to expect onboard. The crew were friendly and efficient. The lunch BBQ was good quality with sausages, chicken, coleslaw, noodle salad and rocket and pear salad with bread rolls, and there was plenty if you wanted seconds.
When we got to Sharks Island they provided snorkelling gear and pool noodles for those who wanted to swim, there were plenty of fish around the island when snorkelling and the small beach was clean. There are plenty of places to sit in the shade with benches and pergolas scattered about on the island. Along with public toilets.
I'd recommend taking bottled drinks in a small esky as they only sell drinks by the glass on board and there is nothing on the island for purchasing drinks or snacks. The island provides a 360 degree view of the harbour and all activity with a beautiful backdrop of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
When we got to Sharks Island they provided snorkelling gear and pool noodles for those who wanted to swim, there were plenty of fish around the island when snorkelling and the small beach was clean. There are plenty of places to sit in the shade with benches and pergolas scattered about on the island. Along with public toilets.
I'd recommend taking bottled drinks in a small esky as they only sell drinks by the glass on board and there is nothing on the island for purchasing drinks or snacks. The island provides a 360 degree view of the harbour and all activity with a beautiful backdrop of the Sydney skyline, Opera House and Harbour Bridge.
Written 19 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea C
Melbourne, Australia26 contributions
Jan 2015 • Friends
We went to Shark Island on a Saturday and it was a wonderful small island. With large grassy areas, plenty of shade and good clean toilets. We were told the snorkelling was good (and lots of cruises offer snorkel hire) but we found that it was pretty murky and there wasn't much to see. I'd recommend to take your swimmers anyway as it's very cool to say you've been swimming in the harbour and it makes for great photo opportunities with the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in the background.
We went with a cruise operator that offered a buffet lunch and cruise over to shark island, however, I'd save your money and just take the ferry and bring a picnic. The ferry is $20 return for an adult plus it's $7 to get out onto the island. As it's a national park there are no bins and you are required to take your rubbish home with you. Another reason to take the ferry is that you can stay as long as you like! With the cruise we stayed only 30 minutes which was definitely not long enough!
We went with a cruise operator that offered a buffet lunch and cruise over to shark island, however, I'd save your money and just take the ferry and bring a picnic. The ferry is $20 return for an adult plus it's $7 to get out onto the island. As it's a national park there are no bins and you are required to take your rubbish home with you. Another reason to take the ferry is that you can stay as long as you like! With the cruise we stayed only 30 minutes which was definitely not long enough!
Written 5 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AMsays
Thornhill, Canada4,708 contributions
Nov 2016 • Couples
Shark Island is named after its shape and not for the presence of sharks. Although minutes away from Sydney, it seems a world away. There is a great view of Sydney’s skyline from here and the Harbour with its plentiful boats. On the island, there’s a gazebo, a small beach, bathroom facilities and a grassy knoll with frond palms and shade trees. At the beach we saw the orange billed Oystercatchers and noted why. Beside the beach were rocks encrusted with oyster shells. On the beach you’ll find interesting shells and the carcasses of 10 cm jellyfish. We even went swimming in the shallow water but don't venture too far. As we left, 2 kayakers showed up. Enjoyable respite...
Written 18 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Hallam, Australia998 contributions
Mar 2016 • Solo
When you've done all the big ticket items or especially if you live within striking distance of Sydney you want to start ticking off the quirky or lesser attractions. Gotta get them bragging rights if nothing else!
Shark Island is easy enough to get to if you have your own water transport although there are apparently landing fees. Or you could kayak from a nearby public park I suppose...
Anyway for the rest of us the best way of seeing this place - one of the small number of islands in Sydney Harbour, is to get a hop on/hop off ticket from Circular Quay. The ride will be scenic and you will have a timetable to tell you when you need to be at the small pier for a return trip.
Once on the island you'll quickly find out why it's not a big ticket item in terms of Sydney attractions but you'll also mostly have the place to yourself. Even on a weekend. There are only basic amenities though they do include a shelter to take your ease that has a couple of information sheets.
There is a nice enough grassed area in the centre of the island, a rough path makes a circuit of the island and you could possible swim if you so chose.
Overall not a huge attraction but the very fact that even so few Sydneysiders have bothered to make the trek is alone somewhat of a novelty.
Shark Island is easy enough to get to if you have your own water transport although there are apparently landing fees. Or you could kayak from a nearby public park I suppose...
Anyway for the rest of us the best way of seeing this place - one of the small number of islands in Sydney Harbour, is to get a hop on/hop off ticket from Circular Quay. The ride will be scenic and you will have a timetable to tell you when you need to be at the small pier for a return trip.
Once on the island you'll quickly find out why it's not a big ticket item in terms of Sydney attractions but you'll also mostly have the place to yourself. Even on a weekend. There are only basic amenities though they do include a shelter to take your ease that has a couple of information sheets.
There is a nice enough grassed area in the centre of the island, a rough path makes a circuit of the island and you could possible swim if you so chose.
Overall not a huge attraction but the very fact that even so few Sydneysiders have bothered to make the trek is alone somewhat of a novelty.
Written 10 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie009
Tyneside144 contributions
Mar 2015 • Family
Did an island hopping tour, we would not have got off if we had been made aware that there are no cafes on this island. You have to take your own food and drink, we were looking forward to some refreshments, we were stuck there until the ferry returned. Lovely island if you go prepared, there was a couple of small beaches, toilets, picnic tables and a large grasses area.
Written 28 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have a party to go to this weekend from 2pm where many people will need to get on and off the island. Ferries are a bit difficult to use as they seem to only come and go from CQ. I have a boat that can carry 10 people, so was hoping to use it to ferry people across, but wondering where can I moor or anchor the boat? I don't mind anchoring and swim to shore, but is there a preferred spot?
Written 28 August 2017
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