Dangar Island

Sitting at the entrance to the Hawkesbury River, close to the village of Brooklyn, Dangar Island is one of Sydney’s most unique communities. Just 30 hectares in size and home to around 300 people, the island is mostly bushland – including tall palms and purple jacarandas along the shore – with hidden beaches and spectacular views. Over 100 species of animals and birds and 90 species of plants can be found on Dangar Island. There are no cars on the island and bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, making for a quiet and laid-back pace. Residents often carry belongings in wheelbarrows and there are several left by the wharf for visitors to use. Dangar Island has been significant to the local Indigenous people for thousands of years – look out for Aboriginal carvings and middens. It also played an important role in the development of rail and road in the Hawkesbury River; there are a number of historic sites dotted around the island. Accessible by ferry from Brooklyn or private water taxis, the island is popular with day trippers. Grab a coffee at Dangar Island Depot (just next to the wharf) or chat with locals over lunch at the Bowls Club on weekends. There are no hotels or campsites in Dangar, but a number of houses are available for weekend or holiday rental.