Shark Island
Located 500 metres off the shores of Rose Bay, Shark Island is Sydney Harbour s most easterly island. Said to have an outline that vaguely resembles a shark, its is a lightly wooden one hectare islet that has presented a constant danger to shipping, especially when trade grew in the early 19th century. The first recorded victim of the island was the two-master schooner Newcastle which ran aground on the rocks of Shark Island on 11th November 1826.
Shark Island was officially recognised in 1879 when it was gazetted, along with other Sydney islands, as a public recreational reserve. But the dedication was revoked soon after wards when it became a stock and dog quarantine area. It ceased to function as a quarantine station in 1900, when it reverted back to recreational use. Toilets, picnic facilities and artificial caves were created, along with stone seats that offered views of the harbour.
These remain today and are still ideal for picnics and time spent outdoors. The pavilion provides a great view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and is a popular spot for wedding ceremonies. It is a great place to watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race as well.
Shark Island continued as a recreational reserve until World War II when it was used by the Royal Australian Navy as a storage depot. In 1975, it reverted back to recreational use apart from a small section that houses Naval equipment.
