Dangar Island Offers a Slice of Paradise for Your Next Day Trip

So quaint. So idyllic. So peaceful. You’d definitely be forgiven for thinking this picturesque slice of paradise could not possibly be located just 50 kilometres from Sydney’s bustling CBD. 

Alas, it is! Quietly nestled away on the Hawkesbury River, the charming tropical hideaway of Dangar Island covers an area of 29 hectares and has around three kilometres of shoreline, brimming with natural beauty, a rich history and plenty of things to do.

Here’s why you should make Dangar Island your next family day trip destination.

Visiting Dangar Island

A Slower Pace of Life

 

And when we say a slower pace—we really mean a slower pace. Dangar Island is one of only a few Sydney suburbs with no cars—instead, locals use bicycles and wheelbarrows to transport goods around. How cool!

Getting to Dangar Island

As Dangar is an island, the only way to get there is by boat. A ferry service regularly runs between Brooklyn, Wobby and Dangar, seven days a week.

There’s no big supermarket, no big hotel and no school—which sees kids getting the ferry across the river to Brooklyn to attend school there.

When it comes to the locals, there are only roughly around 270 of them. 270! This means there’s plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the beauty of the island. 

Things to do at Dangar Island

 

The three-kilometre walking trail around the island is the best way to explore the area’s natural beauty (all whilst admiring the local real estate and attempting to mentally calculate how you can up sticks and leave the city, of course) whilst soaking up the majestic views across the Hawkesbury River and heritage-listed Blackbutt trees.

Look out for the intersection on Riverview Avenue with a small path that takes you further up the island—you’ll stumble across Kiparra Park, where you can still find evidence of Aboriginal habitation and rock shelters, plus more beautiful vistas.

Bradley’s Beach is one of the main highlights of the island—offering calm waters, plenty of sand to play in and enough space to ensure you aren’t sitting on top of another family. It’s perfect for taking a picnic lunch and whiling away the day in-between dips and games.

The playground at Kiparra Park is also a favourite among families, offering a place for little ones to blow off some steam before getting back on board the ferry to go home.

Places to Eat

When it comes to places to eat—you won’t be surprised to hear that there isn’t an array of different cuisines on offer.

Dangar Island Depot boasts a menu that revolves around ethical and sustainable ingredients and, in some cases, is sourced from producers on the tiny island. Brewtown Newtown supplies the coffee—meaning you’re in for an excellent cup of joe on your visit.

The Bowling Club is your other option, offering a community hub that serves up dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, plus lunch on Saturdays and Sundays. What more could you want?! 

More Things to See Along the Hawkesbury

Take a Sunday Drive to Bobbin Head
The Best of Hawkesbury River Camping
Mackerel Beach is one of Sydney's Best-Kept Secrets

 

Have you signed up to our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!