There are so many activities to do around Sydney harbour - swimming, kayaking, climbing atop the Sydney harbour bridge, bushwalking, sailing, fishing, sunbathing, bird-watching and the list goes on. But one of my favourites is island hopping. 

Sydney is a harbour city that is made up of coves, bays and inlets. In addition, there are numerous islands around the harbour that one can visit. On a good warm sunny day, this can be a simple and yet very memorable outing whether you are with family, friends or simply in need of some quiet solitude to yourself.

As from October 2009, Sydney harbour authorities operate an Island Hopper Ferry which allows visitors to island hop around some of the most beautiful islands:

1. Clark island
2. Shark island
3. Rodd Island
4. Fort Denison
5. Goat island
6. Garden island

Clark island is located off Darling Point in Sydney's east and is named after Lieutenant Ralph Clark, a marine on the First Fleet. One can observe the panoramic sights of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge from this one hectare island. There are many vantage point for a picnic or a short stroll.

Shark island is named due to its shape and is located just off Rose Bay in the middle of Sydney harbour. It has a distintive gazebo and large grassy area and trees which is a perfect setting for yet another picnic. Children can wander around what used to be an animal quarantine, explore rocky foreshores, beaches and learn about animals that used to inhabit the island through a live theatre.

Rodd island is not usually open for the public and for 2 days only, the dance hall which was built in 1889 will be opened display dances which used to be held on the island in the 1920s.

Fort Denison was built to defend Sydney Harbour in 1857. When the First Fleet arrived in 1788, Fort Denison was a steep, rocky island. Today, the Fort Denison Cafe and Restaurant will accept bookings for a special Island Hopper menu and a pianist and singer will entertain guests with contemporary Australian songs and music.

Goat island is the largest island and is located on the west side of the Harbour Bridge off the suburb of Balmain. Over the years, the island served as a uarry, convict stockade, explosive store, police station, fire station, boatyard and film set. It is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park.

The Australian Navy has used Garden island as a naval base. Today, there is are a few Victorian buildings from the 1880s still in use, a 150-year-old rose garden and the first lawn tennis courts built in Australia.

Picnic gear such as blankets and mats are essential items. The wind can be gusty and warm clothing is also advisable. Alcohol are allowed to be consumed albeit responsibly accept at Fort Denison.

For more information, visit cravesydney.com.

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