Sydney Harbor is the large natural harbor situated directly adjacent to the city of Sydney in Australia. Admired for its beauty, size and accessibility it is the location of the much featured Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. Sydney harbor is bound by the North and South head, bordering the Pacific Ocean and the upper reaches which lay aprox 19 km inland.
Sydney Harbor has a number of natural islands, which have historically been used and military postings, most significantly, during the second world war. Fort Denison, which as a tower constructed from 8000 sandstone blocks is steeped in history however is now principally used as a navigational aid to ships. The island can be visited by tourists via boat for day trips and tours most days. Visitors are asked to contact the national parks service for more info.
Shark Island is popular with visitors for picnicking with plenty of shady trees, picnic tables and public amenities it’s a great location to see the harbor for all its glory. The islands name does not refer to its local inhabitants, rather the shape of the island. Shallow waters surrounding the island make for great swimming for young families and tourists without the danger or strong surf or rips like many of the cities beaches.
Cockatoo Island is the largest of the harbor islands, and was historically a key element of Sydney’s penal colony. The prison at Cockatoo island was typically the confinement locations for repeat offenders and consequently has a range of solitary confinement cells. In addition to a prison the island held for over a century one of New South Wales largest shipyards. In 1913 the land was transferred to the Commonwealth Government and became the Naval Dockyard for the Royal Australian Navy. The shipyards finally closed in 1991 and the island became world heritage listed.
For those not quite so keen on exploring the harbors many islands, tourists may be interested in taking a ride on one of the iconic Manly Ferries. The “Freshwater” class ferries were commissioned between 1982 and ’88 and are a distinctive green color  They transit from the manly ferry wharf to a number of locations in the Sydney CBD, however primarily to the wharf at Circular Key. The ferries are capable of carrying 1100 passengers on each trip and cruse at a speed of about 16 knots. During the working week, commuters from the Northern Beaches will take a Manly ferry to Circular Key where a number of train and bus options will carry them to other parts of the city. Manly is a unique location with both harbor and ocean beaches in close proximity. A bustling retail and cafe district is a huge winner with locals and tourists alike.
