Rodd Island

Attraction
Rodd Island, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath/NSW Government
Rodd Island, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath/NSW Government
Rodd Island, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Kevin McGrath/NSW Government
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Park alerts

Sydney Harbour National Park

9 current alerts · 1 upcoming · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 6:05 am

  • UpcomingClosed areas31 Dec 2026 – 2 Jan 2027

    Rodd Island closed for New Year's Eve event

    Rodd Island is closed for the New Year’s Eve event from 7am, Thursday 31 December 2026 until 7am, Saturday 2 January 2026.

    • No public or tour access to Rodd Island is permitted during this time.

    For further information or to enquire about future New Year’s Eve events in Sydney Harbour National Park, please visit https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/new-years-eve-sydney-harbour.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, email or call the NPWS Sydney South Area office on 02 9337 5511.

    Details

About

Rodd Island, located in the sheltered waters of Iron Cove, just off Birkenhead Point, has a colourful history and boasts some of the best views west of the bridge. This perfect picnic spot is in the farthest west of the harbour islands within Sydney Harbour National Park.

Pack the hamper for a family picnic once you've booked ahead and planned your route there. You can walk through the expansive gardens, gaze at the spectacular scenic harbour views, and explore the grounds of historic buildings, including a dance hall and 2 summer houses. In 1879, it became the first public recreation reserve in Sydney Harbour. It was also used as a biological laboratory and US army training ground during the Second World War.

A unique venue with an impressive backdrop for weddings and special functions, Rodd Island is available for hire, so you can add your own special event to its history. Choose your own transport style and book ahead for this popular site.

Sydney Harbour National Park · Sydney and surrounds

Historic Rodd Island, in Iron Cove, offers scenic harbour views, picnicking, fishing, and venue hire for weddings and functions in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Accessibility
Hard

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

5 questions

Where you'll be

Lilyfield NSW 2040

Hours

Open 24 hours