Why Fort Denison Is An Interesting Sydney Harbour Attraction

If you’re willing to venture beyond famous icons such as the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable experience at Fort Denison on Sydney Harbour.

In this blog, we'll shine light on what makes this historical landmark special and why Fort Denison tours should be on every visitor’s Sydney bucket list. So, buckle up and join us as we explore this pint-sized fort with a big ol’ story!


Let’s Go Back In Time

Muddawahnyuh or Fort Denison was once called ‘Pinchhgut’

Before the Opera House was built, way before the Harbour Bridge was even thought of, the fort was just an island, a mere rocky outcrop located north of Woolloomooloo Bay. The Gadigal people, who inhabited the lands around Sydney Harbour for thousands of years, called the island Mat-te-wan-ye, also spelt Muttewai or Muttenwaya. 

After the First Fleet arrived in 1788, Governor Phillip changed the island’s name to ‘Rock Island’. It was also called the ‘Pinchgut’ island, a name reflecting its history of convicts surviving on just bread and water.


How Fort Denison Came Into Being

In 1839, when two American warships entered the harbour at night, the officials realised the need for strengthening Sydney's security system. Additionally, by the 1850s, concerns arose about external threats. Consequently, construction began to fortify ‘Pinchgut’ Island. The island was quickly levelled; while the top was blasted, the majority of the work was done by convicts using pickaxes.

The fort was named after the then Governor of New South Wales Sir William Thomas Denison.

As fate may have it, Fort Denison never served the purpose it was built for. By the time it was completed, there were many serious advancements in military technologies, and the fort had become obsolete. Thus, Fort Denison never had the opportunity to fulfil its defensive role.


Fort’s Fascinating Architecture

‘Magistic Two’ cruising on Sydney Harbour

You can see Fort Denison during a day cruise on Sydney Harbour; it stands as a testament to a bygone period of wars, canons, and forts. The fort is made of over 8,000 tonnes of sandstones. 

One of the most striking features of Fort Denison is its Martello tower, a unique architectural design imported from Europe to defend potential naval attacks. It is the only one of its kind in Australia. The tower’s circular shape and thick walls were designed to withstand cannon fire, making it a formidable stronghold. It was armed with two 10-inch guns and twelve eight-inch pounders.

Today, visitors can explore the interior of the tower to admire its sturdy construction and the remnants of its past. The powder storage room of the tower, along with the rings they left behind, can still be seen. 


For The Views From The Fort

Crowds flock to the fort to not only admire its history and architecture, but also to marvel at the breathtaking views it offers of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings.

From the vantage point of the Martello tower, visitors can gaze out across the glistening waters, taking in Sydney tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Taronga Zoo. Whether in the morning or evening, the vistas from Fort Denison are nothing short of stunning. It provides a picture-perfect backdrop for you to create beautiful memories with your favourite people.

So, the next time you find yourself exploring Sydney Harbour, be sure to include a visit to Fort Denison on your itinerary. Listen to the whispers of the wind as it carries tales of a colonial past, and feel the echoes of wartime history reverberate through the very stones beneath your feet.