Bare Island: The Historic Fort and Hidden Reef of La Perouse

Connected to the mainland by a picturesque wooden footbridge, Bare Island is a tiny sandstone outcrop with a massive history. Located at the entrance to Botany Bay in La Perouse, it was described by Captain Cook in 1770 as "a small bare island," but today it is anything but empty. For more La Perouse history, explore SS Minmi Shipwreck or discover Cockatoo Island.

From its 19th-century military fort to its vibrant underwater reefs, Bare Island is a "choose your own adventure" destination. Whether you're here to walk the bridge, dive with sea dragons, or explore the tunnels of a hidden fortress, this is one of Sydney's most iconic coastal gems.

Quick Stats

• Access: Free to walk the bridge; Guided tours required for the Fort.

• Location: La Perouse (Kamay Botany Bay National Park).

• Difficulty: Very Easy (Paved areas and a flat bridge).

• Best For: History buffs, scuba divers, and sunset photographers.

How to Experience Bare Island

1. The Historic Fort Tour

The fort was built in the 1880s to protect Sydney from a feared Russian invasion. It's a maze of heavy gun emplacements, dark tunnels, and barracks.

• Note: You can only enter the fort via a guided NPWS tour (usually held on Sundays). It is a fascinating look into Sydney's colonial defense history.

2. World-Class Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Bare Island is widely considered the best shore dive in Sydney. The reefs surrounding the island are home to:

• Weedy Sea Dragons: These incredible camouflaged creatures are a "bucket-list" find for divers.

• Marine Life: Look for pinecone fish, red Indian fish, and even the occasional grey nurse shark.

• The "Right Side" vs "Left Side": The left side is generally calmer and better for snorkeling, while the right side offers deeper sponge gardens for experienced divers.

3. Hollywood History

If the island looks familiar, it's because it played a starring role in Mission: Impossible 2. The climactic motorcycle chase and the villain's hideout were filmed right here on the bridge and inside the fort walls.

How to Get There

• By Car: Drive to the end of Anzac Parade, La Perouse. There is plenty of parking, but it fills up fast on weekends.

• By Bus: Take the L94 or 390X from the CBD directly to the La Perouse loop.

• The Bridge: You can walk across the bridge for free 24/7 to take photos of the gates, but the actual island interior is locked outside of tour times.

Expert Tips for Your Visit

• Sunset is King: Bare Island faces west across Botany Bay, making it one of the few places in Sydney where you can watch the sun set directly over the water.

• Snake Warning: The surrounding headlands of La Perouse are home to tiger snakes. Stay on the paved paths and keep an eye out if you're walking through the scrub.

• Combine with a Meal: La Perouse has great fish and chip shops. Grab a scoop of chips and sit on the grassy hill overlooking the island for the ultimate Sunday vibe. Discover more NSW hidden gems in our complete guide.