Bare Island Guide: Fort Tours, Diving & History at La Perouse
Connected to the mainland by a picturesque timber footbridge, Bare Island is a tiny sandstone outcrop with a massive history. 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's anything but empty. It's one of the Sydney sites in Hidden Gems NSW.
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From its 19th-century military fort to its vibrant underwater reefs, Bare Island has a bit of everything: the bridge, sea dragons and the tunnels of a hidden fortress. It's one of Sydney's most iconic coastal gems.
Bridge closure: The bridge to Bare Island closed on 24 August 2026 for major repairs and is expected to stay closed for about 16 months (until late 2027). NPWS tours of the fort won't run during the closure. You can still see the island and bridge from the La Perouse headland. Check NSW National Parks for updates.
Quick Facts
- Access: Bridge and island closed for repairs until about late 2027. When open, the bridge and exterior are accessible, and the fort interior is NPWS guided tours only.
- 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
Things to Do at Bare Island
1. Bare Island Fort tour
The fort was built in the 1880s after fears of a Russian invasion. It's a maze of heavy gun emplacements, dark tunnels and barracks.
- Note: You can only go inside the fort on a guided NPWS tour, normally held on Sundays (bookings required). Tours are paused while the bridge is closed.
2. Scuba diving and snorkelling
Bare Island is widely considered the best shore dive in Sydney. The reefs around 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.
- Right side vs left side: The left side is generally calmer and better for snorkelling, while the right side has deeper sponge gardens for experienced divers.
3. Hollywood history
If the island looks familiar, it's because it starred in Mission: Impossible 2. Scenes were filmed on the bridge and inside the fort walls.
How to Get to Bare Island
- By car: Drive to the end of Anzac Parade, La Perouse. There's plenty of parking, but it fills up fast on weekends.
- By bus: Buses run from the CBD to the La Perouse loop. Check Transport NSW for current routes.
- The bridge: When it reopens, you can walk across for photos of the gates, but the island interior stays locked outside tour times. Don't enter restricted sections or climb on the heritage stonework.
Tips for Your Visit
- Sunset is king: Bare Island looks west across Botany Bay, one of the few places in Sydney where you can watch the sun set over the water.
- Snake warning: The headlands around 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.
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Bare Island FAQs
Is the Bare Island bridge open?
No. It closed on 24 August 2026 for repairs and is expected to reopen in late 2027. You can view the island from the La Perouse headland.
Can you go inside Bare Island Fort?
Only on a guided NSW National Parks tour, normally on Sundays with bookings required. Tours aren't running while the bridge is closed.
Was Mission: Impossible 2 filmed at Bare Island?
Yes. Bare Island appears in Mission: Impossible 2.
When was Bare Island Fort built?
In the 1880s, after fears of a Russian invasion of the colony.
