Dangar Island Totally Explained

Everything about Dangar Island totally explained

Dangar Island is a small forested island in the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The island is serviced regularly by a ferry service that departs from Brooklyn, which takes about ten minutes. The Brooklyn ferry is itself adjacent to the CityRail station of Hawkesbury River, The ferry service is in operation 7 days a week.

History

Dangar Island has been known to the local Guringai Aborigines for thousands of years. The first European to visit the area was Governor Arthur Phillip, who explored the lower river by small boat in March 1788 within weeks of the First Fleet's arrival. He named it Mullet Island, for the abundance of fish in the local Hawksbury River. At first the local people were friendly towards him, but when he returned a year later, they wouldn't come into contact. By 1790, over half the Guringai people had succumbed to the smallpox the British had brought with them.
The island was purchased in 1864 and renamed by Henry Carey Dangar, the son of Henry Dangar,a surveyor, pastoralist and parliamentarian.
In the 1920s the island, which is barely a five-minute walk across, was divided into residential plots, though space was reserved on the beach, the flat and the top of the hill for recreational use.

About the island

In contrast to much of the surrounding area, which is designated national park, Dangar Island is relatively heavily inhabited. This wasn't always so. The island has several tarmaced tracks that have recently been closed off to all but the community fire truck, the council ute and vehicles with special permits.
There are no private cars on the island. At one stage a couple of golf carts were imported, but due to protests from some of the islands residents, they've been phased out. The wheelbarrow is the main method used to haul goods from the ferry. The island has one shop/café, and a bowling club for members/visitors which has a bar. The island also has a community hall that supports several community groups, including a children's film workshop and mains water.
Until recently, Dangar's flavour was that of an artists' colony. In recent years, however, the accessibility and charm of the location have meant an explosion in house prices to the point that only the wealthy can now consider purchasing homes there, which many now do as weekend retreats. New building on Dangar also continues, contributing to the changing character of the island.

Island access

Anyone travelling by road from the south, from either Sydney or Hornsby can take the F3 expressway. The F3 expressway can be accessed from Pennant Hills Road or the Pacific Highway, coming up from North Sydney. Drive across the Hawkesbury River Bridge and follow the Brooklyn-Mooney Mooney turnoff just after you cross the river.
Anyone travelling by road from the north coming from either Newcastle or Gosford can take the F3 expressway. As you approach the Hawkesbury River you can exit the expressway via the Brooklyn-Mooney Mooney turnoff on your left hand side. Follow the signs to Brooklyn and drive through the village. At the end of the road you'll find a public car park and the Dangar Island Ferry Wharf.
Anyone travelling by rail, can catch a train from Central or Strathfield railway station. The train departs from the country section at Central Station. Alight at Hawkesbury River (train station) after Cowan railway station. The Dangar Island ferry can be seen on your left as you leave the station.

Further Information

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