Dangar Island facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dangar IslandSydney, New South Wales |
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| • Density | 920.7/km2 (2,385/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2083 | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 0.29 km2 (0.1 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location | 50 km (31 mi) from Sydney CBD | ||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Hornsby Shire | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Hornsby | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Berowra | ||||||||||||||
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Dangar Island is a beautiful, green island in the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It's about 30.8 hectares big, which is like 76 football fields! Dangar Island is a suburb of Hornsby Shire. In 2021, about 313 people lived there, but many more visit during holidays.
You can get to the island by a ferry from Brooklyn. The trip takes about 15 minutes. The ferry wharf in Brooklyn is right next to the Hawkesbury River railway station. The ferry runs every day of the week, making it easy to visit.
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Island History
Dangar Island has been known for thousands of years by the local Aboriginal people. They are called the Guringai nation.
The first European to visit this area was Governor Arthur Phillip. He explored the lower river by boat in March 1788. This was just weeks after the First Fleet arrived in Australia. He named the island Mullet Island because there were so many fish in the Hawkesbury River.
At first, the Guringai people were friendly towards him. But when he returned a year later, they did not want to meet him. By 1790, sadly, many Guringai people became very sick and passed away from a disease the British brought with them. This disease was smallpox.
The island was bought in 1864 by Henry Cary Dangar. He was the son of Henry Dangar, who was a surveyor and a parliamentarian. Henry Cary Dangar renamed the island after his family.
From 1886 to 1889, the Union Bridge Company of Chicago rented the island. They used it to build the first Hawkesbury River Rail Bridge. About 300 workers and their families lived on the island during this time. The island had a large social hall, a school, a library, and even its own newspaper!
In the 1920s, the island was divided into plots for homes. The island is only a five-minute walk across. Some areas were kept free for everyone to use, like the beach and the top of the hill. The Dangar Island Post Office opened in 1951 but closed in 1986.
Island Population
In the 2021 census, there were 313 people living on Dangar Island. Most people, about 63.3%, were born in Australia. Other people came from countries like England (13.7%), New Zealand (5.1%), and the United States of America (4.2%).
Most people on the island (90.4%) speak only English at home. Some also speak Spanish, Mandarin, or French. When asked about their religion, most people (65.2%) said they had no religion. Others followed religions like Anglican (8.6%) or Catholic (6.7%).
About Dangar Island
Dangar Island is quite different from the land around it. Much of the nearby area is part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. But Dangar Island has many homes.
The island has some paved roads, but private cars are not allowed. Only the community fire truck, the council's small utility vehicle, and special permit vehicles can use them. This means people often use a wheelbarrow to carry their groceries and other things from the ferry!
The island has one shop and café where you can buy snacks, coffee, and groceries. There is also a bowling club for members and visitors, which has a bar. The island also has a community hall. This hall is used by different groups, including a children's film workshop. The island also has mains water supply.
Dangar Island was connected to the main water system in 1971. Later, it was also connected to Sydney's sewerage system. This helps keep the Hawkesbury River clean. Mail is delivered to the island every day by Australia's last Riverboat Postman!
On weekends, the Dangar Island Bowling Club serves meals. You can also play bowls there.
How to Get to Dangar Island
It's easy to get to Dangar Island!
By Car
If you are driving from the south (like from Sydney or Hornsby), take the M1 motorway. Drive across the Hawkesbury River Bridge. Then, take the Brooklyn-Mooney Mooney exit.
If you are driving from the north (like from Newcastle or Gosford), take the M1 motorway. As you get close to the Hawkesbury River, take the Brooklyn-Mooney Mooney exit on your left.
Once you take the exit, follow the signs to Brooklyn. Drive through the village. At the end of the road, you will find a public car park and the Dangar Island Ferry Wharf.
By Train
You can catch any all-stations train on the Central Coast & Newcastle line. If you are coming from Central Station in Sydney, the train leaves from platforms 1–15. Get off the train at Hawkesbury River Railway Station. This is after Cowan railway station. There are lifts at the station to help you get around. When you leave the station, you will see the Dangar Island ferry on your left.
Images for kids
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A wide view of Dangar Island
See also
In Spanish: Isla Dangar para niños
