Goat Island
Goat Island
4.5
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4.5
63 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
23
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
nick164
Sydney, Australia2,373 contributions
Dec 2019
Our guide was excellent - friendly and knowledgeable. We toured the island at an easy pace, exploring the various uses of the island over the years from early settlement til present day. It really does have a fascinating history (similar to Cockatoo Island, in that regard).
Book online via the National Parks & Wildlife Service website (tours only run a few times per month). Your ticket price includes the ferry to/from Circular Quay.
Book online via the National Parks & Wildlife Service website (tours only run a few times per month). Your ticket price includes the ferry to/from Circular Quay.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,585 contributions
Jul 2022
Goat Island is a small island in Sydney Harbor, It was established in 1836, where it was used to house convicts and to quarry stone. Goat Island has some interesting relics. It also has a cafe, where you can get a cup of coffee and something to eat. Goat Island can be reached by ferry from Circular Quay, which includes a tour of the island. Goat Island is a small, but interesting island, it's worth a trip
Written 7 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
derek b
Pilau Weh27 contributions
Dec 2013 • Friends
We booked to be on Goat Island for the New Years Eve Celebrations and were lucky to join 700 other people who managed to get a ticket. We boarded a ferry and at this event you are allowed to bring your own alcohol and picnic, whereas most of Sydney waterfront bans alcohol on New Year,s Eve.
There are 2 ferries one at at 1830 and 1915 and once yiu reach Goat Island you walk around from the jetty to the side facing Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view is amazing we were in the middle of the bay looking straighg at the bridge and down past the Opera House which is partially obxcured. We set up the picnic area and settled in for the evening, there are toilet facilities which were clean and people bring music etc so the atmosphere is great. The first fireworks are at 2100 which are for the children so as parents can then put them to bed, these were spectacular, before these a stunt pilot put on a show over the harbour.
You can also see the fireworks at Darling Harbour so 2 for the price of one ! There are fireworks at certain times as the countdown begins and then the main event at midnight and boy does Sydney live up to the hype the firewirk display is awesome and we had a view to die for.After the fireworks plenty of singing and celebrating before the ferries collect you at 0100, we had a great time and a New Years Eve to remember. Do it if you can. Derek and Jo
There are 2 ferries one at at 1830 and 1915 and once yiu reach Goat Island you walk around from the jetty to the side facing Sydney Harbour Bridge. The view is amazing we were in the middle of the bay looking straighg at the bridge and down past the Opera House which is partially obxcured. We set up the picnic area and settled in for the evening, there are toilet facilities which were clean and people bring music etc so the atmosphere is great. The first fireworks are at 2100 which are for the children so as parents can then put them to bed, these were spectacular, before these a stunt pilot put on a show over the harbour.
You can also see the fireworks at Darling Harbour so 2 for the price of one ! There are fireworks at certain times as the countdown begins and then the main event at midnight and boy does Sydney live up to the hype the firewirk display is awesome and we had a view to die for.After the fireworks plenty of singing and celebrating before the ferries collect you at 0100, we had a great time and a New Years Eve to remember. Do it if you can. Derek and Jo
Written 8 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JamesAde
2 contributions
Jan 2015
Flagrant false advertising. There were no goats, much disappointment. I think I'll try my luck in Lakemba. There's bound to be goats there.
Written 18 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
drolands245
Malta68 contributions
New years eve on goat island is brilliant, plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the fireworks and the sail by,unobstructed views of the bridge,short ferry ride all adds to a great evening,
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BiteSizeTraveller
Sydney, Australia248 contributions
Jan 2016 • Couples
We had bought tickets back in October for the New Year's Eve event on Goat Island. It cost around $200 with booking fee and was well worth the money - the views were absolutely spectacular and the fireworks were amazing.
Limited to 780 people, you need to book your tickets quick. Unfortunately I waited a day too late which meant we were on the second ferry to go across to Goat Island, which wasn't too much of a problem, it just meant we had more people to contend with to get a spot with a view as the first ferry had 390 people on it.
There were about 3 or so tiers of grass to sit on and we found a spot at the bottom, but where we sat had part of the view cut off due to the trees in the way which was a shame. The higher levels had obstructive views too so it is best to get there early if you can.
There are proper toilets on the island which is much nicer than portaloos and I never had to queue too long to use them - maximum queue for me was about 10 minutes or less.
There is no entertainment on the island, but people brought their own music to listen to and there was a sausage sizzle on the island. You can bring picnic blankets as well as food and drinks.
We had a fab view of the harbour bridge and prime view of the fireworks that went up from the barges. There was one infront of us as well as behind and it felt like you were up close and personal to the firework display.
If you want to see the Opera House then this might not be the spot for you as you cannot clearly see the Opera House; however if you want a prime spot for fireworks over the harbour then you should seek this out for 2016!
Limited to 780 people, you need to book your tickets quick. Unfortunately I waited a day too late which meant we were on the second ferry to go across to Goat Island, which wasn't too much of a problem, it just meant we had more people to contend with to get a spot with a view as the first ferry had 390 people on it.
There were about 3 or so tiers of grass to sit on and we found a spot at the bottom, but where we sat had part of the view cut off due to the trees in the way which was a shame. The higher levels had obstructive views too so it is best to get there early if you can.
There are proper toilets on the island which is much nicer than portaloos and I never had to queue too long to use them - maximum queue for me was about 10 minutes or less.
There is no entertainment on the island, but people brought their own music to listen to and there was a sausage sizzle on the island. You can bring picnic blankets as well as food and drinks.
We had a fab view of the harbour bridge and prime view of the fireworks that went up from the barges. There was one infront of us as well as behind and it felt like you were up close and personal to the firework display.
If you want to see the Opera House then this might not be the spot for you as you cannot clearly see the Opera House; however if you want a prime spot for fireworks over the harbour then you should seek this out for 2016!
Written 4 January 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LawMCL
Ontario, Canada72 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
My amazing Sydney hosts bought us tickets to the island for NYE. It is a $187 pp ferry ride with return ticket that allows you access to the BYOB section of the island for new year's eve.
Unparalleled fireworks. Totally worth it. This has got to be the BEST way to see NYE fireworks in Sydney.
Unparalleled fireworks. Totally worth it. This has got to be the BEST way to see NYE fireworks in Sydney.
Written 11 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie p
Bolton, England, United Kingdom5 contributions
I can't begin to describe how incredible our experience was of goat island on New Year's Eve 2014! We did our research and booked early around August time. We went for the 6.30pm ferry (the earliest time) very glad we did because it guaranteed us an amazing spot. You have a completely unrestricted view of the fireworks and the atmosphere was great! The facilities (toilets etc were also great!) we took a picnic, some alcohol and a blanket to lie on! There were lots of other couples, groups of friends and families on the island. It was the best new year I've had and well worth the money! It also meant we beat the queues/crowds and didn't have to wait around all day at a free spot around the city!
Written 1 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Courtney J
Sydney, Australia220 contributions
Dec 2014 • Friends
Incredible place to spend NYE in Sydney. Tickets are under $200pp and the island is BYO alcohol and food. There are two ferries in (one at 6.30pm and the next at 7.15) - we booked on the first boat so that we had the best chance at a great view…and a great view we had! We were directly in front of the bridge with unobscured view. The firework show was AMAZING. They limit the amount of tickets sold, so everyone has plenty of space and it's a nice casual atmosphere. We had a picnic spread, brought lots of bubbly and wine and had a total blast!
Written 7 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trangie
Wentworth Falls, Australia230 contributions
Jan 2012 • Friends
We went on the Convict, Castles and Champagne Tour with friends. We'd managed to get half price tickets so the value for money was excellent. On boarding the boat at Campbells Cove we could pay extra money to have unlimited drinks including alcohol on the boat and during lunch. We had our own supply of water and didn't feel it was necessary. The whole tour was very informative and for sydneysiders it was a great history lesson. The lunch was a typical aussie BBQ of steak, sausages, prawns, salads, rolls and a drink. The view while you ate was stunning! The toilet facilities were clean and just a short stroll from where lunch was set up. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and the short harbour tour afterwards gave us another long overdue history lesson of our Harbour. A few tips - make sure you have plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat as it can get quite hot standing in the sun while listening to the tour guide.
Written 30 March 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a daily ferrie to Host island we can catch ??
Written 1 February 2019
Hi. No, there isn’t. It is a protected site. The website gives the days ferries run to Goat Island. They are infrequent.
Written 20 February 2019
When do NYE tickets go on sale?
Written 21 September 2015
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