Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Captain Cook first spotted the area now known as Bare Island in 1770, and referred to it in his journal as ‘a small bare island’. The fort was built in the early 1880s to protect Sydney’s back door. It was in operation until 1908, after which time it became Australia’s first war veterans’ home.

Bare Island Fort’s structure provides a picturesque backdrop for any event, with spectacular scenic views over La Perouse. You may also recognise the island as the location for some thrilling action sequences in the Hollywood film, Mission: Impossible 2.

The water surrounding Bare Island Fort is also one of the most popular scuba diving sites in NSW, as well as a very popular location for snorkelling in Kamay Botany Bay National Park.