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LOCATION
Fort Denison is located in the middle of Sydney Harbour with unprecedented views over the Opera House and Sydney Harbour.  An event on an island adds a sense of excitement and exclusivity to any occasion with guests arriving by boat and being surrounded by the magnificent Harbour and the city lights.

DESCRIPTION
Fort Denison is one of Sydney’s most prestigious venues.  Dining beneath the stars and gazing at The Opera House, Harbour Bridge and City skyline with a glass champagne to toast the festivities.  The beautiful sandstone buildings and harbour vista provide a sumptuous backdrop to your special event. A perfect venue for a wedding, corporate function or cocktail party.

WEDDING RECEPTION
Weddings at Fort Denison are fun and relaxed evenings. As guests approach Fort Denison they will see the sand stone walls and tower illuminated against the sky.  Trays of chilled beverages will greet guests as they stroll down the red carpet along the jetty.  Guests will then be able to enjoy their pre-dinner drinks on the Battery Lawn watching the sunset over the Harbour Bridge or head to the battery lawn for your wedding ceremony.

HISTORY
When the First Fleet arrived in 1788, Fort Denison was a steep, rocky island known to the Aboriginal people as Mat-te-wan-ye and was a popular fishing place for local tribes.  In 1788 a convict named Thomas Hill was sentenced to a week on bread and water in irons there, and the island came to be known as Pinchgut.  Once a 15 metre high sandstone rock, the island was flattened as prisoners quarried for sandstone to construct Circular Quay.

In 1839, two American warships entered the harbour under the cover of darkness and circled “Pinchgut” Island. Threat of attack from France and America led to a review of the defences of the inner harbour and the decision to build a fort on Pinchgut island.

The Martello Tower was completed in 1857 using 8000 tonnes of sandstone from Kuraba Point, Neutral Bay. The island was renamed Fort Denison in 1862 after the then-Governor, Sir William Denison. The Martello Tower is the only one of its kind in Australia. After significant archeological digs, the island was opened for general public access in 1999.  Today visitors can visit the museum and take guided tours of the Martello Tower whilst also enjoying a delicious meal at the Fort Denison Restaurant, or they can hire the island exclusively for an evening function.

FORT DENISON RESTAURANT
Fort Denison Restaurant is open daily from 10:30am to 3:30pm.  It is a mere 5 minute journey on a Matilda Cruises ferry which depart every 45 minutes from Wharf 6 Circular Quay or Darling Harbour.

From September 6th Fort Denison Restaurant will be launching ‘Sundays ‘till Sunset’ for late afternoon lunches with the island closing half an hour after sunset.  Sundays will feature a jazz trio to help while away the afternoon.  A water taxi shuttle service will operate to and from Fort Denison between Man O War, Circular Quay, Luna Park & Kirribilli.

Arrive in style with a water taxi – h20 taxis – 1300 426 829

Australia Cheese & Wine Tasting
Fort Denison Restaurant and MacIntosh & Bowman are proud to present Australian Cheese & Wine Experiences on Fort Denison.  A short course showcasing the best of Australia’s cheese making talents alongside some great Australian wines.  It is a fantastic introduction to the local and growing boutique cheese industry.

Guests enjoy champagne and canapés upon arrival.  Once seated amongst the historic sandstone in Fort Denison’s private dining room guests savour their way through 12 farmhouse cheeses accompanied by 6 boutique Australian wines.