Surprising as it may seem, I once fired the canon at Fort Denison. It was one of those memorable adventures. I was there. It was happening. And I just had to ask if I could.
Situated in the heart of Sydney Harbour, and now a protected national park, Fort Denison is one of the most historic locations in Sydney as it operated as Rock Island (and later Pinchgut) as a penal site from the start of the colony of Australia in 1788, prison and military fortress. Just over ten years ago, after the island was used for the previous fifteen years to host special events, a permanent restaurant was opened.
So the exciting news from this very special and fabulous location is that this year the restaurant is once again participating in VIVID, with Fort Denison Restaurant once again opening especially at night as part of the Sydney light festival.
The restaurant’s 2016 dinners were a sell-out success, proving to be the perfect event for all Sydneysiders looking to get away from the crowds during VIVID and enjoy one of the most unmissable dining experiences in Sydney.
Between May 26th and June 17th, those looking to make their VIVID experience one to remember can take a trip to Sydney’s only harbour island restaurant to enjoy the dinner, tour and transport package. Guests can wander through the dazzling festival of light, music and ideas in Circular Quay before enjoying a specially chartered return water taxi ride past the spectacularly illuminated harbour from The Opera House to Fort Denison. Upon arrival at the island, a National Parks ranger will guide small groups around the historic site and up the Martello Tower, giving guests full 360° views around Sydney Harbour. Guests can then relax in the restaurant, choosing delectable entrées and main courses from the celebrated Dinner DeLights menu while taking in the unadulterated panoramic view of the iconic Sydney skyline and landmarks, including the famously lit Sydney Harbour Bridge before being transported back to Circular Quay.
The Fort Denison Dinner DeLights menu includes entrées such as lamb short ribs with fresh pomegranate and a mint and yoghurt dressing, Kingfish carpaccio with Ponzu dressing, and a Hunter Valley pork belly with chilli lime caramel and Asian salad.
Every taste, palette and preference will be catered for in the selection of main courses on offer, from crispy skin Humpty Doo barramundi, to grilled Muscovy duck breast with beetroot purée, or a homemade potato gnocchi with sage, pumpkin and roasted pine nuts. Delicious dessert options - which can be purchased separately on the night along with cocktails, wine, tea and coffee - include sticky orange and coconut pudding served with mascarpone, and a passionfruit meringue with lemon curd cream and crispy wafer.
The light displays and cultural events of VIVID always bring out Sydney’s best, but for a premium experience of her two best attributes – landmark views and even better food – Fort Denison’s Dinner DeLights is an evening you won’t forget.
Tickets for Dinner DeLights during VIVID Festival are now available at: