Dangar Island is a suburb of Hornsby Shire and as at the 2021 census had a population of 313, which swells dramatically during holiday seasons.
The first European to visit the area was Governor Arthur Phillip, who explored the lower river by small boat in March 1788 within weeks of the First Fleet's arrival.
About 300 workers and their families lived there and the island boasted a large social hall, school, library and its own newspaper.
[9] In the 1920s the island, which is barely a five-minute walk across, was divided into residential plots, though space was reserved on the beach, the flat and the top of the hill for recreational use.
63.3% of people were born in Australia, the next most common countries of birth included England 13.7%, New Zealand 5.1%, the United States of America 4.2%, Germany 1.6% and the Netherlands 1.6%.
The island has several tarmacked roads which are closed off to all but the community fire truck, the council ute and vehicles with special permits.
Septic tanks are being quickly phased out by most residents, providing a boost to the Hawkesbury waterways surrounding Dangar Island.
As you approach the Hawkesbury River you can exit the motorway via the Brooklyn-Mooney Mooney turnoff on your left hand side.