Don't forget sydney's islands

Sydney may be famed as the harbour city, but its harbour islands tend to be forgotten destinations...

However, the colonial and Aboriginal history of four islands will be re-imagined and bought to life during October. The Island Hopping event is part of the Sydney Morning Herald Crave Sydney International Food Festival, billed as a month of extraordinary food experiences.

''The harbour islands are glorious but we don't often get to these islands. I think people forget they're there,'' said Carl Solomon, the National Parks and Wildlife Service director of tourism and partnerships.

''You're not driving past them every day so they're generally not top of mind when you want to go for a picnic, but they're fantastic and the views from them are spectacular.''

For the first time, the Island Hopping program will include food experiences on all islands and a visit to the recently reopened Goat Island.

Goat Island's waterfront has been restored and a new wharf built. The program's activities will pay tribute to the island's colonial past, with 1830s food and characters brought to life.

Shark Island will be a children's zone that offers games and programs based on indigenous history and a traditional bush tucker cafe.

Clark Island will cater to Gen Ys with Perfect Picnic - an afternoon of DJs and picnicking. Fort Denison will offer a sophisticated dining experience.

The director of the festival, Joanna Savill, said Crave was about unusual dining.

''The criterion is experiencing great food but experiencing it in really interesting Sydney locations. We've made sure there is a different food experience for each island to fit the history and heritage of that island.''

Last year the International Food Festival joined forces with Crave Sydney.

Other festival events include Breakfast on the Bridge, the Night Noodle Markets and the World Chef Showcase.

''The festival is clever because it makes it easy for people to get to new places,'' Ms Savill said. ''We've got events happening from regional NSW to Cabramatta. We're asking people, 'hey, did you ever think about going to Bankstown to eat?' It puts a spotlight on these places.''

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald