Point Group on the march to re-open Fort Denison as a dining destination

Sydney’s Fort Denison will re-open with plans to add a restaurant and bar and visitor tours.

It will be the first time in five years that Fort Denison will be open to revellers, with  hospitality operator The Point Group winning the tender to operate a 25 year lease.

Brett Robinson, chief executive of The Point Group said the project had been put on hold due to the pandemic.

“The island will be reopened for everybody to visit, to enjoy, to come and walk through the site, take in all these fabulous views and enjoy some high-quality hospitality while you’re here,” he said.

The 1840s fortress upgrade will include two dining pavilions, allowing for close to 400 patrons on the island at any given time.

The Point Group will also restore three rooms in the former barracks, which will be open to tourists during the tour and transform into private dining rooms for up to 20 people at night.

A new ferry wharf will also be constructed to replace the wharf built in the 1940s.

The new venues will operate from 7am to midnight, seven days a week.

The Point Group will ensure the fort’s heritage features remain intact, after working closely with former Heritage Council of NSW chairman, Howard Tanner to achieve this aim.

The Point Group also operates The Dolphin at Surry Hills and plans to open Fort Denison Dining in late 2022.

Irit Jackson, 31st May 2021