Rodd Island, River island in Sydney Harbour, Australia
Rodd Island is a river island in Iron Cove within Sydney Harbour, located between the suburbs of Drummoyne, Russell Lea, Rodd Point, Haberfield, Lilyfield, and Leichhardt. The small island is fully built with historic structures that remain visible to visitors today.
The island served as a laboratory between 1888 and 1894, where scientists from the Pasteur Institute researched methods to control Australia's rabbit population. After this period, the site gradually transformed into a leisure destination with social facilities.
The island holds a restored dance hall and two summer houses from the early 1900s, showing how the place changed from a research station into a social gathering spot. Visitors can explore these rooms and imagine the celebrations and gatherings that took place here long ago.
The island is accessible only by boat, and visitors must pay a landing fee to reach it. The best time to visit is during good weather when water conditions are calm and crossings are easier.
During an 1891 world tour, the dogs of actress Sarah Bernhardt were quarantined on the island to comply with Australia's animal protection rules. This unusual assignment showed how important the island had become for disease control.
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