Sydney, Australia: Fort Denison

You might not notice the small parcel of land that is sitting in the middle of Sydney Harbor. Somewhat surprisingly, it has a good-sized history. It's called Fort Denison, and it's part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. 

When the British arrived in 1788, the island immediately was turned into a spot for a prison. That year, a man was sentenced to a week's stay there, living on bread and water while wearing irons. A man was hung there in 1796, and his body remained exposed for the next four years. Yes, different times. 

Eventually, it was decided that the harbour in Sydney was a strategic spot in military terms.and needed protection. The building of a fort started on that spot in 1841 but wasn't finished for 14 years. Some cannons were installed, but they weren't exactly effective. A lighthouse went up in 1913, and it is still used today.

The area did host a restaurant from 2006 to 2017, when a lease ran out. A website says a dining area will be back late in 2025; we'll see about that. If nothing else, the views will be good from there.