Camping information
About the campground
Cockatoo Island Camping is located at the water's edge on the northern side of Cockatoo Island with views across the Parramatta River to Hunters Hill.
The campground consists of 135 unpowered sites for tents only. There is no vehicle access to the island, so all camping equipment must be hand carried by boat. You will need to plan your arrival and departure in accordance with ferry timetables. Or you can catch a water taxi to the island. Find out more about getting to the island.
Facilities
Cockatoo Island Camping currently offers a limited range of facilities, and these will be enhanced in the near future. Available now:
- campground kitchen with eight large electric barbeques, four sinks, and seating and tables for up to 80 people
- amenities block with solar-powered hot water showers, sinks and toilets for the use of campers only
- all facilities have disabled access.
Coming soon:
- laundry block with washing and drying facilities
- Internet access, both wired and wireless
- fridge for storage of campers' food items
Tent and equipment hire and sale
To make your camping experience on Cockatoo more enjoyable, tents and a limited range of camping equipment are available for hire. Please be aware that a $100 bond will be required for the hire of equipment. This bond is refunded when equipment is returned in good order.
Items for sale will be available shortly.
Tents
The Oztent RV3 is one of the most advanced tents on the market and is available for hire on Cockatoo Island. Known as the "30 Second Tent", it is easy to erect and dismantle and sleeps two adults in comfort or up to four smaller bodies (tent dimensions are 2.4 m x 2.0 m). Why not leave your tent at home and try out the latest in tent technology?
Full camping package
For a luxury camping experience, full camping packages are available for hire which include site and tent hire, 2 x self-inflating sleeping mats, 2 x camp chairs and a lantern. Just bring your sleeping bag and leave the rest to us!
Other camping equipment
A limited range of other camping equipment is available for hire and sale on the island.
See details and price list of all hire items
Lockers
Lockers will be available shortly.
Food and drink
BBQ packs will be available from the cafe when the campground opens.
Check-in and check-out
Check-in is after 2 pm and check-out is up to 10 am.
Other things you should know
Camping on Cockatoo Island is a unique experience, but we have limited space and we want to look after the environment, so we have to do some things differently. So for example:
- there is a maximum number of four people per site
- sites are allocated on arrival. All sites have harbour views
- site size is 4 meters x 4 metres. If your tent exceeds these dimensions you will need to book one or more additional sites
- camp fires, portable barbecues and compressed gas or liquid containers are not permitted
- please minimise waste and take your rubbish with you off the island (if you don't, we'll have to)
- swimming and fishing are not permitted
- alcohol may not be brought onto the island
- animals (except guide dogs) are not permitted
Please note finally that the campground, whilst on an island, is open to the general public and is in the middle of a large city. The island has 24-hour security but you are urged not to leave valuables inside your tent. Please hire a locker and keep your valuables there instead, or keep them with you at all times.
Bookings
Reservations can be made for up to 6 months in advance. Please note that full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours prior to arrival without penalty.
Camping reception hours are from 8am to 6pm daily.
To reserve your site book online, call (02) 8898 9774, fax (02) 9555 9745 or email camp@cockatooisland.gov.au
Further information
Contact
Cockatoo Island Camping
Tel: 02 8898 9774
Fax: 02 9555 9745
camp@cockatooisland.gov.au
