The campground represents a unique experience – a night (or longer) under the stars in the heart of the world’s best harbour! We offer five camping options, catering for a range of budgets, group sizes and occasions, including romantic getaways and family vacations. Want to combine your love of the Great Outdoors with your desire for homely comforts? Select a Deluxe Package for a truly luxe experience.
*Cockatoo Island received a Recognition of Excellence Award from HotelsCombined in 2018 – a testament to the popularity and quality of our accommodation offering.
Take a sneak peak at our award-winning campground...
If you’re a seasoned camper, or on a budget, this 'BYO tent' option enables you to bring and pitch your own tent or swag.
[Note: The BYO tent option includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site that sleeps a maximum of four guests.]
When you select our standard camping package, we arrange a pre-erected tent so you can to focus on relaxation and recreation.
[Note: Sleeps up to three adults OR two adults and two small children]
This packages includes a pre-furnished tent for two guests plus luxury toiletries, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.
This package is an opportunity to camp directly on the waterfront, enabling you to watch the sun set and rise on Sydney Harbour! Includes a pre-furnished tent, which comfortably sleeps two guests, plus luxury toiletries. Bedding for one additional guest available.
[Note: Additional person will need to bring their own sleeping bag.]
This package includes two pre-furnished tents with a covered communal area plus luxury toiletries. Comfortably sleeps four guests; however, bedding for an additional two people is available.
[Note: Additional persons will need to bring their own sleeping bag.]
Here’s a deal that is guaranteed to make you a happy camper! Stay two or more nights in our waterfront campground and receive 10% off your stay! PLUS, you’ll receive a voucher to redeem two Audio Tour tickets (including headsets and map) for the price of one. To take advantage of this offer, select the ‘Stay Longer and Save’ rate when making an online booking.”
Sundry food items, toiletries, ear plugs, camper packs and sleeping bags can be purchased from our Visitor Centre. The following items are also available for hire:
Check out what's included in each of our camping packages...
Camping Package | Deluxe Package | Deluxe Waterfront Package | Deluxe Waterfront Two Bedroom Package | |
Pre-erected dome tent | 2.4m x 2.4m tent | 2.4m x 2.4m tent | 3m x 3m tent | Two 3m x 3m tents with covered communal area |
Bedding | Two sleeping mats | Two raised single beds | Two raised single beds | Four raised single beds |
Seating | Camping chairs | Camping chairs | Sun lounges | Sun Lounges |
Linen, quilts, pillows and towels | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Esky and lantern | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Side table | No | bedside stool | Yes | Yes |
Toiletries | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Note: Camping site only (BYO tent) option includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site.]
All campers have access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen featuring sheltered facilities. These include barbeques, boiling water, fridges, microwaves, a vending machine and seating for up to 50 people. The campground also feature a fire pit, located towards the slipways. It is weather dependant. Our Campground Cinema, located on the Upper Island next to the Convict Precinct (Building 6), is open to Accommodation guests every night. Movies screen at designated times depending on age group. For more information, see FAQs
Need a convenient breakfast, lunch or dinner option for your stay at cockatoo Island? BBQ packs are available for campers and other accommodation guests to purchase from Cockatoo Overboard, one of Cockatoo Island’s two cafes. Each pack includes all the ingredients you will need; however, you will need to bring your own cutlery and plates. Alternatively, eating utensils are included in Camper sets, available for purchase from the accommodation desk. Meal prep can be carried out by campers in the campground kitchen, which features fridges and BBQs, while our houses and apartments are fully equipped with kitchens.
To order one of Cockatoo Overboard's BBQ packs, please complete the form included in the following brochure:
[Note: Cockatoo Overboard operates independently to Cockatoo Island Accommodation, so familiarise yourself with the BBQ Pack T&Cs before ordering. If you have to amend your accommodation booking or rain check, we cannot guarantee you will be able to amend your BBQ pack order.]
The campground is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible shower and toilet available. Please note: tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. To discuss accessibility, contact stay@cockatooisland.gov.au.
Check-in/check-out – Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.
Meal options – For a care-free stay, we offer convenient meal options. The island’s family-friendly venues, Societe Overboard and Marina Café and Bar, operate daily and are licensed to serve alcohol. Guests can also preorder BBQ and breakfast packs, ahead of their stay, to prepare at the campground kitchen.
Getting here – The easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by public ferry. The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River. For further information, see: Visit.
Terms and conditions – Ahead of your stay, please familiarise yourself with our accommodation T&Cs.
Booking platform – Need some pointers for using our online booking platform? Check out our useful 'How to' guide.
Depending on your selected camping package, we recommend you bring the following:
Treat that special someone to a unique experience – an overnight stay in our waterfront campground!