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 Appelles Apothecary 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 Parbour! Includes a pre-furnished tent, which comfortably sleeps two guests, plus Appelles Apothecary 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 Appelles Apothecary 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.]
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 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Toiletries | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
[Note: Camping site only (BYO tent) option includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site.]
Please be mindful that Cockatoo Island’s seagulls are currently in nesting season and can become aggressive if approached. Although we have taken steps to minimise the inconvenience for visitors, including accommodation guests, we encourage people to keep their distance where possible. As the seagulls are very noisy, including during the night time, we are providing all campers with ear plugs to ensure a sounder sleep during their stay. We also encourage guests to report any concerns directly to the accommodation team.
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. For more information, see FAQs
Head to Cockatoo Island’s Visitor Centre, a short walk from the campground, to purchase additional mattresses ($10 per night), sundry food items, toiletries, ear plugs, camper packs and sleeping bags. Our friendly accommodation staff are on-hand to offer help – just ask!
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!
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests, we have reduced the number of camping options available to book. Only a quarter of our existing tents will be available, and we will be enforcing a limit of 100 campers, to enable guests to adhere to social distancing regulations. The capacity of our campground will increase over time, in line with Government restrictions.