See and Do 
Whether you want to see remnants from a bygone era, journey into the supernatural or explore distinctive heritage buildings, our tours are an opportunity to discover what makes our heritage listed island so unique.
Secrets. Scandals. Skeletons... Cockatoo Island has its fair share of all three. Discover for yourself with our all-ages Haunted History Tour. As you explore atmospheric landmarks, our guide will blend mystery with history to captivate your imagination.
Journey through Cockatoo Island’s complex and layered history at your own pace with our engaging audio tour. Featuring an informative narrator, immersive sound effects and archival interviews, this self-guided tour paints a vivid picture of the island’s bygone days.
As the witching hour approaches, embark on an adults-only journey into the supernatural realm with Ghostyard – A Paranormal Tour. As you search for ghosts, our guide will regale you with macabre true tales and unconfirmed sightings of ghastly apparitions.
Make each Friday a 'Fright Day' with our adults-only Overnight Fright Experience! As the witching hour approaches, you’ll journey into the supernatural realm with our popular Ghostyard Tour. Afterwards, we’ll test your scare threshold further with a screening of a paranormal horror film. Finally, you’ll settle in for an overnight stay in our waterfront campground. Pleasant dreams!
Celebrate NSW Seniors Festival 2020 with an exclusive tour of Cockatoo Island’s UNESCO World-Heritage listed Convict Precinct led by one of our knowledgeable guide. Running Wednesday to Saturday between 12 and 22 February, this 60-minute tour is a great opportunity for over 50s to learn about the former penal establishment and admire iconic landmarks from this turbulent chapter in the island’s history.
Escape to Cockatoo Island and go behind the scenes of SailGP, the world’s fastest and most exhilarating sail racing championship. From 17 to 27 February, guided tours of the SailGP technical base on Cockatoo Island will run daily. This is a rare opportunity to see SailGP’s wingsailed F50 boats up close, as elite athletes - such as the Australian SailGP Team - and their shore crews prep their F50 catamarans for battle on Sydney Harbour.
Available in a 60-minute or 90-minute format, our Group History Tour is a guided journey through Cockatoo Island’s complex and layered history, from its use as a meeting place for the Eora People through to the convict and maritime eras.
Accompanied by our guide, the members of your Seniors Club will have an opportunity to learn about and visit the UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Precinct as well as the location of the island’s former shipyard, industrial school for girls and reformatory.
This tour will introduce you to the brave, foolhardy and desperate convicts who dared to escape Cockatoo Island’s penal establishment between 1839 and 1869. As you explore the island, you’ll hear about successful and ill-fated escape attempts involving disguises, sewers, shark-infested waters, stolen boats and a volley of bullets.
Step back in time with our all-ages history tour! From Sandstone to Steel charts the changing face of our extraordinary island. As you visit key landmarks, including the Convict Precinct, Biloela House, the Convict silos, the Fitzroy Dock and the Turbine Hall, our guide will share historical stories, including anecdotes about a colourful cast of real-life characters.
Kids and their families will get to know the charlatans, rogues, thieves and cut-throats who once populated Cockatoo Island, with our Crooked Characters Tour. This hour-long tour, available during the NSW School Holidays, is fun for the whole family.
Harbour Trust
Visit Overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
