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Landmarks and archaeological features from Cockatoo Island’s turbulent convict era (1839 to 1869) and celebrated dockyard years (1857 to 1992) survive to this day, providing primary and high school students with a clear window into Sydney’s layered past.
Situated directly on Sydney Harbour, our waterfront campground is a great launchpad for exploration and adventure. It is available for hire by schools as well as scout, Duke of Edinburgh and other youth adventure groups between Monday and Thursday. We offer groups 5 different camping options (details below).
This BYO tent option is an opportunity for guests to have an authentic, DIY camping experience and pitch their own tent. It includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site for a tent that sleeps up to 4 students. Tent not included.
This affordable and hassle-free option includes a pre-pitched tent, allowing guests to focus on exploring. It includes a pre-pitched, unpowered 2.4m x 2.4m tent that sleeps up to 2 teachers/ supervisors or up to 3 students. Also includes 2 single sleeping mats and 2 reclining chairs. An additional sleeping mat – for a third student – can be hired for $15.
Our deluxe camping package enables teachers and supervisors to combine their love of the great outdoors with their desire for a truly hassle-free excursion. It includes a pre-pitched, unpowered 2.4m x 2.4m twin-share tent with 2 single raised camp beds, linen, quilts, towels, 2 reclining chairs and toiletries.
Our deluxe waterfront camping packages enable guests to combine their love of the great outdoors with their desire for a truly hassle-free excursion. Set in a prominent waterfront position, it includes a pre-pitched, unpowered 2.4m x 2.4m twin-share tent with 2 single raised camp beds, linen, quilts, towels, 2 reclining chairs and toiletries.
Our two-bedroom deluxe waterfront camping package enables guests to combine their love of the great outdoors with their desire for a truly hassle-free excursion. It includes 2 pre-pitched, unpowered 2.4m x 2.4m twinshare tents with a covered communal area. It also includes with 4 single raised camp beds, linen, quilts, towels, 4 reclining chairs and luxury toiletries.
The following items are available for hire – sleeping mats ($15), raised stretcher beds ($20), pillows ($10), towels ($5), marshmallows ($7 per bag) and a dedicated security guard ($70 per house, min 4 hours). Toiletries and torches are also available. Items can be preordered or purchased from the Visitor Centre.
Looking for ways to keep your students active and engaged during their school camping trip? A range of rewarding school group experiences are offered at Cockatoo Island.
Cost: $14 per student, teachers/supervisors FREE | Available: Monday to Friday (subject to guide availability)
Our 90-minute curriculum-based education programs are led by specialist teachers who use scaffolding and other strategies to develop critical thinking – all while providing an engaging and fun experience!
Please note: Education programs must be booked separately to camping. Due to demand, we recommend booking at least 2 months in advance.
Available: Anytime
What’s better than playing a game of chess in your living room? Playing a game on our giant, outdoor chess board! Head to the island’s Eastern Apron, it’s your move!
Cost: $5 per person (includes popcorn) | Available: Upon request
Films screen at set times in the campground cinema each night and screenings can be attended free of charge. However, group cinematic experiences can be arranged through the accommodation team at a cost of $8 per person (includes popcorn). Note: The cinema has a capacity of 30 people. Further, marshmallows can be purchased ($7 per bag) for toasting around the campfire (weather dependent). To request a group cinematic experience during your stay, fill in the booking form.
Available: During Visitor Centre hours
A true test of hand-eye coordination and depth perception, corn hole is a game where players take turns attempting to throw beanbags into a raised hole.
Available: Anytime (weather dependent)
As night falls, head to our campground firepit and trade stories as you enjoy flame-roasted marshmallows. Marshmallow bags (incl. sticks) available for $7 from the Visitor Centre. The availability of our firepit is weather dependent.
Available: First Tuesday of every month
Toot, toot! Specialist volunteers carry out maintenance checks on the island’s historic steam cranes on the first Tuesday of every month. If your visit coincides with an upcoming maintenance check day, your students will get to see an ‘Iron Giant’ in action.
Available: During Visitor Centre hours
Play a game of basketball at our harbour-side court, a short distance from the ferry wharf. Bring a basketball and play for free or hire one from the Visitor Centre for $5.
Cost: Can be hired for $5 | Available: During Visitor Centre hours
We offer addictive variations on the classic ring toss game (Finska, Quoits and Hoopla) plus Frescobal – a paddle ball game popular in Brazil.
Depending on the camping packages you have selected, we recommend individuals bring the following:
Camping groups have access to communal toilet, shower and kitchen facilities. Details below:
The island’s family-friendly food and beverage venues, Cockatoo Overboard and Marina Cafe and Bar, operate daily. School groups can arrange catering with either cafe. Visit cockatoomarinacafe.bar and cockatoooverboard.com.au to view their catering menus and make an enquiry. School groups can also take advantage of the campground kitchen to prepare meals.
Groups may wish to barge a vehicle to the island in the event they have lots of equipment, food or other supplies. Barging can be arranged through the Cockatoo Island Marine Centre (PH: 0424 042 833). The vehicle operators must also review, complete and sign the Harbour Trust’s driver induction form prior to the trip.
Looking to visit or stay at Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.
Cockatoo Island is one of 11 historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
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