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Dark Past Tour (15+)

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Cost
  • $44 per adult
  • $27.50 per concession
  • $25 per child (6 to 16 years)
Hours
  • Time: 7:30pm to 8:45pm

  • Date: Saturdays

  • Duration: 75-minutes

  • Private group tours also available on request (Mon-Fri)
Details
  • Mature themes
  • Recommended age: 15 years+
Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

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Cockatoo Island wasn’t always beloved. Throughout history, it’s been a place of dark deeds, eerie events and unspeakable tragedies.

On this exciting new tour, we’ll unearth the island’s raw, unfiltered truths as you explore the former convict prison and dockyard. You’ll be gripped by tales of misadventure, misfortune, a maniac on a ship… and those who found courage in the darkest moments. Get ready for a journey into the island’s dark past.

Book a tour
Book tickets for our Dark Past Tour (15+) to unearth the island's raw and unfiltered truths.
Book tickets

Request a group tour

Want to arrange a Dark Past Tour (15+) for your group? Request a group tour using the webform on this page.

Subject to guide availability, we accept private group bookings from Monday to Friday. Private group tours are limited to groups no larger than 25 participants.

*Due to current high levels of demand, we are unable to book any private group tours less than 14 days in advance of the tour date. Bookings subject to guide availability.

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Tour details
*Bookings are available between Monday and Friday (subject to guide availability). Due to high demand, bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
In case we can't accommodate your first preference, please nominate an alternative date (between Monday to Friday).


Plan ahead

Important information arrow
  • Weather conditions: This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of dangerous weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made.
  • To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.
  • Cancellation / rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.
  • Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.
  • Age restriction: This tour covers mature themes and is recommended for participants aged 15 years and older. 
  • Terms and conditions: Scheduled tour T&Cs (pdf)
Content and accessibility arrow
  • Content: This tour covers mature themes and is recommended for participants aged 15 years and older. 
  • Accessibility: Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site with steep inclines, trip hazards, and unmarked and uneven surfaces. This tour will take visitors though the upper and lower island and will take place after dark. Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring their own torch (mobile phone torch is acceptable). This tour is not suitable for people with mobility aids, wheelchairs or prams.
What to bring arrow

Suitable walking shoes, drink bottle, wet weather clothing (if needed) and a torch (mobile phone torch is acceptable).

Getting here arrow

For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit us

Note: Please be aware that weekends and public holidays may lead to increased capacity on public transport and some services being full. We advise you to plan your trip accordingly and allocate ample travel time.

Eat and drink arrow

Cockatoo Island features 2 family-friendly cafes – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard – both of which are licensed to serve alcohol and operate 7 days a week. Reserve a table for your group or pre-order a meal to enjoy either before or after your tour. See: Eat and drink.

Considering booking accommodation? arrow

If you are considering booking accommodation with us and wanted to embark on a guided tour during your stay, please check tour availability first. We cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay and on dates that have not been advertised. As tours can sell out, we recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.

Helpful links

Looking to visit, stay at or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.