Excursion information for Cockatoo Island
When are guided excursions available?
Excursions are offered on weekdays and are subject to availability. Late afternoon and weekend sessions can also be arranged for schools that are camping on the island.
How long are the guided excursions?
The duration of excursion programs can be tailored to meet the needs of individual schools, however it is advisable to allow at least three hours on the island.
How many students can we bring?
Excursion programs can cater for groups of 10 - 120 students. Groups with less than 10 students can be accommodated, however the minimum fee for 10 students will be charged. We recommend that schools wishing to bring larger groups should book two or more separate excursion dates. Alternatively, schools can attend the program in half-day sessions.
What is the required student/teacher ratio?
The Harbour Trust's safety policy requires the following supervision ratios:
Primary 1:10
Secondary 1:20
Special needs 1:1
Organising teachers need to ensure that the required number of supervisors attend on the day. If the school is unable to provide enough teachers, parents are most welcome.
How much does the excursion cost?
The cost for the excursion program is $16 per student. Groups with less then 10 students will be charged the minimum fee for 10 students. Accompanying adults within the required ratios attend free of charge, while the cost for additional adults is $16 per person. Please note that these costs do not include travel costs to or from the island. An invoice outlining payment options will be sent to the school after the excursion.
What should we bring?
Every student should bring a hat, sunscreen, a drink bottle, packed lunch, wet weather gear, appropriate walking footwear and pencils.
There is a food outlet on the island, the Canteen, however school groups should bring a packed lunch with them. Lunch breaks are scheduled during the tour, but due to the size of the island it is not possible to access the cafe while the program is underway. Students are welcome to make purchases at the cafe before and after the program if time allows.
Please note that chewing gum is not allowed on the island.
How do we get to the island?
Public ferry: Sydney Ferries operate both a Rivercat service and an inner harbour service to Cockatoo Island. Depending on the service, schools can board from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and a variety of other locations. For timetable information, please visit the Sydney Ferries website. For information on how to get to Circular Quay and other wharves, please visit the Transport Infoline website
Schools need to arrange and pay for their ferry tickets directly through Sydney Ferries. Please contact the Sydney Ferries School Group Coordinator on (02) 8113 5424 or email lesley.goss@sydneyferries.nsw.gov.au for more information.
Private ferry: schools may also choose to hire a private ferry to the island. Private ferries can be arranged through the Harbour Trust. Schools will be invoiced directly by the ferry company for hire fees.
- 70 passengers and under $768
- 70 - 120 passengers $900
- 120 plus passengers $955
Please note that a state wharfage fee of $42.20 per docking will also be charged by the vessel operator ($84.40 for a return trip).
The private ferry service departs from Campbell's Cove (near the Overseas Passenger Terminal, a short walk from Circular Quay).
Has a risk assessment been done?
The Harbour Trust has completed a risk assessment for excursions to Cockatoo Island.
- Cockatoo Island
Risk Assessment for guided excursions (PDF - 44 KB)
- Cockatoo Island
Risk Assessment for self-directed visits (PDF - 44 KB)
Cancellation Policy
Excursions will run regardless of wet weather conditions. On these occasions it is essential that students wear appropriate wet weather clothing and bring umbrellas as most of the excursion is conducted outdoors. In the event of extreme weather conditions where vessel operators advise against travel, the Harbour Trust will contact the school to arrange an alternative date. Please be advised that the Harbour Trust requires 24 hours notice of cancellations. If a school chooses to cancel an excursion without providing 24 hours notice, the Harbour Trust will invoice the school for the cost of the Teacher Guides booked to run the excursion.
Teacher Resource Material?
A teacher resource kit is available to support teachers in preparing students for a visit to Cockatoo. The kit contains background information, maps, images and suggested pre-and post visit learning activities.
| Publication | |
|---|---|
| Title | Cockatoo Island Teacher Resource Kit |
| Publication Details | Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, 2008 |
| About this Publication | This teacher resource kit has been designed to complement and supplement a school excursion to Cockatoo Island. It aims to provide teachers with a wide range of information that may be used pre- or post-visit to enhance their students' appreciation of the site. Teachers can choose the information that is applicable to their themes and may need to modify information to suit the ability level of their students. The kit is divided into several sections. Contents include background information on Cockatoo Island and the Harbour Trust, primary and secondary HSIE curriculum links and a comprehensive resource materials section. |
| Download PDF Files | Teacher Resource Kit - Visiting Cockatoo and Background Info (PDF - 2,916 KB)
|
Self-directed school visits
It is possible for schools to come to Cockatoo on a self-directed visit. Teachers wishing to arrange a self-directed visit to Cockatoo should still complete an online booking enquiry form.
Schools camping on Cockatoo
School camping packages are available. For more information, please contact the Cockatoo Island Camping & Accommodation Office on (02) 8898 9774 or email camp@cockatooisland.gov.au
How do we book?
To book your excursion program please complete an online booking enquiry form. The Harbour Trust will then contact you to confirm your booking.
For more information
Contact the Sydney Harbour Trust on (02) 8969 2199 or email education@harbourtrust.gov.au
