Frequently asked questions on venue hire
What will the Harbour Trust provide for my event?
When you hire a venue, the Harbour Trust will provide:
- the site
- power - capacity will vary depending on site location
- water
What will I need to organise?
You are responsible for organising all aspects of your event including:
- event management and production
- a representative who will be on site during all stages of the event and who we can contact at any time, if required
- marquees and structures
- catering
- bathroom facilities for large scale events
- staging, audio and lighting
- risk assessment
- theming
How do I book my event?
Send an initial enquiry to the Harbour Trust to check the availability of your preferred venue. You can make an Online Enquiry and our Licensing Officer will contact you with the details.
If you would like to proceed with your event, a written proposal must be submitted to the Licensing Officer. All costs given prior to this are indicative and subject to change. On the consideration and approval of the event, fees and bonds will be advised.
Are there noise restrictions?
The sound emanating from amplification equipment must not exceed 5 db above ambient background levels between 7am and midnight. At all other times sound must be no higher than ambient levels.
What bathroom facilities are available on the island?
There are currently three toilet blocks on the island. One is located behind the Muster Station, near Parramatta Wharf. Another is located at the rear of the campground. And a third is located in the Turbine Hall.
Is water available?
There is water available on the island. Please see site plans for locations.
Is power available?
There is three-phase power available at some locations on the island. The availability and capacity of power to any location will need to be confirmed. However, there is only one line into the island for power so a backup generator is recommended in case of emergencies. You will need to provide this.
What happens with waste?
Everything you bring to the island must be taken away when you leave. We'd like everyone to share in caring for Cockatoo Island by taking their rubbish home with them. The site must be left in the same condition as you arrived. A handover inspection will be completed after the event to ensure it is left in a satisfactory state.
What about decorating the venue?
Cockatoo Island is a nominated World Heritage Site and as such is environmentally sensitive. All theme and dressing to the site for any event must be reversible.
Can I use my own signage?
It is possible to provide your own signage. However, no signage is permitted without prior consent from the Harbour Trust. All applications must be made in advance and any signage permitted must be removed at the close of the event.
What about transport to the island?
It is easy to get to Cockatoo Island. Sydney Ferries runs a ferry service to the island, or you can reach it by private boat or water taxi. You can also organise a barge to transport bulky items.
For further information see:
What do I need to include in my event proposal?
The Harbour Trust requires a written event proposal be submitted for any event proposed for Cockatoo Island. All costs given prior to this are indicative and subject to change.
Your proposal should cover the following information:
- description of your event
- preferred site and timing
- target audience
- anticipated number attending
- infrastructure required to conduct your event
- planning for staging of the event
- proposed means of transport to the event
- details of entity proposed to enter into a Licence Agreement, if required
Before submitting a proposal, it is important to contact the Licensing Officer at the Harbour Trust to discuss your event and the details required for the proposal. Email licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or telephone (02) 8969 2100.
Event Timing
All timing must be detailed in the proposal and is subject to approval.
Liquor Licensing and Responsible Service of Alcohol
Upon approval from the Harbour Trust of the event, the Trust can supply the hirer with a liquor licence, subject to relevant checks. All licensed events must serve alcohol responsibly and observe the Liquor Amendment (Responsible Service of Alcohol Training) Regulation 2003.
What security is available?
Cockatoo Island has 24-hour security presence on the Island. The Harbour Trust may ask for additional security to be arranged by the hirer for an event. If this is required, it would be your responsibility to make the extra security arrangements.
Traffic Management
No traffic is allowed on the Island, apart from that required to set up the event. All details of vehicles on the island must be provided to the Harbour Trust.
Can pyrotechnics, explosives or flammables be used
If you propose to use any pyrotechnics, explosives or flammables in the presentation of your event, you must obtain Harbour Trust approval. Details of, and methods used, to ensure safety of crew, site and the public must be detailed in your proposal and the use of these are subject to approval.
You will need to inform us if you will be using inflammable liquids, gases, oils or toxic chemicals, other than those reasonably required for lighting, heating, cooking, cleaning or maintenance purposes.
Can I erect a marquee?
Marquees can be used in approved areas on the advice of the Licensing Officer. However, all marquees must be weighted, not pegged, to the ground.
