Commercial filming and photography
Cockatoo Island offers some exciting locations for film and photographic projects. As well as a striking harbour location, Cockatoo provides backdrops ranging from striking heritage buildings to gritty industrial remnants.
The island contains remains of a convict prison, houses dating from the 1840s, immense workshop spaces, cranes and dry docks and many more unusual locations - all within a 10-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Rates
| Filming | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day (10 hours) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Half day (5 hours) | From $3,500 | $2,500 | $1,750 |
| Night Location (7pm - 12pm) | From $4,000 | $3,000 | $2,000 |
| Photography | High intensity | Medium intensity | Low intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full day (10 hours, daylight only) | From $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,250 |
| Three days plus | POA | POA | POA |
| Overtime | $500 per hour |
Note: all fees are per day and inclusive of GST
Definitions
Low: publicly accessible areas only, with minimal set up
Medium: publicly accessible areas, with access to one back-of-house location per day
High: Access to three back-of-house locations per day, with set up (Cockatoo Island, vehicle access)
Contact
To find out more about photographic locations, or to check availability and location fees, please email licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or telephone (02) 8969 2100.
To apply for filming on Harbour Trust sites, download the forms below, complete and fax to the Licensing Officer on (02) 8969 2120.
Filming and Photography Application Form [PDF - 43KB]
Wedding Photography
Wedding photography does not incurr a fee, though a charge is made for all other commercial photography. However, wedding photographers should note that other activities such as booked wedding ceremonies, tours, private events and public access have precedence and photographers must not disturb these activities in any way. We also host a number of public events on our sites throughout the year which may hinder wedding photography so it is advisable to also refer to our Events Calendar in the lead up to your wedding to check if there are any major events scheduled on your date. These may impact on access to particular locations.
Photography for Personal Use
You are welcome to take photographs at Cockatoo for your own personal use. Just bring your camera and enjoy the island's unique views and features. But take care to observe safety advice and respect the privacy of other visitors.
Please remember that Cockatoo Island is a public space and while personal photography is welcomed, this does not permit any set up, plugging into power or access beyond security fencing. Photography is permitted in publicly accessible locations only and you cannot restrict access to other members of the public. The Harbour Trust reserves the right to hire venues to users and restrict access without notice.
Use of Trust lands as a backdrop for other filming or photography purposes is classed as commercial activity requiring prior consent and the payment of a licence fee. Examples of this use include teaching photography, taking photos for publications, public display or sale, creation of filming/photography portfolios, photoshoots and the making of short films.
Student Photography
The Trust permits photography or short-film making without a fee by enrolled students for the sole purpose of completing an education assignment set by an accredited secondary or tertiary education provider. For any other activity a fee is payable, including uses such as teaching photography, creation of professional portfolios or photography/filming for future commercial gain.
Students must note that other activities such as private events, tours and public exhibitions take precedence and students may not disturb or restrict these activities in any way. The Harbour Trust also reserves the right to limit or change areas of public access to visitors without prior notice. Students may not access areas beyond security fencing or restrict public access in any way, nor use amplification equipment, plug into power, attach props or theming to any fixtures. The use of hand-held equipment, props and costumes which have no risk of causing offence or alarm to members of the public is permitted.
Before undertaking student photography, enrolled students must submit the attached declaration to the Harbour Trust's Head Ranger.
Download a student declaration [PDF - 34KB]
Teachers wishing to organise a school photography excursion, please call the Trust on 8969 2100 to make a booking.
