Boats, barges and water taxis
You can visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi or private boat at any time. Vessels are able to dock for short periods at the Parramatta Wharf, which is located on the northern tip of the island, opposite the Muster Station.
The closest departure wharf to Cockatoo Island on the northern side of Sydney Harbour is Woolwich Dock.
The closest departure wharves to Cockatoo on the southern side of the Sydney Harbour are located on the Balmain peninsula or Drummoyne.
Further information
Water Taxis
Water taxis can pick up from most jetties or wharves in Sydney Harbour. There are a number of water taxi companies operating on the harbour:
Search for 'water taxis' in the Yellow Pages web site
Private Vessels
Private vessels may drop off and pick up passengers at the island's Parramatta Wharf.
Alternatively private vessels can moor for short-term stays at the Camber Wharf Marina. Please be aware that the maximum length for vessels moored at the Camber Wharf Marina is restricted to 7 metres. Masts should not exceed 10 metres in height to avoid overhead navigation hazards.
The cost of the public berths (including unmetered power and water) are as follows:
0-4 hours $10
5-8 hours $20
9-24 hours $35
Payment must be made in person at the campground booking office and advance phone bookings are compulsory. Overnight stays on board vessels are not permitted. Please direct any enquires to the campground office on (02) 8898 9774
Kayaks and other small, non-motorised craft may use Slipway No. 1 on the Northern apron at no charge.
Barges
If you need to transport material to Cockatoo Island, you can hire a barge. Trucking and barging of bulky items is usually organised from the Horse Paddock, off Clarke Road, near Woolwich Dock. This is the closest and most convenient wharf for Cockatoo Island and a roll on/roll off ramp is available here. Barge times are restricted to 7.30am -16.30pm. No barging can occur outside of these times.
Space can also be hired on barges, if a whole barge is not required. A number of slipways around the harbour, with alternate barging times, will be suitable for smaller loads.
There are a number of barging companies operating on Sydney Harbour:
Search for 'barges' in the Yellow Pages web site
