Heritage accommodation

In 1914, the Naval Board of the Federal Department of Defence approved residences at Cockatoo Island for essential dockyard staff. It sought to increase dockyard efficiency and, in doing so, better support the Allied war effort.

This development saw the construction of a limited number of residential buildings, including dwellings that survive to this day and are now maintained as holiday accommodation by the Harbour Trust; namely, the Garden Riverview Apartment, Harbour View Apartments, Heritage Holiday Houses and Fire Station Studio.

Constructed between 1915 and 1916, these dwellings were built in the Federation Arts and Crafts architecture style and many of their original features are still intact, including fireplaces, leadlight windows, picture rails and architraves.

Garden Riverview Apartments

The Garden Riverview Apartments are semi-detached single-storey cottages. Located on the upper island, they boast a bungalow aesthetic and back onto a garden with views across the harbour to Hunters Hill. The Sergeant of Police lived in one of these dwellings while the other housed the assistant to the island’s Medical Officer, who also resided on site.

Harbour View Apartments

The Harbour View Apartments (23A and B) are symmetrically built, semi-detached dwellings that offer views across the Eastern Apron towards the Sydney harbour Bridge. These apartments initially housed personnel that reported directly to the General Manager of Cockatoo Island’s Naval Dockyard; namely, his personal driver and launch coxswain (the equivalent of a boat chauffer).

Heritage Holiday Houses

The Heritage Holiday Houses (24A and 24B) are semi-detached dwellings on the island’s plateau and overlook the waterfront campground on the Northern Apron. Although their architectural style is predominantly Federation Arts and Craft, they were also influenced by the Queen Anne Style. The first occupants were the island’s Medical Officer, Dr Thomas William Francis, and the dockyard’s Engineering Manager, Jack Payne.

Fire Station Studio

Today, Cockatoo Island’s Fire Station Studio is a charming and convenient accommodation option for those seeking a holiday in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Originally, however – and perhaps unsurprisingly given its name – the building served as a fire station.

Helpful links

Did you enjoy reading about the history of our heritage houses and apartments? You may find these links and resources useful.

Layers of history

History of Cockatoo Island

Plan your trip

Visit Cockatoo Island

Accommodation

Stay on Cockatoo Island

WATCH AND LEARN

What are you searching for?