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Primary school students experiencing Cockatoo Island's education program inside the Convict Precinct.

Education programs

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Cost
  • $14 per student (min. 10 students )
  • Free admission for teachers/supervisors and eligible parents/carers
  • Rates exclude cost of ferry travel
Hours
  • Programs run for 1½ hours
  • Available Monday to Thursday by appointment
Transport
  • Ferry
Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

 

Google Maps
Resources
  • Risk Assessment available upon request.
When it comes to learning about history, textbooks and class discussions can make students feel like the past is a distant world. This is a hurdle for teachers who strive to nurture an appreciation for historical places, people and events.

Our curriculum-based education programs for stages 1 to 6 help students to connect with Australia’s layered narrative. By exploring spaces from bygone eras – for example, our UNESCO World Heritage Convict Site or remnant dockyard – they will be able to visualise the past and understand its enduring impact on society. Plus, student will be led by specialist teacher who uses scaffolding and other strategies to develop critical thinking – all while providing an engaging and fun experience! 

Making History (Stage 1)

What is history and how is it made? This program develops Stage 1 student knowledge and understanding of historical concepts as they consider how history impacts their lives and ask questions like a historian. Comprehensive pre- and post-lesson resources included.

Convict Times (Stages 2 and 3)

Why were convicts sent to Sydney, how did they live, and how do we know? This program guides Stage 2 and 3 students to understand how past decisions and beliefs are still evident today. Comprehensive pre- and post-lesson resources included.

Then, Now & Tomorrow (Stage 3)

How has Australian society changed over time and what remains from the past today? In this program, students examine society through the lens of Cockatoo Island’s layered history. Comprehensive pre- and post-lesson resources included.

History Site Study (Stages 4 to 6)

Through an evaluation of primary and secondary sources, students will gain insights into Australia’s major social, political and technological developments. This program has been designed for Stages 4 and 5 but can be adapted to suit Stage 6. We will provide a workbook for each student. 

All programs available for homeschool groups
To request an education program for your homeschool group, complete the enquiry form below.
Request a program

Request a program or tour

To book a program or tour for your school or homeschooled group, complete the form on this page. Also, familiarise yourself with the information below.

Availability: Our programs are available to school and homeschool groups between Monday and Thursday. Due to demand, we recommend you book at least 2 months in advance. Dark Past Tour is available Monday to Thursday to school, scout and youth groups that have booked camping.

Duration: Each program and tour is 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Cost: $14 per student. Groups charged, at a minimum, for 10 students; however, we welcome bookings by groups with fewer than 10. The cost of getting the ferry to/from the island is NOT included in our rates.

Teachers and supervisors (incl. SLSOs, Teacher’s Aides and/or AEOs) receive FREE admission. For homeschool groups, admission is FREE for up to 2 parents/carers plus any children under school age. Additional parents/carers can be added to a homeschool group booking at a cost of $10 each.

Group size: Max. 30 people permitted per group. This includes students as well as teachers, supervisors, parents, carers and children under school age.

Supervision: Please ensure student supervision is adequate (1:10 for primary school group and 1:15 for high school groups). 

Payment: Groups invoiced post-excursion based on the number of students who attended on the day.

SCHOOL PROGRAM BOOKING FORM

Step 1 of 3

Note: Our Bookings Officer will be in contact with you, following the completion of this form, to discuss your booking request, including your preferred program, date and timeslot.

How to get here

Planning to visit? Refer to the information below ahead of your trip.

How to get here arrow

Ferries – The easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by Public ferry. The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River. For further information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website. If you are catching a ferry to Cockatoo Island with a large group, we encourage you to notify Harbour City Ferries by email (enquiries@harbourcityferries.com.au). Please ensure they are made aware of the size of your group, the ferry service you intend to use (e.g. F3 Parramatta Service @ 10am on 17 July) and where you are travelling to and from (e.g. Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island).

Opal cards –  If your group is travelling to Cockatoo Island by ferry, each person will need to be in possession of an Opal Card with sufficient funds. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase Opal One Day Travel Passes for their entire group. To arrange Opal One Day Travel Passes for your group, visit opaldaypass.transport.nsw.gov.au.

Parking facilities – On-street parking is available for cars near the ferry wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. The Clarkes Point Reserve Carpark (access via Clarke Road, Woolwich) offers parking for coaches and is a short walk from the Woolwich ferry wharf.

Important notes arrow
  • Travel costs: School groups are responsible for arranging transport to/from the island. The cost of travel is not covered by a booking with us. The easiest way to get here is by public ferry (see page X).
  • Cancellations: To avoid a cancellation fee, school groups must give at least 7 business days’ notice if they need to cancel their booking. Further, our programs run regardless of the weather, so groups should come prepared with wet weather gear and sun protection. If ferry services are cancelled and/or the island is closed due to dangerous weather, we will refund the booking.
First Nations disclaimer arrow

Our primary school programs contain stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased people.

Island conditions arrow

Most areas of the island are wheelchair accessible; however, there is a steep incline from the lower island to the upper plateau, and – owing to the island’s industrial heritage – there are uneven surfaces as well as some buildings not accessible by wheelchair

Safety and accessibility arrow
  • Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site with cliffs and steep drops as well as occasional unmarked and uneven surfaces, voids, and trip hazards. For your safety (and that of your students), mind your step, wear appropriate footwear, stay alert for vehicles and monitor your group.
  • The lower island is generally accessible by wheelchairs and mobility scooters; however, there are uneven surfaces, and some buildings are not suited to mobility aids. Further, accessing the plateau requires visitors to climb stairs and ascend rises.
  • The campground is wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated shower and toilet available; however, tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. Priority works and major events may disrupt visitor access to areas of Cockatoo Island. Check our website for details and speak to our Visitor Centre staff for help, including alternative routes.
  • Assistance animals (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992) are permitted on Cockatoo Island.
What to bring arrow

Suitable walking shoes, sun protection, wet weather gear (if needed) and packed lunches.

Cancellations arrow

General

If you decide to cancel a booking, please provide 5 days notice to avoid being charged a fee to cover casual staff costs.

Weather

Bookings for our primary school programs will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event that ferry services advise against travelling to Cockatoo Island due to extreme weather conditions.

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Interested in visiting Cockatoo Island as part of a school excursion? Here are some useful resources.