Education programs

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. Consider using the F8 ferry service for large groups as it offers greater capacity with its larger vessels. 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. F8 Cockatoo Island 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.

• 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.

• 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 (1:30 for primary school groups and 1:30 for high school groups). 

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

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

• 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.

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

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.