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Continue to check this page for news and other updates about Cockatoo Island, including upcoming events and attractions.
The Harbour Trust has released a Draft Concept Vision for Cockatoo Island informed by community feedback. Want to learn more and have your say? Complete the online survey, watch our webinar or attend a virtual workshop, yarning session or pop-up info session. Consultation closes 5pm on 11 June 2021.
Between 20 and 29 March, you can join in the Harbour Trust's 20th anniversary celebrations by attending a FREE tour or talk as part of our 'Rediscovery Days' program. This initiative also includes special events and promotions by our tenants. These events will showcase the natural and heritage values of the Harbour Trust's protected sites, including Cockatoo Island.
Due to the recent COVID outbreak, the Harbour Trust will delay the recommencement of our tours and the reopening of our visitor centre until Saturday 23 January.
Our program of regular tours will resume in January 2021. Tickets are NOW ON SALE for four tours: Ghost Tour (18+), Dark Past Tour (all-ages), Convict Escape Attempts Tour (all-ages) and Sandstone to Steel (all-ages).
The Harbour Trust has today made its debut on the Google Arts & Culture platform with six digital exhibitions showcasing the beauty and heritage of protected sites on Sydney Harbour, including Cockatoo Island.
The Harbour Trust is seeking community feedback about Snapper Island, which is located next to Cockatoo Island. A Discussion Paper has been released together with a supporting draft (non-statutory) Conservation Management Plan (CMP). Have your say about Snapper Island, and the Discussion Paper and draft CMP, by Wednesday 16 December 2020.
As part of NAIDOC Week 2020 (8-15 Nov), we are pleased to present an online program of activities that celebrates the significance of our sites for First Nations Peoples.
The Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, has announced $40.6 million in funding for the Harbour Trust to support our work in rehabilitating important sites under our stewardship.
Woolwich Wharf will reopen on Wednesday 30 September following the completion of major works to provide the community with a modern, accessible ferry wharf.
This page provides updates on the current status of Cockatoo Island, including the steps we are taking to ensure a safe visitor experience during COVID-19. The health and safety of visitors to Cockatoo Island remains paramount. Relevantly, we continue to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure our operations are in line with the latest advice on coronavirus.
Ten years ago, the Cockatoo Island Convict Site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with 10 other remnant convict sites from across Australia.
Woolwich Wharf will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 10 June 2020 while the NSW Government constructs a modern, accessible ferry wharf for the local community.Ferry services will be temporarily relocated to Clarke Road Wharf (also known as the Deckhouse Wharf) during this period.
In light of the NSW Government’s decision to permit galleries and museums to reopen to the public from June, the Biennale of Sydney exhibition at Cockatoo Island will relaunch for an extended, twelve-week run on Tuesday 16 June.
The Harbour Trust is taking a digital-first approach to National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June) to enable all Australians to safely join us as we celebrate our First Nations community and advocate for a fairer, more inclusive nation. Our program includes a free webinar on Aboriginal trackers (27 May), a DigiTale on Bungaree, and a curated selection of music, films and kids activity sheets.
To celebrate World Heritage Day, the Australian Convict Sites Steering Committee have revealed a brand new video showcasing the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, which includes Cockatoo Island's Convict Site.
Complete our visitor survey for your chance to WIN one of four $150 food & beverage vouchers, valid at one of our cafés or restaurants on Sydney Harbour (T&Cs apply). Be quick, entries close Friday 19 June.
The Harbour Trust, which is the agency that manages Cockatoo Island, has extended the deadline for providing comment on the Draft Harbour Trust Leasing Policy 2020. Members of the community now have until 5pm on Friday 29 May to comment on the draft policy, which proposes to amend the Harbour Trust’s current Leasing Policy.
Three exciting events are coming soon to Cockatoo Island. While important works are carried out to build the event spaces for Red Hot Summer Tour, Sydney SailGP and the 22nd Biennale of Sydney, parts of the island will be closed to ensure public safety and create a safe work environment.
The Bureau of Meteorology have issued a severe weather warning due to heavy rain, damaging winds and thunderstorms continuing across the weekend. Regrettably, the Red Hot Summer Tour shows on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February have been cancelled as a result.
Premier music festival, Red Hot Summer Tour, is marking its 10th anniversary with two sold out shows at Cockatoo Island on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 February. Owing to the nature of this event, it is possible that amplified music will be audible to residents in nearby suburbs.
The Harbour Trust is inviting the public to comment on the Draft Harbour Trust Leasing Policy 2020. Submissions are invited until 5 pm AEDT on Wednesday 11 March 2020.
Celebrate NSW Seniors Festival 2020 with an exclusive tour of Cockatoo Island’s UNESCO World-Heritage listed Convict Precinct led by one of our knowledgeable guide. Running Wednesday to Saturday between 12 and 22 February, this 60-minute tour is a great opportunity to learn about the former penal establishment and admire iconic landmarks from this turbulent chapter in the island’s history.
Have your say on your say on the future of Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour and the agency that manages it – the Harbour Trust – at a public forum next month.
The Harbour Trust has partnered with the Sydney Opera House to bring Dance Rites 2019 to Cockatoo Island. On 23, 24 and 30 November, there will be events and activities celebrating First Nations dance, music and community.
The Harbour Trust has published a report on the outcomes of a recent dialogue with the community about the future of Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour.
As our city grows and changes – it is timely to discuss what is most valued about Cockatoo Island, and to explore fresh ideas and opportunities for its ongoing revival.
Heading to Vivid Sydney 2019? Our upcoming Sunset Sessions special, recognising National Reconciliation Week, is a great way to gear up for the city’s dazzling light festival!
Open Accommodation Day (Sunday, 24 March) is a rare opportunity to explore our waterfront campground as well as our holiday houses and apartments, which marry heritage character and with modern amenities.
Harbour Trust
Visit overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
Marine Biological Station
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
