Waterfront campground

Sundry food items, toiletries, ear plugs, camper packs and sleeping bags can be purchased from our Visitor Centre. The following items are also available for hire:

• Sleeping mats – $15 each
• Raised camp bed – $20 each
• Lanterns – $15 each
• Pillows – $10 each
• Towels – $10 each
• Chairs - $15 each

If you’re a seasoned camper, or on a budget, this option is for you. It includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site, minus a tent, for a maximum of 4 guests. Up to 2 additional guests can be accommodated at an extra cost.

• Monday to Thursday – From $55 per night
• Friday to Sunday – From $65 per night
• Additional guest – From $15 per night 

Our basic camping package features a pre-erected tent for up to 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 small children. Sleeping mats for 2 guests are included; however, additional bedding is available for hire. 

• Monday to Thursday – From $105 per night
• Friday to Sunday – From $115 per night

View package inclusions

Click image to enlarge sleeping configuration details

Choose from 3 different deluxe camping packages:

1) Deluxe package

This package includes a pre-furnished tent for 2 guests plus luxury toiletries, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.  

• Monday to Thursday – From $142 per night
• Friday to Sunday – From $169 per night

2) Deluxe waterfront package

This package includes a pre-furnish tent for 2 guests directly on the waterfront plus luxury toiletries. Bedding for an additional guest is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag. 

• Monday to Thursday – From $162 per night
• Friday to Sunday – From $189 per night
• Additional person (max. one person) – From $30 per night

3) Two-bedroom deluxe waterfront package

This package includes 2 pre-furnished tents with a covered communal area plus luxury toiletries. Comfortably sleeps 4 guests. Bedding for up to 2 additional guests is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag. 

• Monday to Thursday – From $336 per night
• Friday to Sunday – From $389 per night
• Additional person (max. 2 people) – From $30 per night

Looking for a glamping getaway for 2? Our premium waterfront package is perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury. This package includes a 4m x 4m dome tent, double bed, deck, dedicated power source (for charging phones and night lighting), welcome pack  and an exclusive cockatoo plush to take home.

Only 2 premium waterfront packages are available, so book today.

• Monday to Thursday - From $315 per night
• Friday to Sunday - From $335 per night

Here’s a deal that is guaranteed to make you a happy camper! Stay 2 or more nights in our waterfront campground and receive 10% off your stay! To take advantage of this offer, select the ‘Stay longer and Save’ rate when making an online booking.

Campground kitchen

All campers have access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen with sheltered facilities. The campground kitchen is equipped with 10 barbeques, boiling water, 2 fridges, microwaves, a vending machine and seating for 50 people

Campground firepit

The campground also feature a fire pit, located towards the slipways. It is weather dependant.

Campground cinema

The campground cinema is located in the convict precinct on the upper island. Movies screen at designated time every night for campers of all ages. 

The campground is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible shower and toilet available. Please note: tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. To discuss accessibility, contact stay@cockatooisland.gov.au.

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.

Getting here

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 and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River. For further information, see: Visit us.

What to bring

Depending on your choice of campground accommodation, we recommend you bring the following:

• Camping Site Only (BYO tent) – A tent, sleeping bags, pillows, torch, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
• Camping Package – Sleeping bags, pillows, a torch, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items.
• Deluxe Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, personal items and a torch. 
• Deluxe Waterfront Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
• Deluxe Waterfront 2-Bedroom Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
• Premium Waterfront Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 

Terms and conditions

Ahead of your stay, please familiarise yourself with our accommodation T&Cs.

Booking platform

Need some pointers for using our online booking platform? Check out our useful 'How to' guide.  

Family-friendly cafes

Cockatoo Overboard is located near the Visitor Centre on the Eastern Apron while Marina Cafe & Bar is situated in the historic Docks Precinct. See: Eat and drink

BYO food

Campers can bring their own food to the island to store and prepare in the campground kitchen. Don’t forget to bring BBQ supplies, cooking utensils, plates, cutlery, washing up liquid, and tea towels. Campers are not permitted to bring barbeques or gas cookers to the island. Ice can be purchased from the Visitor Centre for $7 per bag.

BBQ packs

BBQ packs are available for campers to pre-purchase from Cockatoo Overboard and prepare using the campground kitchen. The cafe requires at least 48 hours’ notice to prepare BBQ pack orders, so order well in advance. To order a BBQ pack, please click here. 

• BBQ pack menu (pdf)

[Note: Cockatoo Overboard is not affiliated with the Cockatoo Island Accommodation. If you have to amend your campground booking or rain check, we cannot guarantee you will be able to amend your BBQ pack order.]

Alcohol consumption:

• BYO Alcohol is not permitted – Bag checks apply before check-in and rangers/security will confiscate BYO alcohol. Penalties may apply.
• Licensed cafés – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard are both licensed to serve campers alcohol. Additionally, Cockatoo Overboard serves takeaway alcohol for consumption in 1 of 3 designated areas – within your tent, within the campground kitchen, and at the campground firepit. There is an hourly limit, per campground booking, of one bottle of takeaway wine (opened) and 4 takeaway cups of beer due to NSW Liquor Licensing laws.

If you are considering booking a guided tour with us during your stay, please check tour availability first. We cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay and on dates that have not been advertised. As tours can sell out, we recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.