Visiting us

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. You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak.

Boat mooring: Private vessels may use Camber Marina on the south side of Cockatoo Island. Pay for casual berthing at the Marina Café & Bar at the top of the gangway. Overnight berths must be booked in advance by calling 9940 0172 or emailing info@cockatoomarine.com.au. Most boats to 42' can be accommodated but there are restrictions above 30' length and 10m height so please call ahead to enquire about availability. Fees are $15 for 4 hours for a boat to 29'. Please visit cockatoomarine.com.au for further details and overnight bookings.

Car parking: Street parking is available near the ferry wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. Check signage for any restrictions. 

10 December 2019: Ferries to and from Cockatoo Island are currently suspended due to poor visibility arising from thick smoke across Sydney. As such, Cockatoo Island will be closed until further notice and both Societé Overboard and the Marina Café & Bar will not be operating. 

Dogleg Tunnel: The Dogleg Tunnel is temporarily closed to the public. Visitors wishing to access the Docks Precinct, including the Marina Cafe and Bar, can do so via the Eastern Apron or the campground tunnel. The Dogleg Tunnel will reopen on Saturday 14 December. 

Eastern Apron closure: The Eastern Apron will be closed to the general public from Wednesday, 18 December 2019 until Monday, 6 January 2020 due to works relating to our NYE 2019 Experience.

Visitor centre closure: The visitor centre will not be staffed by volunteers on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year's Day (1 January). The accommodation desk will continue to operate on these dates but will close early (before 3pm) on New Year's Day. 

New Year’s Eve: Cockatoo Island will closed to the general public on Tuesday, 31 December 2019. NYE 2019 Experience ticketholders will have exclusive access to the island on this date.

New Year’s Day: Cockatoo Island will be open to the general public on Wednesday, 1 January 2020; however, our cafes will be closed from 12pm.

Island amenities: Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets), vending machines, barbeques, showers, an Opal card top-up machine, a kitchen (for exclusive use by campers), free Wi-Fi (enquire at the Visitor Centre) and gold coin operated lockers. Located in the Muster Station, each locker contains power outlets for charging devices. Small lockers (20cm x 20cm x 40cm) are available $2 for eight hours or $4 for 24 hours. Medium lockers (30cm x 40cm x 60cm) are available for $4 for eight hours or $8 for 24 hours. Large lockers (55cm x 60cm x 90cm) are available for $8 for eight hours or $12 for 24 hours.

Island conditions: 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 patrolled by rangers from 8am to 4pm and by security personnel from 4pm and 8am. In the event of an emergency, dial 000 or 112 if mobile reception is poor. To contact a ranger during an emergency, call 0434 652 153 (8am to 4pm). Alternatively, to contact a security officer, call 0433 632 791 (4 pm to 8 am).          

Help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, by observing the following rules, enforceable by our rangers:

Conditions of entry: Do not fish, skateboard and roller-blade; do not bring pets (except guide dogs) onto the island; do not smoke within buildings or within five metres of a café; do not littering or dump rubbish; do not erect gazebos or marquees (without a permit); do not operate remote-controlled vehicles (including drones); do not play amplified music (without a permit) or create excessive noise; do not undertake commercial activities (without a permit); do not hold private functions (without a permit); and do not climb cliffs or on historical structures.

Alcohol consumption: To prevent unsafe alcohol consumption and curb anti-social behaviour, alcohol rules are enforced on the island. Visitors (with the exception of apartment and heritage house guests) are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the island. Alcohol consumption is permitted at the island’s two licensed venues, Societé Overboard and the Marina Café & Bar. For further details, see: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).