Cockatoo Island

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, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website. You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak.

Private transport

Sydney Event Cruises offer private transport to and from Cockatoo Island for small and large groups. A luxury limousine and large charge vessel hire can be arranged for up to 300 people, enabling your group to arrive in style to Cockatoo Island via Camber wharf. Call Sydney Event Cruises directly on 0407 973 508.

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. 

Temporary closures (07/09/2020): The Industrial Precinct, Convict Precinct, Campground Tunnel and Dogleg Tunnel will be temporarily closed between Monday 7 September and Thursday 8 October to allow for the Biennale of Sydney exhibition to be safely uninstalled. The Marina Cafe & Bar and Societe Overboard will continue to operate as per normal. 

• Temporary closure map

Visitor Centre: The Visitor centre is currently closed (except for accommodation bookings) and audio tour headsets are temporarily unavailable; however, please pick up a free map outside the Visitor Centre to assist with your self guided visit. The island’s water bubblers have been turned off. Visitors are advised to bring a bottle with them or to purchase water on the island. View our dedicated COVID-19 updates page for further information.

Public ferries: Be aware that ferries currently have capacity restrictions to ensure safe physical distancing between passengers. If a ferry has reached capacity, you will need to wait for the next service with available capacity. If you are visiting on a weekday, avoid travelling during the morning and afternoon peak period. For travel on weekends, be mindful that ferries are typically busiest on weekends, especially Sundays. Consider these factors when planning your trip and allow for extra travel time. Additional shuttle ferries will run between Barangaroo and Cockatoo Island from 9.45am to 6pm on weekends only. For further information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website. 

Woolwich Wharf upgrades: 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. People will be able to catch a temporary bus service (route 537), which operates in a loop between Hunters Hill and Woolwich, to connect with F8 Cockatoo Island ferry services. This bus service is in addition to the existing bus services operating in the area. People are encouraged to plan their trip by visiting transportnsw.info or calling 131 500 before starting their journey.

• NSW Government: Woolwich Wharf Upgrade Closure and alternative transport information

Further information is available on the Roads and Maritime Services (Transport NSW) website. 

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).      

Can't find what you're looking for? Our FAQs page contains further visitor information. Topics include the consumption of alcohol, our bag check and photography policies, guide animals and the island's amenities. 

In recent weeks, the Harbour Trust has followed advice from the NSW Department of Health and the World Health Organisation and implemented measures to ensure the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff.

Full details