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When you next explore Cockatoo Island, look out for the turquoise "Hello" signs inviting you to engage in a lively and informative text message conversation with some of our most beloved objects, including key landmarks. As you speak to objects from across different eras, you’ll hear their stories and gain insights into the island’s First Nations, convict, and maritime narratives as well as our visitor experience.
Plus, visitors will also have the opportunity to have your say on important matters and provide feedback on their island adventure.
So, what are you waiting for? Join the conversation!
Eager to start a conversation? Anyone can speak to our talking objects – all you need is a mobile phone!
To chat to a talking object, simply follow these steps:
Psst... we've also awoken two different landmarks at nearby Woolwich Dock and Parklands; namely, a historic graving dock and a scenic paddock. When you next visit this maritime precinct, look out for the aqua and off-white "Hello" signs. They are also identified on the talking object map below.
Cockatoo Island features nine different talking landmarks, including a visitor guide. Want to speak with them all? Check out this interactive map to discover where they are…
To ensure your time at Cockatoo Island is enjoyable and hassle-free, refer to the below information…
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.
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 island's southern apron. Pay for casual berthing at Marina Café & Bar near 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 call ahead to enquire about availability. Fees are $15 for 4 hours for a boat to 29'. Please visit cockatoomarine.com.au for 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.
COVID-19 update – Cockatoo Island has reopened: We are very pleased to welcome visitors back to Cockatoo Island from 11 October 2021.
Tunnel closures: The Campground Tunnel, which links the Northern Apron to the Docks Precinct, is currently closed for repairs. The Dog-Leg Tunnel, which connect the Eastern Apron to the Docks Precinct, is also closed for repairs. Visitors seeking to travel to the Docks Precinct can do so via the Turbine Shop on the Eastern Apron or by walking around the island's Western Apron.
Eastern Apron closure (16 to 22 February): Red Hot Summer Tour will take place at Cockatoo Island on Saturday 19 February and Sunday 20 February. The Eastern Apron will be closed from 16 to 22 February to enable the organisers install and deinstall the outdoor concert space and hold the two-day music festival. In addition, the lookout immediately above the Eastern Apron will be closed to the public on 19 and 20 February. As the island's tunnels are currently closed for maintenance, visitors seeking to travel to the Docks Precinct, the Marina Cafe & Bar or Turbine Hall, can do so by walking around the island's Western Apron. To learn more about the music festival, visit: https://www.redhotsummertour.com.au/
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.
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:
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
Want to learn more about Cockatoo Island or speak to objects at other Harbour Trust destinations? Here are some useful links...
Harbour Trust
Visit overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
Marine Biological Station
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
