See and do 
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Our What’s On Directory (below) provides an overview of current and upcoming attractions, including guided tours and special events that reveal and celebrate the island's heritage, including heritage crane demonstrations.
To plan your trip or browse accommodation, see Visit Cockatoo island and Stay at Cockatoo Island. Unable to visit Cockatoo Island? We also offer virtual experiences including online exhibitions and webinars.
Head to Marina Café & Bar between 2pm and 4:30pm on Saturday 22 May for an afternoon of live music. Enjoy food and a refreshment in Marina’s beer garden as emerging pop, RnB and jazz singer Grace Fuller soundtracks your island outing. This event is entirely free but bookings are strongly encouraged.
Phone: 1300 228 326
Email: admin@secruises.com.au
Facebook: @marinaoncockatoo
This year, to mark National Reconciliation Week (27 May to 3 June), the Harbour Trust is proud to present online and in-person experiences that amplify the voices of Coastal Sydney’s Traditional Owners and showcase the First Nations stories of our protected sites. Our program includes a special talk by Ray Ingrey, Chairperson of the Gujaga Foundation, on 27 May. The Dharawal leader will share the Dreamtime Story of Buriburi, as it was told to him by the senior women in his community.
One of Cockatoo Island’s popular cafes, Societé Overboard, is hosting a series of modern high tea functions on the verandah of historic Biloela House. Running three times a day on select Sundays until the end of September, Societe’s high tea experience is an opportunity to indulge in savoury and sweet delights (including homemade scones with jam and cream) as you bask in a sweeping view of Sydney Harbour.
As you explore the lower island, including the cathedral-like Turbine Shop, convict-built Fitzroy Dock and towering Powerhouse chimney, our knowledgeable guide will share stories and anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the island throughout the ages. Suitable for less mobile visitors.
Book tickets for our World War II Shipyard Tour to learn about the significant contribution Cockatoo Island's dockyard made to the Allies’ war effort during the global conflict. A knowledgeable guide will delve into this fascinating slice of maritime history as you visit key landmarks including the Turbine Shop, Fitzroy and Sutherland Docks and the Slipways.
As the witching hour approaches, embark on our Ghost Tour and journey into Cockatoo Island’s supernatural realm. As you search for ghosts and explore historic buildings, our guide will share macabre true stories and hair-raising paranormal tales, including reported hauntings. Feeling brave? Book our ‘Overnight Fright’ package! After the tour, we’ll screen a horror film and you’ll stay in our campground.
Secrets. Scandals. Skeletons... Cockatoo Island has its fair share of all three. Discover for yourself with our intrigue-filled Dark Past Tour. As you explore visit iconic landmarks and buildings from different eras, including the convict workshops, Dog Leg Tunnel and Biloela House, our guide will blend history with mystery to captivate your imagination!
Unable to visit Cockatoo Island? Don't worry. The Harbour Trust has launched a collection of immersive exhibitions on the Google Arts & Culture platform, meaning people can experience the island and other extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour anytime, anywhere in the world. Jump online and marvel at the 'Iron Giants' of Cockatoo Island, discover the site's First Nations heritage... and so much more!
Travel back to the era where steam ruled – attend an upcoming demonstration of one of our vintage steam cranes!
Harbour Trust
Visit overview
Cockatoo Island
Headland Park
Macquarie Lightstation
Marine Biological Station
North Head Sanctuary
Sub Base Platypus
Woolwich Dock and Parklands
