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As a guest in our waterfront campground – or one of our houses or apartments – you’ll be close to the action but far from the crowds! That’s right, you’ll get to bask in the city's world-famous end-of-year fireworks as you unwind in in an iconic setting with friends and family. What a way to ring in 2026!
Avoid disappointment: The ballot to hire a house or apartment (min. 4-night stay) closes at 2pm AEST on Wednesday 17 September (details below). New Year’s Eve camping packages (min. 2-night stay) go on sale soon (details below).
[Note: Due to capacity limits and reduced ferries, access to the island on Wednesday 31 December is restricted to people who’ve made an accommodation booking. Nearby Woolwich will remain open to the public on New Year’s Eve as a vantage point for the fireworks.]
The ballot to hire one (or more) of our holiday houses or apartments during the New Year’s Eve period is NOW OPEN. Be quick – the ballot closes 2pm AEST on Wednesday 17 September.
The winning entrants will secure the opportunity to spend 4 nights celebrating with friends and family in a charming house or apartment, steeped in history. The price for a 4-night stay (minimum) in one of our houses or apartments ranges from $3,200 to $10,000. Eight houses and apartments are offered as part of our ballot and entrants may apply for multiple properties.
[Note: Check-in for all houses and apartments is from 3pm on Monday 29 December 2025 and check-out is by 11am on Friday 2 January 2026.]
Mark your calendar – our NYE camping packages go on sale at 9am AEST on Tuesday 23 September.
There are multiple options to choose from – catering for different preferences, budgets and group sizes.
Choose to stay on the island's Eastern Apron (Harbour Bridge view) or Northern Apron (Woolwich view), either in a pre-erected tent or one you've brough from home.
Camping packages with pre-erected tents start at $620, while the BYO tent option is available from $550.
A minimum 2-night stay applies to stays in our campground – NYE guests will arrive on Tuesday 30 December 2025 and depart on Thursday 1 January 2026.
Cockatoo Island’s 2 cafes – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard – will both serve food and beverage on New Year’s Eve (31 December).
Stay tuned for details about Marina Cafe & Bar's food, beverage and entertainment offering.
Stay tuned for details about Cockatoo Overboard's food, beverage and entertainment offering.
Need help planning New Year’s Eve at Cockatoo Island? Here are some helpful links.
Cockatoo Island is one of 11 historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
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