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Cockatoo Island's waterfront campground at sunset.

Waterfront campground

arrow New Year's Eve accommodation 2024
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Rates
  • From $50 to $375 p/n
  • Varies on chosen accommodation
Details below
Sleeps
  • Between 2 and 6 guests
  • Varies on chosen accommodation
Details below
Bathrooms
  • Campground includes toilets and hot showers.
  • Accessible toilet and shower available.
Location

Northern Apron, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, NSW

Google Maps
Stay in Cockatoo Island's award-winning* urban campground to enjoy unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour plus access to picnic spots, waterfront cafés and historic landmarks.

Our campground caters for all budgets, group sizes and occasions, including romantic getaways and family vacations. Want a hassle-free stay with your kids? Reserve our basic camping package and check into a pre-erected tent. Desire a little luxury? Book a deluxe package and unwind in a premium tent furnished with creature comforts. Prefer to pitch your own shelter? Select our 'BYO tent' option for an authentic, DIY camping experience. 

*Cockatoo Island received a Recognition of Excellence Award from HotelsCombined in 2018 – a testament to the popularity and quality of our accommodation offering. 

Rates and extras

Rates vary depending on your preferred choice of accommodation and the day of the week. Details, including extras, below.

Optional extras available for hire arrow

Sundry food items, toiletries, ear plugs, camper packs and sleeping bags can be purchased from our Visitor Centre. The following items are also available for hire:

  • Sleeping mats – $15 each
  • Raised camp bed – $15 each
  • Lanterns – $15 each
  • Pillows – $5 each
  • Towels – $5 each
  • Chairs - $15 each
BYO tent – From $50 p/n arrow

If you’re a seasoned camper, or on a budget, this option is for you. It includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site, minus a tent, for a maximum of 4 guests. Up to 2 additional guests can be accommodated at an extra cost.

  • Monday to Thursday – From $50 per night
  • Friday to Sunday – From $60 per night
  • Additional guest – From $15 per night 
Basic package – From $99 p/n arrow

Our basic camping package features a pre-erected tent for up to 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 small children. Sleeping mats for 2 guests are included; however, additional bedding is available for hire. 

  • Monday to Thursday – From $99 per night
  • Friday to Sunday – From $109 per night

View package inclusions

Click image to enlarge sleeping configuration details

 

Deluxe packages – From $135 p/n arrow

Choose from 3 different deluxe camping packages:

1) Deluxe package

This package includes a pre-furnished tent for 2 guests plus luxury toiletries, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.  

  • Monday to Thursday – From $135 per night
  • Friday to Sunday – From $160 per night
2) Deluxe waterfront package

This package includes a pre-furnish tent for 2 guests directly on the waterfront plus luxury toiletries. Bedding for an additional guest is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag. 

  • Monday to Thursday – From $155 per night
  • Friday to Sunday – From $180 per night
  • Additional person (max. one person) – From $30 per night
3) Two-bedroom deluxe waterfront package

This package includes 2 pre-furnished tents with a covered communal area plus luxury toiletries. Comfortably sleeps 4 guests. Bedding for up to 2 additional guests is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag. 

  • Monday to Thursday – From $320 per night
  • Friday to Sunday – From $375 per night
  • Additional person (max. two people) – From $30 per night

 

Premium waterfront package – From $300 p/n arrow

Looking for a glamping getaway for 2? Our new premium waterfront package is perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury.

This package includes a 4m x 4m dome tent, double bed, deck, dedicated power source (for charging phones and night lighting), welcome pack  (non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails, cookies and other nibbles) and an exclusive cockatoo plush to take home.

Only 2 premium waterfront packages are available, so book today.

  • Monday to Thursday - From $300 per night
  • Friday to Sunday - From $320 per night

 

'Stay Longer and Save' Deal – 10% off 2 or more nights arrow

Here’s a deal that is guaranteed to make you a happy camper! Stay 2 or more nights in our waterfront campground and receive 10% off your stay! PLUS, you’ll be able to redeem 2 Audio Tour tickets (including a map) for the price of one. To take advantage of this offer, select the ‘Stay longer and Save’ rate when making an online booking.

Adventure Plus camping deal arrow

With our Adventure plus camping deal, families that book a Basic Camping Package – for a stay between 1 June and 31 August 2024 – are eligible to receive a second Basic Camping Package for half price. That’s double the tents…for only a fraction of the usual rate! Plus, you'll also receive discount vouchers to redeem at our waterfront cafés – Cockatoo Overboard and Marina Café & Bar.

Be quick: This offer only applies to campground stays occurring between Saturday 1 June and Saturday 31 August 2024. To take advantage of this deal, select the Adventure Plus rate when reserving the Basic Camping Package.

Before you book

Before you book a stay with us, please be aware of the following alerts and disruptions, which may affect your experience on the island.

Upcoming event (12/10/24)

On 12 October, the island will host a music event involving amplified noise from 2pm to 10:30pm. If you are planning to camp on this date, apply the code LIVEMUSIC at the start of your booking – when choosing arrival and departure dates – to get 5% off.

A note about guided tours

We encourage guests to embark on a tour during their stay – it’s a great way to engage with the island’s history. Please check tour availability ahead of booking accommodation as we cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay. As tours can sell out, we also recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.

In proceeding with an accommodation booking on this date, you accept our T&Cs

Preorder your BBQ packs
For a hassle-free stay, pre-order BBQ packs from Cockatoo Overboard to cook at the campground kitchen.
See the ‘Additional info’ section below for more details about food and beverage or make a booking here.
Order BBQ packs

What’s included

Inclusions vary depending on your preferred choice of accommodation. Details below.

Inclusions BYO tent option Basic camping package Deluxe package Deluxe waterfront package Two-bedroom deluxe waterfront package  Premium waterfront package
Dome tent No* 2.4m x 2.4m tent 2.4m x 2.4m tent 3m x 3m tent Two 3m x 3m tents with covered communal area 4m x 4m dome tent
Bedding No 2 sleeping mats 2 raised single beds 2 raised single beds 4 raised single beds Double bed
Seating No Camping chairs Camping chairs Sun lounges Sun Lounges Table with chairs plus 2 outdoor MOJO loungers
Linen, quilts, pillows and towels No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Esky and lantern No No No Yes Yes Yes - ice included
Side table No No bedside stool Yes Yes Yes - 2 bedside tables
Toiletries  No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Additional   Basic package sleeping configuration (pdf)       Includes a deck, power source, welcome pack and an exclusive cockatoo plush toy (see: Rates and extras for full details)

*BYO tent option includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site.

Additional info

View details about campground meal options and amenities and read our pre-trip advice, including what to pack and how to get here.

Campground amenities arrow
Campground kitchen

All campers have access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen with sheltered facilities. The campground kitchen is equipped with 10 barbeques, boiling water, 2 fridges, microwaves, a vending machine and seating for 50 people

Campground firepit

The campground also feature a fire pit, located towards the slipways. It is weather dependant.

Campground cinema

Th campground cinema is located in the convict precinct on the upper island. Movies screen at designated time every night for campers of all ages. 

Accessibility arrow

The campground is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible shower and toilet available. Please note: tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. To discuss accessibility, contact stay@cockatooisland.gov.au.

Plan ahead arrow
Check-in/check-out

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.

Getting here

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, see: Visit us.

What to bring

Depending on your choice of campground accommodation, we recommend you bring the following:

  • Camping Site Only (BYO tent) – A tent, sleeping bags, pillows, torch, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
  • Camping Package – Sleeping bags, pillows, a torch, food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items.
  • Deluxe Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, personal items and a torch. 
  • Deluxe Waterfront Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
  • Deluxe Waterfront 2-Bedroom Camping Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
  • Premium Waterfront Package – Food, non-alcoholic beverages, cooking utensils, cutlery, plates and personal items. 
Terms and conditions

Ahead of your stay, please familiarise yourself with our accommodation T&Cs.

Booking platform

Need some pointers for using our online booking platform? Check out our useful 'How to' guide.  

Food and beverage arrow
Family-friendly cafés

Cockatoo Overboard is located near the Visitor Centre on the Eastern Apron while Marina Café & Bar is situated in the historic Docks Precinct. See: Eat and drink

BYO food

Campers can bring their own food to the island to store and prepare in the campground kitchen. Don’t forget to bring BBQ supplies, cooking utensils, plates, cutlery, washing up liquid, and tea towels. Campers are not permitted to bring barbeques or gas cookers to the island.

BBQ packs

BBQ packs are available for campers to pre-purchase from Cockatoo Overboard and prepare using the campground kitchen. The café requires at least 48 hours’ notice to prepare BBQ pack orders, so order well in advance. To order a BBQ pack, please click here

[Note: Cockatoo Overboard is not affiliated with the Cockatoo Island Accommodation. If you have to amend your campground booking or rain check, we cannot guarantee you will be able to amend your BBQ pack order.]

Alcohol consumption:
  • BYO Alcohol is not permitted – Bag checks apply before check-in and rangers/security will confiscate BYO alcohol. Penalties may apply.
  • Licensed cafés – Marina Café & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard are both licensed to serve campers alcohol. Additionally, Cockatoo Overboard serves takeaway alcohol for consumption in 1 of 3 designated areas – within your tent, within the campground kitchen, and at the campground firepit. There is an hourly limit, per campground booking, of one bottle of takeaway wine (opened) and 4 takeaway cups of beer due to NSW Liquor Licensing laws.

Helpful links

Looking to visit, stay at or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.