What are you searching for?

arrow
Menu item arrow Visit us overview
arrow Plan your trip arrow Eat and drink arrow FAQs
Menu item arrow Stay overview
arrow Waterfront campground arrow Heritage Holiday Houses arrow Harbour View Apartments arrow Garden Riverview Apartment arrow Fire Station Studio arrow School camping arrow New Year's Eve Accommodation arrow Stay (overview)
Menu item arrow Tours overview
arrow Guided tours arrow Self-guided tours arrow Tours (overview)
Menu item arrow Learn overview
arrow Schools and groups arrow Kids activities arrow Island history arrow Online exhibitions arrow Video library arrow Learn (overview)
arrow Subscribe
Facebook Icon
Instagram Icon
EN language selector search
English
Français
Español
简体中文
About us Venue hire Contact us EN arrow search arrow Subscribe
English
Français
Español
简体中文
Deutsch
한국어
arrow Subscribe
Guided history tour at Cockatoo Island.

Tours of Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island / Tours
...  / EN / Tours
Want to delve into the layered history of Sydney? Escape to Cockatoo Island and book a guided or self-guided tour.

Our guided tours are a great way to discover historic landmarks from the island’s turbulent convict era (1839-69) and celebrated dockyard years (1857-1991). Best of all? As you explore the largest island on Sydney Harbour, a knowledgeable guide will be on hand to field your questions and share fascinating anecdotes. 

Prefer to find your own way? Try one of our self-guided tours! Our Audio Tour is an immersive, 90-minute experience that is available for $6 from the Visitor Centre. Meanwhile, our Talking Object Tour harnesses mobile technology to bring historic objects to life. 

Guided tours

Travel back in time – or dare to step into the supernatural realm – with one of our guided history or paranormal tours. We offer 5 all-ages tours, including tours suitable for visitors with low mobility plus a night tour that blends mystery with history.

Up for a fright? Try our adults-only Ghost Tour. Guided tours run to a weekend schedule but we also accept group bookings for weekdays. Tours available from $16.

View tours
Self-guided tours

Journey through the island’s layered history at your own pace with our 90-minute audio tour. Pick up the Audio Tour handset and map from the visitor centre during operating hours (10am to 3pm daily). No booking required.

Plus: Look for the turquoise "Hello" signs to speak directly to iconic objects about their incredible stories OR have your visitor questions answered by our talking animals.

View tours

Tour calendar

Planning a trip to Cockatoo Island? See how one of our guided tours can fit into your schedule.

Day Available tours
Mon to Thurs
Saturday
Sunday

Helpful links

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

Visit
Plan your trip
arrow Learn more
Tours
Book a group tour
arrow Make a booking
What's on
Events and attractions
arrow Learn more
Stay
Historic accommodation and camping
arrow Learn more
Layered story
Island history
arrow Learn more

Our website uses cookies which collect information about how you interact with our website. We use this information to give you the best experience on our website and for analysis. By clicking the 'I accept' button, you are consenting to the use of cookies. However, if you would like, you can change your cookie settings in your browser any time. For more information, please see our Cookies and Tracking Statement.

Accept