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Dark Past guided history tour at Cockatoo Island.

Dark Past Tour

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Cost
  • $26 per adult
  • $16 per child (12 & under)
  • $16 per concession
Further details
Hours
  • Tour runs select Saturdays. 
  • 90 min duration (6.30pm to 8pm)
Further details
Transport
  • Ferry
  • Water taxi
Plan your trip
Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

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Secrets. Scandals. Skeletons... Cockatoo Island has its fair share of all 3. Discover for yourself with our intrigue-filled Dark Past Tour.

As day bleeds into night, you'll visit iconic landmarks and buildings from different eras, including the convict workshops, Dog Leg Tunnel and Biloela House. Plus, our guide will blend history with mystery to captivate your imagination! 

Tickets

Tickets for our Dark Past Tour are available from $16 per person.

Our Dark Past Tour is $26 per adult, $16 per child (12 & under) and $16 per concession holder. This all-ages, after-dark experience is exclusively available on select Saturday nights (6:30pm to 8pm), and is not offered as an on-demand group tour.

Psst... Tried our Dark Past Tour and want to up the ante? Check out our Ghost Tour (18+). Available on select Friday and Saturday nights for $47 per person, it's an adults-only journey into Cockatoo Island's supernatural realm. Do you dare?! 

[Note: If you are considering booking accommodation with us and wanted to embark on a guided tour during your stay, please check tour availability first. We cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay and on dates that have not been advertised. As tours can sell out, we recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.]

Plan ahead

Important information arrow
  • Weather conditions: Tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of extreme weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled, and under these circumstances, a full refund will be issued. 
  • To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.
  • Cancellation / rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.
Content and mobility arrow
  • First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.
  • Site conditions: This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to uneven surfaces and the requirement to climb stairs and ascend rises.
  • Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.
  • Age restriction: People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What to bring arrow

Suitable walking shoes, wet weather clothing (if needed) and a torch (phone flashlights are adequate).

Getting here arrow

For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit us

Note: Please be aware that weekends and public holidays may lead to increased capacity on public transport and some services being full. We advise you to plan your trip accordingly and allocate ample travel time.

Eat and drink arrow

Cockatoo Island features 2 family-friendly cafés – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard – both of which are licensed to serve alcohol and operate 7 days a week. Reserve a table for your group or pre-order a meal to enjoy either before or after your tour. See: Eat and drink.

Booked tickets and want to change your booking? arrow

To exchange your ticket(s) or request a refund, please contact our ticket solutions provider, Ticketbooth, via their support webpage: support.ticketbooth.com.au/contact/

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Book tickets for our Dark Past Tour to unearth Cockatoo Island's secrets, scandals and skeletons.
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Helpful links

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