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Guided history tour at Fitzroy Docks on Cockatoo Island.

Historic Dockyard Tour

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Cost
  • $26 per adult
  • $16 per child (12 & under)
  • $16 per concession
Hours
  • Scheduled tour: 11am to 12pm, Sundays
  • On-demand group tour also available (Mon-Fri)
  • Additional mid-week tours available in Dec and Jan (details)
Transport
  • Ferry
  • Water taxi
Plan your trip
Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

Google Maps
One of the defining features of Cockatoo Island’s distinctive terrain is its historic dockyard, which contributed significantly to Australia's shipbuilding and repairs industry between 1857 and 1992.

Our new Historic Dockyard Tour is an opportunity to journey through 135 years of maritime history at Cockatoo Island and discover key landmarks from the former dockyard, including the convict-built Fitzroy Dock as well as Sutherland Dock and the cathedral-like Turbine Shop.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the dockyard’s central place in Australia’s industrial and naval history, including the role it played during the First and Second World Wars. Plus, you’ll hear quirky and compelling stories that vividly bring this golden era to life – from the infamous wage theft scandal and the legendary 1886 fossil discovery through to the saga of Trevor, a budgerigar who served on one of the submarines serviced by the dockyard.

This accessible tour takes place exclusively on the lower island, making it suitable for visitors with varying levels of mobility.

Mid-week tours

Enjoy additional Historic Dockyard Tours on weekdays throughout the summer school holidays!

From 10 December 2024 until 31 January 2025 (excluding public holidays), we're offering additional Historic Dockyard Tours on Wednesdays, along with our usual weekend tours. 

  • 1pm to 2pm, Wednesdays
Book a tour
Book tickets for our regular Sunday tour and journey through 135 years of maritime history at Cockatoo Island.
Book tickets

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 suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
  • 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 and wet weather clothing (if needed).

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/

Considering booking accommodation? arrow

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.

Request a group tour

Want to arrange a Historic Dockyard Tour for a large group? Request a group tour using the webform on this page.

Probus groups, tour operators and other interested parties are invited to complete our large group tour request form. A minimum purchase of 10 tickets applies.

*Due to current high levels of demand, we are unable to book any private or on demand tours less than 14 days in advance of the tour date. Bookings subject to guide availability.

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Tour details
*Bookings are available between Monday and Friday (subject to guide availability). Due to high demand, bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
In case we can't accommodate your first preference, please nominate an alternative date (between Monday to Friday).


Helpful links

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