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Due to the island’s history as an industrial site, and the fact we are still on our accessibility journey, we encourage you to read this page before deciding to visit.
Due to the island’s history as an industrial site, and the fact we are still on our accessibility journey, we encourage you to read this page before deciding to visit.
Q: How do I get to and from Cockatoo Island?
A: You can get to Cockatoo Island by public ferry. Visit the Transport for NSW website for information on accessible ferry travel.
Q: What kind of terrain can visitors expect on Cockatoo Island?
A: Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site. There are cliffs and steep drops as well as uneven and unmarked surfaces, which pose a trip hazard. Be careful when walking around and wear suitable footwear.
Q: Are there vehicles on Cockatoo Island?
A: There are moving cars, trucks and golf buggies. Occasionally, there may also be forklifts, scissor lifts or Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) due to construction on the island (see question below). Please remain alert and supervise any children you are responsible for.
Q: Is there construction on Cockatoo Island?
A: Yes. From time to time. During your visit, access to some areas of the island might be restricted due to repairs and maintenance or even major heritage restoration and conservation projects. For information, head to the ‘Alerts and disruptions’ section of our Plan your trip webpage.
Q: Can the island be accessed by wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and strollers?
A: The lower island is mostly accessible by wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and strollers. Reaching the upper island requires visitors to either climb stairs or walk up a steep slope known as Burma Road. Some buildings have steps to enter.
Q: Are there accessible toilet facilities?
A: Yes. They can be found on the lower and upper island. These facilities are labelled on a map in the Cockatoo Island / Wareamah brochure. They are also listed here:
Q: Can I bring my assistance animal?
A: Yes. Assistance animals (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992) are permitted to access Cockatoo Island.
Q: Are there baby change facilities/parent rooms?
A: Yes. They can be found on the lower and upper island. These facilities are labelled on a map in the Cockatoo Island / Wareamah brochure. They are also listed here:
Q: Are there multilingual signs around the island?
A: Currently, most of our visitor signs are written in English. Try using the Google Lens mobile app to translate our signs into any language.
Q: Who can I speak to for general advice and questions?
A: Our friendly visitor services volunteers. You can find them at our Visitor & Accommodation Centre. The centre operates from 10am to 4pm daily. However, we cannot guarantee it will always be open as we rely on the availability of our volunteers.
Q: What should I do in an emergency?
A: Cockatoo Island is patrolled by rangers from 7am to 4pm and by security personnel from 4pm and 7am. In the event of an emergency, dial 000 or 112 if mobile reception is poor. To contact a ranger during an emergency, call 0434 652 153 (7am to 4pm). Alternatively, to contact a security officer, call 0433 632 791 (4pm to 7am).
Q: Are there drinking fountains?
A: Yes. Drinking fountains are labelled on a map in the Cockatoo Island / Wareamah brochure. They are also listed here:
Q: Are there shaded areas and places to rest?
A: Yes. There are plenty of places where you can sit and rest, including areas with natural shade, rooms inside historic buildings and 2 waterfront cafes. To see where every bench is located on the island, view this map.
Q: Are your houses and apartments accessible by wheelchair?
A: Our historic houses and apartments are not wheelchair accessible, and some have stairs.
Q: Is the campground accessible by wheelchair?
A: The campground (except for our tents) is wheelchair accessible. It features an accessible shower and an accessible toilet, for use by guests.
Q: Are the tents accessible by wheelchair?
A: No. There is a step to enter the tents, meaning they are not suitable for wheelchair access.
Q: Are there accessible toilets and showers for campground guests?
A: Yes, there is an accessible shower and toilet at the campground for guests.
Q: Who can I speak to about accessible accommodation?
A: You can speak with our accommodation team. Please phone (02) 9700 4111, email stay@cockatooisland.gov.au or visit the Cockatoo Island Visitor & Accommodation Centre. Our accommodation desk is open daily from 8:30am to 8pm.
A: Yes. There are 3 in total – 2 guided tours plus a self-guided audio tour. Each of our 3 accessible tours takes place on the lower island. They are suitable for tourgoers who require the use of a wheelchair or mobility scooter. Our accessible tours are:
2) Lower Island Tour [Note: This tour is available for private group bookings only.]
3) Audio Tour: How to Build a Ship
Q: What languages are tours available in?
A: Currently, our guided tours and self-guided audio tours are only available in English.
Our self-guided Family Tour is available both in English and Simplified Chinese. This tour involves the use of a colourful booklet.
If you would like to arrange a private group tour with a translator or Auslan interpreter, provide details when completing our private group tour request form.
Q: What does the concession and child ticket price include?
A: Concession tickets include pensioners, seniors, Defence Force Veterans, high school students and other tertiary students. A valid concession card must be presented when using a concession ticket.
Child tickets are valid for children aged 6 to 12 years. Children aged 5 years and under are free with a paying adult.
Q: Do you accept companion cards?
A: Companion cards are accepted. They are the same price as a concession ticket. A valid companion card must be presented when using a concession ticket.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters and sky of Sydney Harbour. Wareamah connects to the waterways and homelands of the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
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