From a short half-day visit to a full day or overnight adventure, our itineraries reveal the best of Cockatoo Island’s history, views, landmarks and experiences.
Journey through Cockatoo Island’s layered history at your own pace with our 3 immersive audio tours. To begin, simply scan the QR code on our audio tour 'jump on' signs around the island!
A trio of historic objects have awoken at Cockatoo Island… and they’re keen to share their incredible stories! Plus: A resident cockatoo has been granted the ability to answer your burning visitor questions! Keep an eye out for the bright teal and pink signs to kickstart a conversation.
Walk past the campground to marvel at Cockatoo Island's Powerhouse and it's towering chimney. Built in 1918, the Powerhouse was the largest open-fronted DC generating plant in Australia and powered the island’s operations for decades.
Cockatoo Island has a remarkable history as a shipbuilding and ship repair facility. Continue around the corner from the Powerhouse to peer into the convict-built Sutherland and Fitzroy Docks.
Walk through the industrial Turbine Shop, once home to the Pacific's top ship repair hub.
Enjoy lunch or a takeaway coffee from Marina Cafe & Bar, located alongside Camber Wharf.
Take a shortcut through Tunnel 1 and uncover the fascinating history of HMAS Brisbane along the way.
Walk through the UNESCO Heritage listed Convict Precinct. Explore iconic landmarks including the Barracks, Mess Hall, Guard House and Solitary Confinement Cells.
Journey to Cockatoo Island’s storied convict and dockyard eras with our guided history tours. We offer 5 guided tours for all ages, including options for visitors with low mobility.
After your tour, take a rest and enjoy the views from our 5-star bench. Don't forget to snap a photo and tag us (@CockatooIsland) on social media!
Feeling peckish? Refuel with lunch at Cockatoo Overboard – conveniently located on the Eastern Apron, just across from the Visitor Centre.
Walk off lunch with a journey through the Dog Leg Tunnel to the Docks Precinct.
Cockatoo Island has a remarkable history as a shipbuilding and ship repair facility. Peer into the convict-built Sutherland and Fitzroy Docks.
A trio of historic objects have awoken at Cockatoo Island… and they’re keen to share their incredible stories! Plus: A resident cockatoo has been granted the ability to answer your burning visitor questions! Keep an eye out for the bright teal and pink signs to kickstart a conversation.
Make your way up the stairs to the upper island. Here you can explore the Convict Precinct, including the Barracks, Mess Hall and Guard House.
Located on the upper plateau, Biloela House features a range of archival imagery, short documentaries and more!
Make your way to the Visitor Centre to check-in at the accommodation desk. Have a question about your visit? Our friendly visitor centre volunteers are available to answer your visitor questions!
Booked a night in our holiday accommodation? Get comfortable in your tent, house or apartment and settle in before you start exploring the island.
Journey through Cockatoo Island’s layered history at your own pace with our 3 immersive audio tours. To begin, simply scan the QR code on our audio tour 'jump on' signs around the island!
Dine in or enjoy a takeaway meal from Marina Cafe & Bar, located alongside Camber Wharf.
Make your way to Biloela Lawn on the upper island to watch the sunset on Sydney Harbour.
Head across the harbour to Woolwich Dock and Parklands by water taxi and enjoy a delicious dinner at the Woolwich Pier Hotel.
Staying overnight in our campground? Gather around our cosy campground firepit to toast marshmallows and swap stories under the stars.
Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Cockatoo Overboard – conveniently located on the Eastern Apron, just across from the Visitor Centre.
After breakfast, make your way to the upper island to our UNESCO Heritage listed Convict Precinct. Explore iconic landmarks including the Barracks, Mess Hall, Guard House and Solitary Confinement Cells.
Continue to the Docks Precinct and peer into the convict-built Sutherland and Fitzroy Docks.
Walk through the industrial Turbine Shop, once home to the Pacific's top ship repair hub.
Journey to Cockatoo Island’s storied convict and dockyard eras with our guided history tours. We offer 5 guided tours for all ages, including options for visitors with low mobility.
Planning to visit? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.
For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Plan your trip.
Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets), vending machines, barbeques, showers, an Opal card top-up machine, a kitchen (for exclusive use by campers), free Wi-Fi (enquire at the Visitor Centre) and gold coin operated lockers. Located in the Muster Station, each locker contains power outlets for charging devices. Small lockers (20cm x 20cm x 40cm) are available $2 for eight hours or $4 for 24 hours. Medium lockers (30cm x 40cm x 60cm) are available for $4 for eight hours or $8 for 24 hours. Large lockers (55cm x 60cm x 90cm) are available for $8 for eight hours or $12 for 24 hours.
The Harbour Trust maintains public toilets at Cockatoo Island, and these facilities are listed on the Department of Health’s National Public Toilet Map. The toilets available at this destination are listed below:
Can't find what you're looking for? Our FAQs page contains further visitor information.
Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site and the family tour route includes uneven surfaces as well as small number of stairs. For your safety and enjoyment, we recommend embarking on this tour at your own pace.
Looking to visit, stay or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.
Cockatoo Island is one of 11 historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
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