Just a quick 9-minute ferry from Barangaroo or a short ride from Circular Quay, our historic island offers a variety of immersive activities that whisk families back through time. From guided and self-led tours through to steam crane demonstrations and waterfront camping...there's something for every age. Plus, you'll be able to experience our brand-new family tour – Our Day at Cockatoo Island (details below)!
Not sure where to start? Check out our family-friendly itineraries here.
Cost: $5 per booklet (includes pencil & paper flags) | Available: From 10am to 4pm daily
Across 8 exciting stops, you'll explore historic buildings, hear the First Nations story of Burriburri the whale, play a convict game and meet an ancient amphibian.
Cost: From $20 per person | Available: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun
Eager to experience a different side to Sydney? Journey to Cockatoo Island’s storied convict and dockyard eras with our guided tours. Note: Midweek tours are only available during the school holidays.
On Tuesday 1 July, pop by the Docks Precinct between 10:30am and 1:30pm to see a demonstration of a steam crane that dates to the island’s storied dockyard era.
Cost: From $50 per night | Available: Year round
Our ‘BYO tent’ option is ideal for families on a budget. Want a hassle-free stay? Reserve our basic camping package and check into a pre-erected tent. Desire a little luxury? Purchase a 2-bedroom deluxe waterfront package and take advantage of the generous space and harbour outlook.
Note: Campfire only for use by campground guests
Booked a stay in our waterfront campground? Gather around our cosy campground firepit to toast marshmallows and swap stories under the stars. Marshmallows can be purchased from the Visitor Centre.
Want to enjoy a BYO picnic with stunning views of Sydney Harbour? Make your way to the Eastern Apron or Biloela Lawn on the upper island.
Strike a pose with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop! Head to Biloela Lawn on the upper island to take a family photo with our new social media frame. Don't forget to tag Cockatoo Island when you share your photos on social media.
Available: 19 July (campground guests only)
Enjoy a fun family weekend away featuring live NRL screenings, delicious food packs, relaxing yoga by the water and 10% off camping! Enter promo code Footynight25 when selecting your dates online.
Cost: From $90 per person | Available: 14 & 15 July
Book your kids into a one-day photography workshop with the Australian National Maritime Museum where they’ll learn DSLR skills and exhibit their best shots at the Maritime Museum.
Take a break and fly a kite on the Eastern Apron, with the Sydney Harbour Bridge as your backdrop.
Cost: $15 | Available: 20 July & 31 August at 9am
Round out your weekend with a relaxing 9am yoga session overlooking the harbour. Ideal for all experience levels (including kids). Email stay@cockatooisland.gov.au to make a booking.
Cost: $12 | Available: From 10am to 4pm daily
Looking for a fun souvenir? Our Cockatoo Island tote bags are available for purchase from the Visitor Centre for $12. Limited quantities available.
Play a game of basketball at our harbour-side court, a short distance from the ferry wharf. Bring a basketball or hire one from the Visitor Centre for $5.
Cost: $25 | Available: From 10am to 4pm daily
Want your little one to explore the island in style? Purchase a Junior Ranger Hat from the Visitor Centre for just $25.
Only have a few hours to explore Cockatoo Island? Follow our family-friendly half-day itinerary to discover Cockatoo Island’s key landmarks at your own pace.
Want to make the most of your day on Cockatoo Island? Designed for families, our full-day itinerary includes guided tours, must-see landmarks, breathtaking views, waterfront cafes and more!
When you book an overnight stay in our waterfront campground on Saturday 19 July or Saturday 30 August, you’ll not only save 10% on accommodation… you’ll get to catch some of your favourite teams clash live on the TV screen in our historic Success Room. Plus, you can enhance your Cockatoo Island footy experience with a gourmet food pack, breakfast voucher and a spot of harbourside yoga the next morning! Book online and enter promo code Footynight25 when selecting your dates to claim this exclusive offer (T&Cs apply).
When you purchase our new Family Tour booklet during the winter school holidays (5 to 20 July) you'll go into the draw to win a camping voucher! Plus, for every extra booklet your family purchases, you will gain an additional entry into the draw. To enter, simply fill out a paper entry form at the time of purchase (T&Cs apply). Winners will be announced by Friday 25 July.
Located alongside Camber Wharf, this harbour-side hangout exudes country-style pub charm. Relax with a beverage or coffee in the beer garden and take advantage of a diverse menu that includes gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options.
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 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.
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.
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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