During the Convict Prison Tour, our guide will lead you through the turbulent history of the island's former penal establishment, stopping at iconic landmarks including the Mess Hall, Barracks, Guardhouse and Solitary Confinement Cells.
$35 per adult
$22 per concession
$20 per child (6 to 16 years)
Free for children aged 5 and under (with a paying adult)
1:30pm on Saturdays
Group tour also available on request (Mon-Fri)
Although this tour is suitable for all-ages, it is recommended for visitors aged 10 years and above.
During the Convict Prison Tour, our guide will lead you through the turbulent history of the island's former penal establishment, stopping at iconic landmarks including the Mess Hall, Barracks, Guardhouse and Solitary Confinement Cells.
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 group tours less than 14 days in advance of the tour date. Bookings subject to guide availability.
Weather conditions: This tour will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of dangerous weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled and a full refund of the ticket price will be made.
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.
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.
Terms and conditions: Scheduled tour T&Cs (pdf)
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: Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site with steep inclines, trip hazards, and unmarked and uneven surfaces. This tour will take visitors across the upper and lower Island, some routes and buildings are not accessible via wheelchair or mobility scooters. The distance of this tour is approximately 1.6km with some opportunities to sit.
On this tour, visitors:
Will have to ascend a steep slope that may not be suitable for visitors with manual wheelchairs and potentially difficult for mobility scooters;
May have to climb staircases with a height of approx. 14-15m.
Some buildings can only be accessed via a step;
May have to navigate along a stable metal platform that is built along the cliff-face (approx. 14 -15m high). This may not be suitable for people with a fear of heights.
Suitable walking shoes and wet weather clothing (if needed).
For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Plan your trip.
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.
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.
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.