Family tour: Our day at Cockatoo Island

Cost

$5 per booklet (includes a pencil and paper flags).

Duration

This is a self-paced tour of the entire island with 8 stops. It features a booklet, pencil and paper flags.

How to start

Purchase the tour booklet from the Visitor Centre.
Look for the cockatoos in pink circles on the ground to find each stop.

Details

The Visitor Centre is open from 10am to 4pm daily.
Suitable for children aged 6 to 10 years (younger children can participate with adult help).
Available in English and Simplified Chinese.

Ready for a fun day out on Sydney Harbour? Journey through time and discover the incredible story of Cockatoo Island with our new family tour aimed at kids aged 6 to 10.

Equipped with a colourful tour booklet – and guided by a series of pink cockatoo ground stickers – families will visit 8 stops across the lower and upper island. Along the way, you'll explore historic buildings, hear the First Nations story of Burriburri the whale, play a convict game and meet an ancient amphibian. There is plenty to do and see as you learn about the fascinating stories of the island.

Ready to get started? Purchase the family tour at the Visitor Centre (open 10am to 4pm daily) for just $5 per booklet (includes a pencil and paper flags)!

Designed for kids aged 6 to 10 years, with younger children able to participate with adult help. Available in English and Simplified Chinese – enquire at the Visitor Centre.

Important info

Plan ahead

Planning to visit? Refer to the information below ahead of your trip.

Getting here

For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Plan your trip.

Accessibility

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.

What to bring

Suitable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and water.

Eat and drink

Pack a picnic or treat yourself to lunch at one of our family-friendly cafes – Marina Cafe & Bar or Cockatoo Overboard. See: Eat and drink.

5 to 20 July

School holidays giveaway

Purchase a Family Tour during the winter school holidays (5 to 20 July 2025) for the chance to win a camping voucher!

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.

Helpful links

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

Learn

Island history

Stay

Accommodation

Visit

Plan your trip