Shipyard Tales Tour

Tour group, with guide, at Cockatoo Island's Fitzroy Dock.
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Cost
  • $35 per adult

  • $22 per concession

  • $20 per child (6 to 16 years)

  • Free for children aged 5 and under (with a paying adult)

Hours

Details

Although this tour is suitable for all-ages, it is recommended for visitors aged 10 years and above.

Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

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One of our most popular attractions is the historic dockyard, which dates to Cockatoo Island’s turbulent convict era. Operational from 1857 to 1992, it contributed significantly to Australia's maritime affairs – before, during and after both world wars.

On this tour, you’ll visit key landmarks with our guide – including the convict-built Fitzroy Dock, the cathedral-like Turbine Shop and Sutherland Dock – and learn how the dockyard evolved across the span of 135 years.

But you won’t just hear about the ships and submarines built, converted or repaired here. No, we’ll also introduce you to the island’s iconic ‘iron giants’ and tell fun and thrilling tales! You’ll learn about a beloved budgie named Trevor, a ‘funny’ fossil discovery, a daring armed robbery and the unionists who fought not just for better worker rights… but the very fate of the dockyard.

This accessible tour takes place exclusively on the lower island, making it suitable for visitors with varying levels of mobility.

Book a tour

Book tickets for our Shipyard Tales Tour and journey through 135 years of maritime history at Cockatoo Island.
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Request a private tour for your group

Want to arrange a Shipyard Tales Tour for your group? Use our enquiry form. Note: Minimum 10 ticket purchase.
Enquiry form

Plan ahead

  • 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 trip hazards, and unmarked and uneven surfaces. On this tour, visitors will move about the lower island which is generally accessible for people with wheelchairs and mobility scooters. The distance of this tour is approximately 1.5km with some opportunities to sit. 

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 cafes – 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.

Turbine Shop Tour Group Cockatoo Island Sydney Harbour 650X550
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Acknowledgement of Country

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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