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Whether you have just a few hours, a full day or plan to camp overnight, we’ve crafted the perfect itineraries to make the most of your time as a family.
Whether you have just a few hours, a full day or plan to camp overnight, we’ve crafted the perfect itineraries to make the most of your time as a family.
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 ice-cream at 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.
Before heading home, take in the panoramic views from Biloela Lawn and strike a post with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop.
Journey through time and discover the incredible story of Cockatoo Island with our new family tour, aimed at kids aged 6 to 10. Available at the Visitor Centre for $5 per booklet (includes a pencil and paper flags).
Before you embark on our family tour, grab a Junior Ranger Hat for $25 at the Visitor Centre so your little ones can explore the island in style.
Still got energy to burn? Fly a kite on the Eastern Apron, with panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
During your tour, walk through the impressive Turbine Shop – once home to the Pacific's top ship repair hub.
As you end your tour on Biloela Lawn, take in the panoramic views and strike a post with Sydney Harbour as your backdrop.
After a big day of exploring, unwind with lunch at Cockatoo Overboard – conveniently located on the Eastern Apron, just across from the Visitor Centre.
Journey to Cockatoo Island’s storied convict and dockyard eras with our guided and self-guided tours. We offer a range of guided tours, along with a self-guided family tour.
In the morning, head to the campground kitchen to cook your pre-ordered BBQ breakfast from Cockatoo Overboard.
Settle in for a night camping in our waterfront tents. Unwind and watch the sun set and rise on Sydney Harbour.
On your way to the ferry wharf, learn about how our Living Seawalls are supporting Sydney Harbour's biodiversity.
Kickstart your island adventure with a BYO picnic on the Eastern Apron, overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour.
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.
Gather around our cosy campground firepit to toast marshmallows and swap stories under the stars.
End your Cockatoo Island adventure with a fun souvenir! Our Cockatoo Island tote bags are available for purchase from the Visitor Centre for $12.
Walk through the UNESCO Heritage listed Convict Precinct and explore iconic landmarks including the Barracks, Mess Hall, Guard House and Solitary Confinement Cells.
Take a shortcut through Tunnel 1 and uncover the fascinating history of HMAS Brisbane along the way.
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.
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.
We aim to make Cockatoo Island accessible to as many visitors as possible. This includes visitors with a disability, those visiting with young children or whose first language isn’t English. Due to the island’s history as an industrial site, and the fact we are still on our accessibility journey, we encourage you to refer to our Accessibility webpage before deciding to visit.
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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