Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sydney Harbour that offers a fascinating mix of convict and maritime history. This quick guide covers everything you need to know about visiting – from ferry times and tour options to where to eat and stay. The island’s easy to reach, affordable to visit and makes for a great day out from the city.
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Why Visit Cockatoo Island?
If you’re after a different kind of Sydney day trip, Cockatoo Island ticks all the boxes. It’s just a 15-minute ferry ride from the city, entry is free, and you can explore everything from convict cells to massive maritime warehouses.
The island’s tours are excellent, the harbour views are spectacular and you can even stay overnight in heritage houses or camp under the stars. Whether you’re interested in Sydney’s history or just want somewhere interesting to spend a few hours, Cockatoo Island delivers.
What to do on the island
Steeped in history, check out one of Cockatoo Island’s fascinating tours and if you’re staying overnight, watch a movie under the stars at the outdoor cinema.
Tours
There are four unique tour options.
- The Island Highlights Tour – Get a quick crash course on everything Cockatoo Island. It operates 10:30am on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 11am on Saturday & 1.30pm on Sunday.
- The Convict Prison Tour – Learn all about how life was for the prisoners who lived here in the mid-1830s. The tour operates at 2:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday and 1:30pm on Saturday.
- The Shipyard Tales Tour – Maritime buffs will enjoy discovering the history of Cockatoo Island’s work with ships and the war. The tour runs at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday and 11 am on Sunday. (accessible)
- The Dark Past Tour – Secrets, scandals and skeletons are what you’ll find on this evening ghost tour. It operates on select Fridays at 5.30 pm and 7.30 pm and Saturdays at 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.
All the tours ($16), except the Shipyard Tales, require walking up and down very steep staircases, so it’s better suited for children over 10 and those who are reasonably fit. The Shipyard Tales is for everyone.
Suggested Itineraries
For the best experience, try to time your visit with one of the scheduled tours. If you’re visiting in summer, plan indoor activities like the Convict Precinct and Turbine Shop for the hottest part of the day (12-2 pm).
General visitors (4.5 hours)
9:30 am – Catch the ferry from Circular Quay
10:00 am – Arrive and collect map from visitor centre
10:30 am – Join the Island Highlights Tour (1 hour)
11:45 am – Explore the Convict Precinct
12:30 pm – Lunch at Marina Cafe & Bar
1:00 pm – Walk through the Industrial Precinct and Dog Leg Tunnel
2:00 pm – Return ferry
History lovers (7-8 hours)
9:30 am – Ferry from Circular Quay
10:00 am – Visitor centre orientation
10:30 am – Island Highlights Tour
11:45 am – Self-guided exploration of Convict Precinct
12:30 pm – Lunch at Cockatoo Overboard
1:30 pm – Industrial Precinct and machinery displays
2:30 pm – Shipyard Tales Tour
3:45 pm – Free time for photography and harbour views
4:30 pm – Visit the historic houses5:30 pm – Return ferry
Photography enthusiasts might prefer to start early for morning light on the eastern side or stay later for sunset views of the harbour.
How to Get There
Ready to visit? Getting to Cockatoo Island is all part of the experience. There’s only one way, and that’s by ferry from Circular Quay or Barangaroo.
The trip from Circular Quay (F8) stops at Birchgrove, Balmain and Woolwich on the way, and the one from Barangaroo (F3) is one stop. That one then heads off to Parramatta along the river. You can get the latest fares and timetables from the Transport NSW website.
Planning Your Visit
Now that you know how to get there, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your day.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (surfaces can be uneven)
- Water bottle (refill stations available)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Light jacket (the island can get windy)
- Cash (though cards accepted everywhere)
At the Visitor Centre
Make the visitors centre your first stop. Collect a map, book a tour if you are interested or use the lockers (from $2) to store your bags while you explore.
A note on accessibility
Most of the lower island is wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly, with sealed paths throughout the industrial precinct.
Accessible Areas
- Visitor centre
- Marina Cafe & Bar
- Cockatoo Overboard Cafe
- Industrial Precinct
- Shipyard Tales tour
- Accessible toilets
Available Services
- Manual wheelchairs (reserve in advance)
- Multimedia tour with closed captions
- Service animals welcome
Note: Upper island areas, including the Convict Precinct, require climbing steep stairs.
Weather and Shelter
Cockatoo Island is exposed to the elements, so check the forecast before your visit. Summer temperatures can exceed 30°C with limited shade in the Industrial Precinct while winter mornings can be quite chilly. You’ll find shelter in the Convict Precinct, Turbine Shop, cafes and the historic Dog Leg Tunnel. Strong winds can affect ferry services, so it’s advisable to check transport updates if the weather looks rough.
A Brief History
Understanding Cockatoo Island’s fascinating past adds another dimension to your visit. From indigenous meeting place to convict prison to bustling shipyard, each chapter of the island’s story is still visible in its structures and landscapes.
Pre 1839
The Eora people, Sydney Harbour’s Traditional Owners, called this island ‘Wareamah’. They travelled here by nawi (tied-bark canoe) to fish with handlines and shell hooks, gather shellfish and hold ceremonies.
The island’s position made it a perfect fishing spot, and while most physical evidence of their presence was lost during later development, local Aboriginal communities maintain strong cultural connections to Wareamah and the harbour today. (Learn more about Aboriginal Sydney)
Convict Era (1839–1869)
In 1839, Cockatoo Island was established as a penal colony to house secondary offenders — convicts who had re-offended after arriving in Australia. The convicts built Fitzroy Dock, Australia’s first dry dock, completed in 1857.
The construction was a massive undertaking, with prisoners excavating an estimated 1.5 million cubic feet of rock by hand. Among the notable inmates was the famous bushranger Captain Thunderbolt (Frederick Ward) who made a daring escape from the island in 1863, allegedly with the help of his wife.
This dock remains one of the island’s key historical structures. In 1869, the penal colony was closed and its inmates were transferred to Darlinghurst Gaol.
Industrial Use and Shipbuilding (1857–1992)
Cockatoo Island became a major industrial site in 1857 with the establishment of a shipyard.
Between 1871 and 1888, Cockatoo Island served as an industrial school for girls and a reformatory for boys. From 1888 to 1909, it housed New South Wales’ main women’s prison.
In 1913, the island was transferred to the Commonwealth and became a naval dockyard for the Royal Australian Navy. During this time, the shipyard remained operational until its closure in 1992.
In 2010, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Australian Convict Sites for its historical significance.
Campground Cinema
Every night, the campground cinema shows a movie for its guests. 7 pm is the family-friendly screening and there’s a mature audience session at 9.15 pm. Check with the accommodation desk to find out what movie is showing the night you’re there.
Special Events
Cockatoo Island is a great place to spend time during special events like Vivid Sydney and New Year’s Eve. The island does book out during those times, so be sure to book early to avoid missing out.
Where to Eat
There are two food options on Cockatoo Island. You’re also able to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can be purchased from both places.
Marina Cafe & Bar
We had a wonderful time at this cafe. Pizza and beer by the harbour is something many people will never experience, so it was a highlight of the visit to Cockatoo Island for me.
Apart from pizza, there are toasted sandwiches, burgers, fried snacks, nachos, pies and quiches. Coffee, soft drinks, milkshakes, beer and wine cater to all thirst levels.
Marina Cafe & Bar is on the south side of the island and is a breakfast and lunch only cafe, and changes its hours by the season. Check the website the day before you travel.
Cockatoo Overboard
This restaurant serves a seasonal breakfast/brunch, lunch, and dinner. Its menu is modern with a European twist. While we didn’t get to dine there, my friends rave about how great the food and service are. Burgers, fish and chips, seafood baskets and deli plates are just a sample of the offerings. There’s also an extensive range of wine and beer.
Cockatoo Overboard also has seasonal operating hours; it opens at 8.30 am daily and closes at different times during the year, weekends later than weekdays. Find the current times on its website.
Where to Stay
Yes, you can stay overnight on Cockatoo Island – one of several unique places to stay in Sydney.
Waterfront Campground
This is a very cool way to experience a night under the stars on Sydney Harbour. These deluxe tents sleep between 2 and 8 people, depending on the size. You can also BYO tent.
Rates start at $50 a night. The campground is right on the waterfront on the northern apron of the island.
Houses and Apartments
There is a range of accommodation options in historic houses or the harbour view apartments. The historic houses were built in 1916 for the medical officer and the engineering manager. Staying there feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Rates range from $275 a night to over $600 a night (more during special events).
So will you go?
Cockatoo Island offers one of Sydney’s most unique days out, combining convict history, industrial heritage and spectacular harbour views. With free entry, easy ferry access and activities for everyone from history buffs to families, it’s well worth adding to your Sydney itinerary. Book a tour, pack a picnic or stay overnight – and remember to bring your camera.
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