Cockatoo Island
Sydney, Australia, 2110
Located in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island was once a gaol, or jail, in the 1800s, and much of it was built by convicts. Visit and learn a little about that time period, and also discover how the island was important for shipbuilding. There are also cafés, occasional live performances, heritage home accommodations, and a campground if that’s more your style.
The basics
Head out to Cockatoo Island for a day trip, or a sleepover. Take a ferry from Circular Quay, or if you’re more adventurous, you can kayak or take your own private boat. On a guided or self-guided tour, you’ll find out what convict life was like on the island, and also learn about its shipbuilding industry. You can also wander around on your own, checking out the views of Sydney.
Refreshments are available at the cafés, or feel free to bring your own picnic. If you want to stay longer, either rent an apartment or heritage holiday house, or book a spot at the campground, right on the waterfront.
Things to know before you go
Check the website before you go, since there are different activities, tours, and shows on most days.
Cockatoo Island is also called Wareamah, its First Nations name, so keep that in mind when researching the island.
Note that there is uneven terrain, with frequent construction going on, and that the tents have a step that isn’t suitable for wheelchairs. Some parts of the island are more accessible than others.
The visitor center isn’t always open, so if that’s the case, the audio tour won’t be available.
There are several public restrooms on the island.
How to get there
There are a few ways to get to Cockatoo Island, from the public ferry at Circular Quay, Bangaroo, and other wharves, to chartering your own boat. It’s also possible to arrive by your own boat or kayak. Mooring requires a fee, so make sure to check the website.
When to get there
Aim to visit Cockatoo Island around March to May or around September to November, or Australia’s fall and spring. You’ll generally find the most temperate weather during these months. Sydney’s weather never gets extremely cold, but it does get wet. So, no matter when you go, consider bringing a raincoat, or if it’s sunny, make sure to bring a hat and sunscreen.
Sydney Ferries
One of the most scenic ways to travel around the city—or commute to work—is on the iconic Sydney Ferries, which connect several ports in Sydney Harbour. You can get excellent shots of the Harbour Bridge on certain routes. Another way to explore Sydney is to take the ferry either to or from Parramatta along the Parramatta river, where you can buy a drink and take in the views.
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