Cockatoo Island

Island · Leichhardt

Cockatoo Island

Island · Leichhardt

5

New South Wales 2110, Australia

Photos

Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by Courtesy Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island by Photo courtesy of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Cockatoo Island by Photo courtesy of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Cockatoo Island by Photo courtesy of Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Cockatoo Island by Courtesy Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null
Cockatoo Island by null

Highlights

Cockatoo Island is a historic Sydney Harbour gem where you can camp, explore convict ruins, enjoy waterfront dining, and catch stunning city views.  

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New South Wales 2110, Australia Get directions

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New South Wales 2110, Australia Get directions

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Last updated

Jul 30, 2025

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@afar

"The largest and most storied of the Sydney Harbour islands, Cockatoo was once an Aboriginal fishing ground, a naval shipyard, a girls' reform school, and a gruesome prison. Today, it offers fascinating walking tours, a casual café, and a number of events such as the Biennale of Sydney. When most visitors line up in the evening to catch the ferry home, those staying on the island are just setting off on a leisurely sunset stroll. They can watch the city light up from what feels like another world and then retreat to their campsite, canvas "glamping" tent, heritage home, or modern apartment until they wake up to birds and boats the next morning."

Day and Overnight Trips from Sydney
View Postcard for Cockatoo Island
@afar

"The largest and most storied of the Sydney Harbour islands, Cockatoo was once an Aboriginal fishing ground, a naval shipyard, a girls' reform school, and a gruesome prison. Today, it offers fascinating walking tours, a casual café, and a number of events such as the Biennale of Sydney. When most visitors line up in the evening to catch the ferry home, those staying on the island are just setting off on a leisurely sunset stroll. They can watch the city light up from what feels like another world and then retreat to their campsite, canvas "glamping" tent, heritage home, or modern apartment until they wake up to birds and boats the next morning."

Sydney's Best Museums and Cultural Attractions
View Postcard for Cockatoo Island
@afar

"The largest and most storied of the Sydney Harbour islands, Cockatoo was once an Aboriginal fishing ground, a naval shipyard, a girls' reform school, and a gruesome prison. Today, it offers fascinating walking tours, a casual café, and a number of events such as the Biennale of Sydney. When most visitors line up in the evening to catch the ferry home, those staying on the island are just setting off on a leisurely sunset stroll. They can watch the city light up from what feels like another world and then retreat to their campsite, canvas "glamping" tent, heritage home, or modern apartment until they wake up to birds and boats the next morning."

The Best Districts and Neighborhoods to Visit in Sydney
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@cntraveler

22 Best Things to Do in Sydney

"A UNESCO World Heritage site, rugged Cockatoo Island combines colonial convict history with industrial shipbuilding heritage. Pick up an island map from the visitor center and explore. For a small fee, 90-minute, self-guided audio tours offer insight into Cockatoo’s layered past; you also can book ticketed guided tours online, including private convict precinct tours and lower Island, shipyard and night-time haunted history tours for groups. Spending time here is memorable and moving, so plan for at least half a day." - Sophie Davies

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/what-to-do-in-sydney-this-month
View Postcard for Cockatoo Island
@cntraveler

22 Best Things to Do in Sydney

"A UNESCO World Heritage site, rugged Cockatoo Island combines colonial convict history with industrial shipbuilding heritage. Pick up an island map from the visitor center and explore. For a small fee, 90-minute, self-guided audio tours offer insight into Cockatoo’s layered past; you also can book ticketed guided tours online, including private convict precinct tours and lower Island, shipyard and night-time haunted history tours for groups. Spending time here is memorable and moving, so plan for at least half a day." - Sophie Davies

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-sydney
View Postcard for Cockatoo Island

Dilum Bandara

Google
Excellent experience with a ferry ride and guided or self guided walk. It’s amazing to see how the island has transformed over 160+ years. Some exhibits were closed. Kids may have varying experience depending on whether they love those kids of things. My kids said 2-3 stars. Cafe coffee and milkshakes and not the best, feels watery

Geoff C

Google
Cockatoo island is a great day trip in the middle of Sydney harbour. Parts of the island are world heritage listed and the island has had many uses over the years. There are 2 licensed cafes on the island. I did the convict Sites tour which was brilliant. The guide Steve did a great job and I recommend doing this tour if visiting the island. The only way to access the island is by getting a ferry which is fun in itself with awesome views of Sydney harbour. You can also camp on the island which one day I definitely want to do.

D

Google
Cockatoo Island is a hidden gem in Sydney Harbour. It offers a unique blend of history and nature. The island has fascinating convict-era buildings and industrial relics. Views of the harbour are stunning. You can camp overnight for a special experience. There are guided tours to learn about its past. It's easy to reach by ferry from Circular Quay. The island is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. It's a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Allie Kuhne

Google
New Years Eve at Cockatoo Island. We spent 2 nights at Cockatoo island to celebrate NYE 24/25. When looking for reviews prior to our visit, I couldn't find any good ones, so here it is. Firstly - we could not fault the place. Easy access. Ferry stops there frequently. For NYE we had to purchase our package a few months in advance and there are a variety of options available (just check the website). As soon as we arrived - we had our bags checked as you can't take byo alcohol or glass. Then there were plenty of people to greet us and check us in and we had a lovely staff member walk us to our tent. The tent was in perfect condition. We were supplied with camp chairs and camp mats (I recommend you rent an extra one as well) and we hired the pillows (they were brand new and fluffy). We took an eski with us filled with ice and bottled water and snacks. We took a sleeping bag and a backpack with a few clothes and a lantern light. The toilets and showers were way better than we expected. And they were frequently cleaned across the 2 days. There were also staff in golf buggies constantly going around and emptying the rubbish bins etc, so the island was neat and clean the whole time. The island on NYE had plenty to entertain us. We did drag bingo, a history tour about the convicts, the walk to the viewing points overlooking the harbour. There was also a silent disco and putt putt. On NYE they had an open air concert and everyone was dancing and having a great time. If you want a good view of the fireworks, many people were setting up their rugs and chairs in the morning. But there is plenty of space. The island is capped to a certain amount of people and it was perfect. Enough to have fun but not over crowded. Food and Drinks - the Marina cafe was our favourite of the two. There were busy times but nothing crazy. But often you got served right away and the staff were lovely. We had pizza, nachos, fish n chips across the 2 days. And good coffee. The bar sells a huge variety of choices, all good quality and at worst the queue was probably 6 people deep. Super convenient. There are plenty of food options so you can get away without taking snacks. But there is a camp kitchen as well so you can cook your own food if you wish. The best thing about the whole NYE experience was the lack of crowds, everyone was really relaxed and just happy to enjoy the island and the festivities. Everything was safe and clean and easy to access. They did have security walking around at night to make you feel extra safe. We were blessed with perfect weather, and would do it all again in a heartbeat. If you have considered spending NYE on the island, do it!! It is a such a memorable couple of days and nights seeing the famous harbour bridge fireworks without the hectic crowds or crazy drunk people.

Rusintha Costa

Google
We had a wonderful experience camping for one night with the kids. They had a great time. We booked a deluxe waterfront tent, and it was pretty awesome. Advice: bring power cables. There are plenty of power points in the kitchen, but check if they’re not crowded. You can make coffee, as there is a hot water machine. You can also buy snacks and noodles to cook from the vending machines. If you couldn’t book BBQ machines online, don’t worry. They become available once others finish cooking, either at night or in the morning. We visited during a weekday of school holidays, so I’m not sure about the weekends.

L

Google
Cute little island for quiet getaway! It's only about 20mins ferry ride from Cirqular quay! It's really simple and small island but they have small cafe/pub/restaurant, camping sight, lots public toilet(surprised the most), historical buildings and viewpoints.

Victor Wang

Google
Good spot to spend some time away from the mainland and take a short ferry hop to a quiet but decent sized island that can fill you with information and activities while you walk around for a few hours. The ferry that stops here comes multiple times an hour so you never have to think about the schedule too much. Quite a number of interactive exhibits and the island offers multi levels and multiple structures to independently explore on each level. Some video presentations about new chips being built and sent off here, some originally used convict and prison structures restored or kept in original condition.

Robbie Merritt

Google
great place to take visitors and snap some pictures , always clean and staff on the island very knowledgeable and helpful . thank you