Our campground caters for all budgets, group sizes and occasions, including romantic getaways and family vacations. Want a hassle-free stay with your kids? Reserve our basic camping package and check into a pre-erected tent. Desire a little luxury? Book a deluxe package and unwind in a premium tent furnished with creature comforts. Prefer to pitch your own shelter? Select our 'BYO tent' option for an authentic, DIY camping experience.
*Cockatoo Island received a Recognition of Excellence Award from HotelsCombined in 2018 – a testament to the popularity and quality of our accommodation offering.
Take a sneak peak at our award-winning campground.
Rates vary depending on your preferred choice of accommodation and the day of the week. Details, including extras, below.
Sundry food items, toiletries, ear plugs, camper packs and sleeping bags can be purchased from our Visitor Centre. The following items are also available for hire:
If you’re a seasoned camper, or on a budget, this option is for you. It includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site, minus a tent, for a maximum of 4 guests. Up to 2 additional guests can be accommodated at an extra cost.
Our basic camping package features a pre-erected tent for up to 3 adults OR 2 adults and 2 small children. Sleeping mats for 2 guests are included; however, additional bedding is available for hire.
Click image to enlarge sleeping configuration details
Choose from 3 different deluxe camping packages:
This packages includes a pre-furnished tent for 2 guests plus luxury toiletries, making it ideal for a romantic getaway.
This package includes a pre-furnish tent for 2 guests directly on the waterfront plus luxury toiletries. Bedding for an additional guest is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag.
This package includes 2 pre-furnished tents with a covered communal area plus luxury toiletries. Comfortably sleeps 4 guests. Bedding for up to 2 additional guests is available for hire; however, they will need to supply their own sleeping bag.
Looking for a glamping getaway for 2? Our new premium waterfront package is perfect for those looking for a bit of luxury.
This package includes a 4m x 4m dome tent, double bed, deck, dedicated power source (for charging phones and night lighting), welcome pack (non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails, cookies and other nibbles) and an exclusive cockatoo plush to take home.
Only 2 premium waterfront packages are available, so book today.
Here’s a deal that is guaranteed to make you a happy camper! Stay 2 or more nights in our waterfront campground and receive 10% off your stay! PLUS, you’ll be able to redeem 2 Audio Tour tickets (including a map) for the price of one. To take advantage of this offer, select the ‘Stay longer and Save’ rate when making an online booking.
With our Adventure plus camping deal, families that book a Basic Camping Package – for a stay between 1 June and 31 August 2024 – are eligible to receive a second Basic Camping Package for half price. That’s double the tents…for only a fraction of the usual rate! Plus, you'll also receive discount vouchers to redeem at our waterfront cafés – Cockatoo Overboard and Marina Café & Bar.
Be quick: This offer only applies to campground stays occurring between Saturday 1 June and Saturday 31 August 2024. To take advantage of this deal, select the Adventure Plus rate when reserving the Basic Camping Package.
Before you book a stay with us, please be aware of the following alerts and disruptions, which may affect your experience on the island.
On 12 October, the island will host a music event involving amplified noise from 2pm to 10:30pm. If you are planning to camp on this date, apply the code LIVEMUSIC at the start of your booking – when choosing arrival and departure dates – to get 5% off.
We encourage guests to embark on a tour during their stay – it’s a great way to engage with the island’s history. Please check tour availability ahead of booking accommodation as we cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay. As tours can sell out, we also recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.
In proceeding with an accommodation booking on this date, you accept our T&Cs.
Inclusions vary depending on your preferred choice of accommodation. Details below.
Inclusions | BYO tent option | Basic camping package | Deluxe package | Deluxe waterfront package | Two-bedroom deluxe waterfront package | Premium waterfront package |
Dome tent | No* | 2.4m x 2.4m tent | 2.4m x 2.4m tent | 3m x 3m tent | Two 3m x 3m tents with covered communal area | 4m x 4m dome tent |
Bedding | No | 2 sleeping mats | 2 raised single beds | 2 raised single beds | 4 raised single beds | Double bed |
Seating | No | Camping chairs | Camping chairs | Sun lounges | Sun Lounges | Table with chairs plus 2 outdoor MOJO loungers |
Linen, quilts, pillows and towels | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Esky and lantern | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes - ice included |
Side table | No | No | bedside stool | Yes | Yes | Yes - 2 bedside tables |
Toiletries | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional | Basic package sleeping configuration (pdf) | Includes a deck, power source, welcome pack and an exclusive cockatoo plush toy (see: Rates and extras for full details) |
*BYO tent option includes an unpowered 4m x 4m site.
View details about campground meal options and amenities and read our pre-trip advice, including what to pack and how to get here.
All campers have access to toilets, hot showers and a communal kitchen with sheltered facilities. The campground kitchen is equipped with 10 barbeques, boiling water, 2 fridges, microwaves, a vending machine and seating for 50 people
The campground also feature a fire pit, located towards the slipways. It is weather dependant.
Th campground cinema is located in the convict precinct on the upper island. Movies screen at designated time every night for campers of all ages.
The campground is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible shower and toilet available. Please note: tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. To discuss accessibility, contact stay@cockatooisland.gov.au.
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.
The easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by public ferry. The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River. For further information, see: Visit us.
Depending on your choice of campground accommodation, we recommend you bring the following:
Ahead of your stay, please familiarise yourself with our accommodation T&Cs.
Need some pointers for using our online booking platform? Check out our useful 'How to' guide.
Cockatoo Overboard is located near the Visitor Centre on the Eastern Apron while Marina Café & Bar is situated in the historic Docks Precinct. See: Eat and drink
Campers can bring their own food to the island to store and prepare in the campground kitchen. Don’t forget to bring BBQ supplies, cooking utensils, plates, cutlery, washing up liquid, and tea towels. Campers are not permitted to bring barbeques or gas cookers to the island.
BBQ packs are available for campers to pre-purchase from Cockatoo Overboard and prepare using the campground kitchen. The café requires at least 48 hours’ notice to prepare BBQ pack orders, so order well in advance. To order a BBQ pack, please click here.
[Note: Cockatoo Overboard is not affiliated with the Cockatoo Island Accommodation. If you have to amend your campground booking or rain check, we cannot guarantee you will be able to amend your BBQ pack order.]