Staying at Cockatoo Island: FAQs

GENERAL

Q: How do I get to and from Cockatoo Island? 
A: Catching a public ferry is the easiest way to get to and from Cockatoo Island. You can also reach and depart the island by water taxi, private boat or kayak. Further information: Getting to Cockatoo Island
 
Q: Does Cockatoo island offer food and beverage options?
A: There are two cafes on Cockatoo Island, both of which are family-friendly venues licensed to serve alcohol. Societe Overboard is located a short stroll from the ferry wharf, while the Marina Café and Bar can be reached via Dog Leg Tunnel. The island’s vending machines contain small snacks and cold drinks, small sundry food items are available for purchase from the Visitor Centre and a range of meal and barbeque packs are available for pre-order. Further information: Food and beverage and Food options for accommodation guests 
 
Q: Can I bring my own food and drinks?
A: You are free to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages to Cockatoo Island; however, a No BYO Alcohol Policy applies to campground guests. Both of the island’s cafes are licensed to serve alcohol, and takeaway wine and beer is available to accommodation guests from Societe Overboard. Further information: Alcohol rules
 
Q: Is there an ATM on Cockatoo Island?
A: There are no ATMs on the island; however, the Visitor Centre and other retail outlets offer EFTPOS facilities. Note: Minimum purchase amounts may apply, cash withdrawals not available. 
 
Q: Are lockers available on Cockatoo Island?

A: Gold coin operated lockers are located in the Muster Station (near the Visitor Centre) for use by day visitors and campground guests seeking to store their luggage, including prior to check-in and following check-out.  Each locker contains power outlets for charging devices. The following fees apply:

 

  Width Height Depth 8hrs 24hrs
Small Locker 20cm 20cm 40cm $2 $4
Medium Locker 30cm 40cm 60cm $4 $8
Large Locker 55cm 60cm 90cm $8 $12
 
 
Q: Where is the closest parking?
A: Visitors and accommodation guests are not permitted to bring vehicles onto Cockatoo Island. Parking is available at Woolwich, with plenty of unmetered spaces. Valentia Street Wharf at Woolwich is just one ferry stop from the island. 
 
Q: Who manages Cockatoo Island?
A: Cockatoo Island is managed by the Harbour Trust. Further information: About the Harbour Trust
 
Q: Is there disability access?
A: Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access and accessible toilet facilities; however, there are some uneven surfaces. Further information: Getting around Cockatoo Island
 
Q: Can I bring my pet to Cockatoo Island? 
A: Unfortunately no, all animals aside from guide dogs are not allowed on the island. Further information: Visitor regulations
 
Are gift vouchers available?
A: Yes, gift vouchers are available for our accommodation options. Further information: Gift Vouchers

ACTIVITIES

Q: Does Cockatoo Island have sporting facilities?
A: Cockatoo Island has a harbourside basketball court and a novelty-sized chess board, both located on the Eastern Apron. The tennis court on the upper island is currently closed to the public. Further information: Outdoor activities
 
Q: Does Cockatoo Island offer tours to the public?
A: Visitors can embark on guided tours as well self-guided audio tours: Further information: What’s on
 
Q: Are there activities for kids on Cockatoo Island?
A: Children aged 12 and under can head to the Visitor Centre for a free activity book. These include colouring-in challenges and games. Don’t forget to bring pencils!
 
Q: Are there movie screenings at Cockatoo Island?
A: Our Wolverine Cinema, located on the Upper Island in the Convict Precinct (Building 4), is open to the public every night. Following an all-ages movie screens at 7pm every night, there is a screening for grownups at 9:15pm.  
 
Q: Can I fish on Cockatoo Island?
A: Fishing is not allowed on the island.

CAMPGROUND 

Q: Where on Cockatoo Island is the campground located? 
A: The campground is located on the water’s edge at the northern end of Cockatoo Island. 
 
Q: What time is check-in and check-out for campground guests? 
A: Check-in is 2pm; check-out is 10am. The Visitor Centre is open for check-in until 5:00pm. Security will be available to assist with late check-ins. 
 
Q: How many people can fit in a tent? 
A: The maximum person per tent, will depend on which camping package you purchase:
  • Camping Package (Two adults and two small children OR three adults)
  • Deluxe Camping Package and Deluxe Waterfront Camping Package (Two people)
  • Deluxe Waterfront Two-Bedroom Camping Package (Four people)
Further information: Camping on Cockatoo Island
 
Q: What size are the BYO tent sites?
A: Each BYO tent site is 4m x 4m. Further information: Camping on Cockatoo Island
 
Q: Can I bring my own tent?
A: Yes. However, if your tent exceeds 4m x 4m you will need to book one or more additional BYO tent sites.
 
Q: Is power available to campers?
A: Pre-erected tents and BYO tent sites are unpowered; however, power is available to accommodation guests in the communal kitchen, shower facilities and locker facilities. 
 
Q: What amenities are available? 
A: All campers have access to hot showers, toilets and a communal kitchen featuring fridges, microwaves and a boiling water system. Campers are prohibited from bringing personal cooktops, gas or charcoal BBQs.
 
Q: Does Cockatoo Island have a fire pit? 
A: Yes. Cockatoo Island’s fire pit is located towards the end of the campground, near the slipways. It is lit every night, dependent on weather.  
 
Q: Are there laundry facilities?
A: The campground laundry facilities, near the slipway, are available for use during offices hours of 9am to 4pm. To use these facilities, head to the accommodation counter at the Visitor Centre. Each washing load is $4 and detergent satchels are also available for purchase.
 
Q: Is there WiFi on Cockatoo Island?
A: Yes. Check at the Visitor Centre for more information.  
 
Q: Can I bring my campervan or boat? 
A: Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate campervans on the island; however there is parking available at Woolwich, just a short ferry ride away.  Short-term and overnight boat berthing is available at Camber Wharf on the southern side of island. Book at Cockatoo Island Marine Centre. 
 
Q: Is there anything I need to bring with me?
A: Depending on what is included in your selected accommodation package, we recommend you bring certain items with you. Further information: What to bring to Cockatoo Island 
 
Q: Is after-hours help  available?
A: Our security team is onsite 24 hours a day. Contact details are provided to guests at check-in.

HERITAGE HOUSES AND APARTMENTS

Q: What time is check-in and check-out? 
A: Check-in is 3:00pm; check-out is 11:00am. The Visitor Centre is open for check-in until 5:00pm. Security will be available to assist with late check-ins.
 
Q: Where do I check-in?
A: Check-in is at the Visitor Centre. Guests of the Houses and Apartments, and their luggage, are taken to the Upper Island by guest services staff in the buggy. 
 
Q: Is there a minimum length of stay?
A: Yes. Heritage house guests must stay a minimum of one night if there stay occurs between Monday and Thursday or two nights if there stay is occurs between Friday and Sunday. Apartment guests must stay a minimum of nights if their stay occurs between Friday and Sunday. 
 
Q: Can I hold a function in the Harbour View or Garden Apartments?
A: Apartments are only for the residential use of booked occupants. No functions, events, ceremonies or parties are to be held in the apartments.
 
Q: Can I hold a function in the Heritage Houses?
A: Booked occupants of the houses can hold a small event up to 30 people. Fees apply. Further information: Hire Agreement for Event Bookings in the Heritage Houses
 
Q: Can I bring my own alcohol if I'm staying in a house or an apartment?
A: Guests staying in the island’s heritage houses and apartments are permitted to bring a reasonable amount of alcohol to consume within their rented accommodation. Further information: Alcohol rules