Cockatoo Island has emerged as a popular destination for photographers and filmmakers seeking an extraordinary backdrop for their shoots. The site offers a diverse range of  interior and exterior locations including a convict prison, heritage housing from the 1800s, cavernous workshops, sculptural cranes, and dry docks. Plus, it's only a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. 

• Commercial shoots
• Media shoots
• Wedding photography
• Low impact shoots
• Film unit base parking
• Use of drones
• Further information

Commercial shoots

The Harbour Trust considers requests from commercial photographers and filmmakers for temporary licences to shoot on Cockatoo Island. If you are considering a shoot, complete the following form and email it to licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au:

• Filming and Photography Licence Application Form 

For further information, refer to the following documents

• Filming and Photography Permits Information Guide
• Filming and Photography Rate Card 
• Filming and Photography Production Classification

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Media shoots

Media are welcome to film on Cockatoo Island pending availability and activation circumstance. To submit an application to obtain approval to conduct a media or photography shoot on Harbour Trust land, please complete the form below and return to rebecca.hage@harbourtrust.gov.au

• Media filming and photography application form

Wedding photography

Wedding photography is permitted on Cockatoo Island at a rate of $250 for three hours. If you are considering a wedding photography shoot, complete and email the following form to licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au at least two weeks in advance:

• Wedding Photography Application Form

For further information, refer to the following document: 

• FAQs about Wedding Photography

​Note: Wedding photography does not include commercial filming and photography. 

Low impact shoots

The Harbour Trust considers applications from enrolled students, the media and other parties to undertake ultra-low and low-impact filming and photography shoots on Cockatoo Island. If you are interested in an ultra-low or low-impact shoot, complete the following form and email it to licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au:  

• Low impact filming and photography permit form  

Note: A copy of your Public Liability Insurance must also be supplied to the Harbour Trust, except in the case of student productions.  

Film unit parking

To request the use of Harbour Trust land for parking, film units shooting on Cockatoo Island must read and complete the following form and email it to icensing@harbourtrust.gov.au:

• Unit Base Permit Form

Note: A copy of your Public Liability Insurance must also be supplied to the Harbour Trust.

Use of drones

The use of remote controlled aircraft or drones for personal use on Harbour Trust land is prohibited. This is because many Harbour Trust sites are close to military and controlled airspace and helicopter landing places. Depending on the proximity of the site to controlled airspace, a permit for commercial filming may be possible.

Further information

For further information, including location availability, please email licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au.