Venue Hire

Information for Event Organisers

How do I book my event?

For more information on the process for taking your event from application to approval and execution, visit Venue enquiry

If you are interested in applying for a venue for your event, download Event Application Form

What will the Harbour Trust provide for my event?

  • The venue
  • Power
  • Lighting
  • Comprehensive tours of facilities and accommodation options
  • Site intelligence
  • Key contacts
  • Equipment hire (Cockatoo Island)
  • Marketing support for public events (available at a fee)

What do I need to organise for my event?

  • Theming
  • Catering
  • Event Equipment
  • Barging
  • Waste Management / Removal
  • Cleaning
  • Transportation of guests
  • Catering / Liquor License
  • Security
  • Insurances
  • Noise Management
  • Risk Assessment

Do you have event equipment already on the island?

Cockatoo Island venues are considered ‘dry hire’ spaces allowing hirers to choose how to theme the venue with the suppliers they choose. To make it easier, the Harbour Trust has new event equipment available for hire on Cockatoo Island at competitive prices and without the cost involved in barging equipment from the mainland. Your Event Account Manager can assist you with an inventory and price list.

If you are interested in hiring the Harbour Trust's equipment, complete the 
Events Equipment Hire Form

Is water available?

There is water available on the Cockatoo Island. Please see site plans for locations.

Is power available?

There is three-phase power available at most event locations on the island. The availability and capacity of power to any location will need to be confirmed. However, there is only one line into the island for power so a backup generator is recommended in case of emergency.

Is air conditioning available?

Not at present. No buildings on Cockatoo Island are currently air conditioned.

What happens with waste?

Everything you bring to the island must be taken away when you leave. We'd like everyone to share in caring for Cockatoo Island by taking their rubbish home with them. The site must be left in the same condition as you arrived. A handover inspection will be completed after the event to ensure it is left in a satisfactory state. Any cleaning or waste removal that is required to make good will be withheld from the Security Bond.

What about decorating the venue?

Cockatoo Island is a nominated World Heritage Site and as such is environmentally sensitive. All theme and dressing to the site for any event must be reversible. There is to be no penetrations made to any surfaces on Cockatoo Island.

Can I use my own signage?

It is possible to provide your own signage. However, no signage is permitted without prior consent from the Harbour Trust. All applications must be made in advance and any signage permitted must be removed at the close of the event.

What about transport to Cockatoo Island?

It is easy to get to Cockatoo Island. Harbour City Ferries runs a regular service to the island via the Parramatta Rivercat service and Balmain/Woolwich service, or you can reach it by private boat or water taxi. You can also organise a barge to transport bulky items. Harbour City Ferries manage the service.

For timetable information: www.transportnsw.info

Event Timing

All timing must be detailed in the proposal and is subject to approval.

Food & Beverage (incl. Liquor Licencing)

The Harbour Trust is the authority responsible for issuing licences for the sale or supply of alcohol, and ensuring food businesses operate safely and hygienically on its land. Please click here for more information about how to apply for a liquor licence or how to operate a food business.

The Harbour Trust offers a range of venue hire and catering opportunities across some of our other sites, including North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Headland Park in Mosman and Woolwich Dock & Parklands in Woolwich. View our Venue Hire and Catering options at other Harbour Trust locations. 

What about security?

Cockatoo Island has 24-hour security presence on the Island for general island security and protection of assets. Event hirers are required to organise their own security presence as required by the Event Account Manager.

Traffic Management

No traffic is allowed on the Island, apart from that required to set up the event. All details of vehicles on the island must be provided to the Harbour Trust.

Can pyrotechnics, explosives or flammables be used?

If you propose to use any pyrotechnics, explosives or flammables in the presentation of your event, you must obtain Harbour Trust approval. Details of, and methods used, to ensure safety of crew, site and the public must be detailed in your proposal and the use of these are subject to approval.

You will need to inform us if you will be using inflammable liquids, gases, oils or toxic chemicals, other than those reasonably required for lighting, heating, cooking, cleaning or maintenance purposes.

Can I erect a marquee?

Marquees can be used in approved areas on the advice of the Event Account Manager. However, all marquees must be weighted, not pegged, to the ground.

Do you have conference facilities?

Whilst there is many interesting conference spaces of all sizes, Cockatoo Island has only basic conferencing facilities available in its smaller meeting rooms only. However, you can host a conference on Cockatoo Island of any size if you are able to provide your own equipment and set up.

Are there kitchen facilities available?

There is a small kitchenette with a fridge and dishwasher in the Conference centre. Please note that this is a shared facility, you are responsible for keeping it clean and sharing with others.

Can we bring alcohol?

Conference users are not permitted to bring alcohol to the Island. There are tenants onsite that have Licensed areas where alcohol may be consumed.
Please contact them directly to book, find their details here.

Can I access the internet?

Yes, wireless internet is available for use within the conference rooms.

Do you have flip charts or butcher's paper?

Yes we do. Flipcharts per day includes one pad of 50 $35.00. Extra pads $25.00. Additional whiteboard $25.00 per day

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information email the Event Account Manager licensing@harbourtrust.gov.au or submit an enquiry online.