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Getting Around Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is easy to explore by foot, with a range of self-guided journeys and an audio tour to help you discover the island's best attractions. We invite you to wander freely around the island, discover its hidden places, picnic on the grass and enjoy spectacular city views. Stop in at Visitor Information and speak to one of our volunteers if you need help planning your visit.
New Visitor Guide
When you arrive at Cockatoo Island make sure you pick up a copy of the official visitor guide from Visitor Information. The guide is a snapshot of all the information you need to know as you journey around Cockatoo Island, including in-depth historical information and photos, four integrated self-guided journey maps and an outline of the activities and amenities available during your visit.
Find out more about Cockatoo Island self-guided journeys.
Cockatoo Island map
Download a printable version of the Cockatoo Island map [PDF - 177KB]
Visitor Regulations
- No alcohol to be brought onto the island
- Alcohol purchased on the island must be consumed in licenced areas
- No portable BBQs or lighting of fires
- No smoking in buildings
- Do not bring animals onto the island (except guide dogs)
- Do not enter construction areas
- Camp only in the designated campground
- No skateboarding, inline skating or roller blading
- No climbing on cliffs or historic structures
- No fishing from the island or within the Exclusion Zone
- No swimming outside the designated areas
The following activities are not permitted without a licence from the Harbour Trust:
- Commercial activities
- Private functions
- Amplified music
- Remote controlled vehicles
Disability access
Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities. Most areas of the island are wheelchair accessible, though keep in mind that the island is an industrial heritage site so some of the surfaces are uneven, with some buildings on the island not accessible by wheelchair. There is one quite steep incline from the lower island to the upper island.
For more information on current conditions, please talk to our Visitor Information Centre team when you arrive, or contact the Harbour Trust on (02) 8969 2100 or email info@harbourtrust.gov.au.