Vacation care groups

Ferries: 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, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website.

Opal cards: If your group is travelling to Cockatoo Island by ferry, each person will need to be in possession of an Opal Card with sufficient funds. Alternatively, you can pre-purchase Opal One Day Travel Passes for their entire group. To arrange Opal One Day Travel Passes for your group, visit opaldaypass.transport.nsw.gov.au. 

Parking facilities: On-street parking is available for cars near the ferry wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. The Clarkes Point Reserve Carpark (access via Clarke Road, Woolwich) offers parking for coaches and is a short walk from the Woolwich ferry wharf.

Suitable walking shoes, sun protection, wet weather gear (if needed) and food and drinks for the duration of the program. 

• Children are expected to bring their own food and drinks for the duration of their program.
• Marina Cafe and Bar are open to all children and supervisors attending a vacation care program. Want to pre-arrange meals for your group? Contact Marina Cafe and Bar ahead of your visit. Note: In accordance with the venue policy, outside food and drink are not permitted. 

Most areas of the island are wheelchair accessible; however, there is a steep incline from the lower island to the upper plateau, and – owing to the island’s industrial heritage – there are uneven surfaces as well as some buildings not accessible by wheelchair.

Our vacation care program contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased people.

• Cancellations by the Vacation Care Provider must be made in writing no later than (5) business days prior to the booked date to avoid a cancellation fee.
• The Vacation Care program will proceed except in cases of extreme and/or dangerous weather. In the event of extreme and/or dangerous weather, the Harbour Trust will communicate the decision to cancel the booked program with the Vacation Care provider in writing and/or via phone one (1) business day prior to the booking date.