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Child going into the Convict Precincts on Cockatoo Island.

Island Highlights Tour

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Cost
  • $26 per adult
  • $16 per child (12 & under)
  • $16 per concession
Hours
  • Scheduled tours:
    • 11am to 12pm on Saturdays
    • 1:30pm to 2:30pm on Sundays
  • On-demand group tour also available (Mon-Fri)
Transport
  • Ferry
  • Water taxi
Plan your trip
Meeting point

Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour NSW

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Want a crash course in the storied history of Cockatoo Island, Sydney harbour? Book tickets for our Island Highlights Tour.

This all-ages tour charts the changing face of Cockatoo Island. As you visit key landmarks from bygone eras, our guide will reveal how they fit into the island’s historical narrative. They will also share anecdotes about a colourful cast of real-life characters, including convicts, wayward youths and dock workers. 

Book a tour
Book tickets for our regular Saturday or Sunday tour and enjoy a crash course in Cockatoo Island's history.
Book tickets

Request a group tour

Want to arrange an Island Highlights Tour for a large group? Request a group tour using the webform on this page.

Probus groups, tour operators and other interested parties are invited to complete our large group tour request form. A minimum purchase of 10 tickets applies.

*Due to current high levels of demand, we are unable to book any private or on demand tours less than 14 days in advance of the tour date. Bookings subject to guide availability.

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Tour details
*Bookings are available between Monday and Friday (subject to guide availability). Due to high demand, bookings must be made at least 14 days in advance.
In case we can't accommodate your first preference, please nominate an alternative date (between Monday to Friday).


Plan ahead

Important information arrow
  • Weather conditions: Tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of extreme weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled, and under these circumstances, a full refund will be issued. 
  • To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.
  • Cancellation / rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.
Content and mobility arrow
  • First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.
  • Site conditions: This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to uneven surfaces and the requirement to climb stairs and ascend rises.
  • Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.
  • Age restriction: People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What to bring arrow

Suitable walking shoes and wet weather clothing (if needed).

Getting here arrow

For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit us

Note: Please be aware that weekends and public holidays may lead to increased capacity on public transport and some services being full. We advise you to plan your trip accordingly and allocate ample travel time.

Eat and drink arrow

Cockatoo Island features 2 family-friendly cafés – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard – both of which are licensed to serve alcohol and operate 7 days a week. Reserve a table for your group or pre-order a meal to enjoy either before or after your tour. See: Eat and drink.

Booked tickets and want to change your booking? arrow

To exchange your ticket(s) or request a refund, please contact our ticket solutions provider, Ticketbooth, via their support webpage: support.ticketbooth.com.au/contact/

Considering booking accommodation? arrow

If you are considering booking accommodation with us and wanted to embark on a guided tour during your stay, please check tour availability first. We cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay and on dates that have not been advertised. As tours can sell out, we recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation.

Helpful links

Looking to visit, stay at or tour Cockatoo Island? Here are some useful links.