To coincide with theme of this year’s festival, Unearthed, we’re running a range of talks that peel back the layers of history at Cockatoo Island. These include a special talk by the heritage architect who, in 2009, uncovered the island’s convict era Solitary Confinement Cells. Throughout Open Day, you’ll also have a chance to enjoy live music, a dance lesson, delicious food (including food trucks and stalls), steam crane demonstrations, paid boat rides and so much more!
Plus: For one day only, we’ll be opening our holiday houses and apartments at select times – and inviting people in! Discover their heritage charm and gain access to an EXCLUSIVE discount for your next stay! More of an outdoors type? We’ve got you covered – our very best waterfront tents will be open for a sticky beak.
While it’s not compulsory to register your attendance for Open Day, we strongly encourage you to. Registering helps us forecast visitor numbers so we can ensure everyone has an enjoyable and hassle-free visit.
Times: 11am to 11:30am | Location: Eastern Apron
Join us on the Eastern Apron at 11am for a Welcome to Country by Uncle Lloyd Walker, respected member of the La Perouse Aboriginal community followed by a special cultural performance by the Gamay Dancers.
[Image: Gamay Dancers, Biloela Lawn. Photo by Tamati Smith.]
Time: 11:30am to 2pm | Location: Naval Store
Take a break and unwind in the Naval Store with live music. Tap your toes, soak in the harbour view and recharge for your next Open Day activity.
Time: Varies (schedule below) | Cost: From $12 one-way | Location: Pirrama Park, Pyrmont
Board Sydney Heritage Fleet's 1902 steam tug Waratah to get to Cockatoo Island, just as the dockyard workers would have years ago. Tickets are just $20 per adult, $12 per concession and $12 per child (4-12 years old) one way.
[Note: Limited spots available. Minimum age 4 years. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.]
Time: 10:30am to 2:30pm | Location: Docks Precinct
Step back to the era when steam power ruled and meet one of Cockatoo Island’s ‘Iron Giants’ with our heritage steam crane demonstration! Plus: hear directly from a volunteer heritage crane specialist about the mighty iron giants, including how they work.
Time: 10:30am to 3pm | Location: Convict Precinct
Journey back to Cockatoo Island’s turbulent convict era (1839 to 1869) with an immersive audio experience that reveals what it was like to be incarcerated here. Lie back on one of the hard convict beds and eavesdrop as convicts from a bygone time talk about prison life.
Time: From 10:30am to 3pm | Location: Convict Workshops
Stop by the Naval Historical Society of Australia stall to explore the history of Australia’s submarines and ships named Parramatta. Discover the importance of Cockatoo Island’s shipbuilding legacy and its key role in the construction of naval vessels and submarines along the Parramatta River.
[Image: HMAS Parramatta at Cockatoo Island (1960). Photo courtesy of Geoff Eastwood, Flickr (2019).]
Times: Various (schedule below) | Location: Various
Enjoy a series of 15-minute talks on Cockatoo Island, presented by a lineup of knowledgeable guides. Plus, there will be opportunities for questions at the end.
Time: 11:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm | Cost: From $10 | Location: Camber Wharf
Want to experience a heritage boat ride around Cockatoo Island? Hop aboard Sydney Heritage Fleet's 1902 steam tug Waratah for a special sail around the island! Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for concession and $10 for kids (4-12 years old).
[Note: Limited spots available. Minimum age 4 years. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.]
Time: 11:30am | Location: Seahorse Hotels
Join Mitch Brennan, Program Manager of the Sydney Seahorse Project at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), to learn about Australia’s only seahorse recovery program and how researchers are working to save the endangered White’s Seahorse through unique conservation efforts. Then, hear from Janine Ledet, Research Assistant at Living Seawalls, as she shares how scientists are transforming traditional seawalls into thriving marine habitats and enhancing biodiversity in urban coastal areas (including Cockatoo Island).
[Image: David Harasti.]
Times: 12pm & 1pm | Location: Confinement Cells
Join Harbour Trust Director of Projects and award-winning heritage architect, Libby Bennett, for an exciting 15-minute talk on the discovery of Cockatoo Island’s hidden Solitary Confinement Cells. Tied to this year’s Heritage Festival theme, Unearthed, Libby will share how her groundbreaking find uncovered forgotten history and helped secure the island’s place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Time: 1pm | Location: Convict Workshops
In 1940, Cockatoo Island helped transform Cunard’s RMS Queen Mary into the wartime troopship Grey Ghost. Join historian, Inger Sheil from the Australian National Maritime Museum for a 15-minute talk on the ship’s conversion. Afterward, the Jitterbug Club dancers will lead a Charleston demonstration and lesson, taking you back to the liner’s glamorous 1930s days.
[Image: Samuel J Hood Studio, Australian National Maritime Museum Collection.]
Time: 1pm & 1:30pm | Location: Success Room
In October 2024, a team of historians, archaeologists, field robotics experts and remote pilots teamed up to conduct a comprehensive LiDAR scan of Cockatoo Island. Dr Joseph Lehner and Professor Kirsten McKenzie from the University of Sydney will give a short 15-minute video presentation on their findings and show how the most advanced technology of the present can help us visualise the layers of the past.
Time: Varies (schedule below) | Location: Varies
For one day only, we’re opening the doors to our holiday accommodation. Built between 1915 and 1916, these charming dwellings are the perfect setting for your next vacation. Plus, all Open Day attendees will receive an exclusive discount on their next stay!
[Note: There will be restrictions on the number of people allowed in our accommodation at one time. Our team will be managing numbers on the day to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.]
Time: Varies (schedule below) | Location: Campground
Curious about camping on Cockatoo Island? Step inside our Premium or Deluxe Waterfront tents, located directly on the harbour! Plus, all Open Day attendees will receive an exclusive discount on their next stay!
[Note: There will be restrictions on the number of people allowed in our accommodation at one time. Our team will be managing numbers on the day to ensure a smooth experience for everyone.]
Time: 11am to 3:30pm | Location: Various
For one day only, Open Day attendees can unlock an exclusive discount on their next stay! Attend our open house and tent showings to gain access to our special accommodation discount (T&Cs apply).
Time: From 10:30am to 3pm | Location: Eastern Apron
Step back in time and see how convicts used to pass the time in our historic games area. Try your hand at classic games like hopscotch, quoits and more! Plus, kites will also be available for you to enjoy.
Time: 10:30am to 3pm | Location: Information tent
Collect 6 stamps in your Cockatoo Island passport for a chance to collect one or more cockatoo stickers! First 50 children to complete their passport, and present it to our Open Day tent, will receive a sticker sheet. But don’t worry – everyone’s a winner! Individual cockatoo stickers will be available to other passport completionists. While stock lasts.
Cockatoo Island’s 2 family-friendly cafes look forward to serving all Open Day attendees!
Location: Docks Precinct | Trading hours: 9am to 4pm
Located alongside Camber Wharf, this harbour-side hangout exudes country-style pub charm. Relax with a beverage or coffee in the beer garden and take advantage of a diverse menu that includes gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan options.
[Note: Kitchen shuts 60 mins prior to close, alcohol/coffee service ends 30 mins prior to close.]
Location: Near Visitor Centre | Trading hours: 8:30am to 4:30pm
Located on the Eastern Apron, just opposite the Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Overboard offers diners an opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner – as well as a selection of hot, cold and alcoholic refreshments – as they take in an incredible harbour view.
[Note: Kitchen shuts 60 mins prior to close.]
Planning to visit? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.
Want to arrive to Cockatoo Island Open Day in style? Hop aboard Sydney Heritage Fleet's 1902 steam tug Waratah, just as the dockyard workers would have years ago. Tickets are just $20 per adult, $12 per concession and $12 per child (4-12 years old) one way. Pick up from Pirrama Park, Pyrmont. Limited spots available. Minimum age 4 years. Make a booking here.
Walking to Pirrama Park from the Star? View map directions here.
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. You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak.
Our Visitor Centre relies on the generosity and availability of our volunteers. While we endeavour to open from 10am to 4pm daily, we cannot guarantee the centre will always be open.
Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site with cliffs and steep drops as well as occasional unmarked and uneven surfaces, voids, and trip hazards. The lower island is generally accessible by wheelchairs and mobility scooters; however, there are uneven surfaces, and some buildings are not suited to mobility aids. Further, accessing the plateau requires visitors to climb stairs and ascend rises. The campground is wheelchair accessible, with a dedicated shower and toilet available; however, tents have a step to enter, which is not suitable for wheelchair access. To help mobility impaired guests access the upper island, courtesy buggy car rides will be available throughout the day from the Visitor Centre. Priority works may disrupt visitor access to areas of Cockatoo Island.
Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access, toilet facilities (including accessible toilets), vending machines, barbeques, showers, an Opal card top-up machine, a kitchen (for exclusive use by campers), free Wi-Fi (enquire at the Visitor Centre) and gold coin operated lockers. Located in the Muster Station, each locker contains power outlets for charging devices. Small lockers (20cm x 20cm x 40cm) are available $2 for eight hours or $4 for 24 hours. Medium lockers (30cm x 40cm x 60cm) are available for $4 for eight hours or $8 for 24 hours. Large lockers (55cm x 60cm x 90cm) are available for $8 for eight hours or $12 for 24 hours.
The Harbour Trust maintains public toilets at Cockatoo Island, and these facilities are listed on the Department of Health’s National Public Toilet Map. The toilets available at this destination are listed below:
Cockatoo Island is patrolled by rangers from 7am to 4pm and by security personnel from 4pm and 7am. In the event of an emergency, dial 000 or 112 if mobile reception is poor. To contact a ranger during an emergency, call 0434 652 153 (7am to 4pm). Alternatively, to contact a security officer, call 0433 632 791 (4pm to 7am).
Help ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, by observing the below rules, enforceable by our rangers
Do not fish, do not smoke within buildings or within 5 metres of a café; do not litter or dump rubbish; do not erect gazebos or marquees (without a permit); do not operate remote-controlled vehicles (including drones); do not play amplified music (without a permit) or create excessive noise; do not undertake commercial activities (without a permit); do not hold private functions (without a permit); do not climb cliffs or on historical structures; do not ride or use skateboards, roller-skates, in line skates or similar equipment on Harbour Trust land. For further information, see: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) Regulations 2021
To prevent unsafe alcohol consumption and curb anti-social behaviour, alcohol rules are enforced on the island. Visitors (with the exception of apartment and heritage house guests) are not permitted to bring alcohol onto the island. Alcohol consumption is permitted at the island’s two licensed venues, Cockatoo Overboard and the Marina Café & Bar. For further details, see: FAQs.
No animals, except for assistance animals (as defined by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992), are permitted to access Cockatoo Island.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our FAQs page contains further visitor information. Topics include the consumption of alcohol, our bag check and photography policies, guide animals and the island's amenities
The privately-run Cockatoo Boat Storage offers casual berthing for private vessels at Camber Wharf on the island’s southern apron. To pay for casual berthing, head to Marina Café & Bar near the gangway. Overnight berths must be booked in advance by calling (02) 9940 0172 or emailing info@cockatoomarine.com.au. Bookings are not taken for casual daytime berthing and berthing is normally available, with the exception of the New Year’s Eve period. Most boats to 40' can be accommodated but there are restrictions above 30' length and 10m height, so call ahead to enquire about availability for overnight reservations. Fees are from $15 for 4 hours for a boat to 29' and $35 for vessels 30’and above. Overnight berthing to 29’ is $65 and for vessels 30’and above is $95. Visit cockatoomarine.com.au for details and overnight bookings.
Street parking is available near the ferry wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. Check signage for any restrictions.
Learn more about Cockatoo Island with these useful links.
Cockatoo Island is one of 11 historic sites that together form the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property.
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