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In addition to reading a passage from her novel, Sarah will do a book signing (limited books available for purchase on the day) and lead a hands-on creative writing workshop for the children in attendance. Inspired by archival photos, they'll craft a captivating hook for their own historical fiction story. Learn about Sarah here.
Perfect for young readers ages 7 to 12, Marion and the Forty Thieves is a thrilling adventure story set in the late 1800s and inspired by real-life events and people. It stars Marion Neitenstein whose father is the principal of a nautical school ship, moored at Cockatoo Island. The only girl among a rowdy group of boys, Marion finds herself in danger when she uncovers a plot involving the notorious Forty Thieves gang. Learn more about Cockatoo Island's historical nautical school ships here.
Tickets are just $10 per person or $35 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children OR 1 adult and 3 children). Book now to secure your spot!
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Sydney-based historian and teacher Dr Sarah Luke writes historical fiction for both adults and children.
Sarah has a passion for researching in archives, finding information about people from the past and writing non-fiction books about them. At other times she is inspired to write historical fiction stories, so that people who merely ghost through archives also have a chance to be remembered. Sarah likes exploring old places in Sydney – particularly sandstone palaces and mossy, dark graveyards. Marion and the Forty Thieves is her first children’s book.
Marion and the Forty Thieves is a captivating non-fiction book set partially on the Vernon and Sobraon nautical school ships that were anchored at Cockatoo Island in the late 1800s.
The Vernon was converted into a nautical school ship for boys in 1867 and moored off Cockatoo Island in 1871. Although some of the ‘Vernon boys’ may have engaged in some petty crimes previously, none were deemed criminals.
In 1892, the Vernon departed Cockatoo Island and was superseded by a second nautical school ship, christened the Sobraon. Being a larger vessel, the Sobraon was able to accommodate an increased number of boys at Cockatoo Island.
Planning to visit? For a hassle-free experience, refer to the information below ahead of your trip.
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. In the event our Visitor Centre is closed, the Audio Tour will be unavailable.
Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site with cliffs and steep drops as well as occasional unmarked and uneven surfaces, voids, and trip hazards. For your safety, mind your step, wear appropriate footwear, stay alert for vehicles and construction activity, and monitor any children with you. 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. Priority works and major events may disrupt visitor access to areas of Cockatoo Island. Check our website for details and speak to our Visitor Centre staff for help, including alternative routes.
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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