Cockatoo Island’s spectacular waterfront location, view of Sydney Harbour Bridge and fascinating history as a former convict prison and shipyard, make it a great location to camp overnight.

Special family activities and a midweek camping special are on offer this winter at Cockatoo Island.

Just a short ferry ride from Circular Quay and several inner harbour wharves, the island is a major venue for the Biennale of Sydney, a free and astonishing visual arts event covering much of the historic site until Sunday 1 August.

Camp midweek on Cockatoo Island and save!
Stay Monday to Thursday on Cockatoo Island during the Biennale of Sydney art festival and pay only $75 per couple (usually $90 per couple) for the luxury camping package.

This includes site hire, a tent large enough for a couple and two children, two mattresses, two camping chairs and a lantern. Or bring your own tent and camping gear and stay overnight from $45 per site.

The Cockatoo Island campground has a kitchen with fridges, a microwave and BBQs, hot showers and undercover tables and chairs.

Book online or call 02 8898 9774. To take advantage of the Biennale midweek camping special, quote the promo code “Camp Biennale” at time of booking. Special ends Thursday 29 July.

For more information or to book an activity, please call the campground on 02 8898 9774.

Spooky night walk
Every Friday night in June
Wind your way around Cockatoo Island by torchlight and hear the stories of the characters and convicts who once lived here, on a guided tour on Friday 4, 11, 18 and 25 June from 5.00pm to 6.15pm.

Find out about Captain Thunderbolt’s escape from the prison, see the convict barracks and cells and explore the old shipyard with an expert guide.

Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate while enjoying views of the harbour. Visitors who are not camping overnight can catch the ferry back to Circular Quay, Woolwich, Greenwich or Birchgrove after the tour.

The tour is suitable for all ages and kids must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Free for campers, $10 per person for visitors

Bookings essentail: Call 02 8898 9774

Campfire sing-a-long
Every Saturday night in July
Huddle around the Cockatoo Island campfire with a steaming mug of hot chocolate for a free evening of singing and guitar on Saturday 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 July. Bring along a musical instrument and sing along to well known favourites. Song sheets provided.
Cost: Free

Kids’ Compass Challenge
Every Sunday in July
Got a budding explorer in the family? On Sunday 4, 11, 18 and 25 July from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, kids can discover how to use a compass and follow a trail to find secret locations on Cockatoo Island using a map. The workshop is lead by an expert guide and suitable for children aged 5 to 14 years.
Cost: $15 per person

Bookings essentail: Call 02 8898 9774

Free self-guided tours for kids
Kids can discover Cockatoo Island’s history with the free Ships Ahoy Discovery Trail or check out kid-friendly Biennale of Sydney artwork with a free self guided map, available from the Muster Station as you hop off the ferry.
Cost: Free

Getting there
For ferry times, visit Sydney Ferries or the Biennale of Sydney website for information about the free Biennale ferry from Circular Quay.