Alerts and disruptions

• Wharf update: Chowder Bay wharf has been closed indefinitely to boats (including mooring, and loading/unloading passengers) while its condition is assessed by the Harbour Trust. There is no access to the wharf by land or water during this time. The Harbour Trust are performing structural repairs on the wharf and adjacent slipway, with the aim of reopening both structures to the public by August 2024. Learn more here.

• Tour changes (12 & 13 Oct): Due to a music event being held on the island, there will be no tours running on Saturday 12 October. On Sunday 13 October, we will be running our Convict Prison Tour at 11am and our Island Highlights Tour at 1:30pm. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

• Replacement of timber structure near Camber Wharf: The Harbour Trust is replacing a deteriorated timber wharf, known as the Patrol Boat Wharf, on the southern side of Cockatoo Island (map). The works will enable us to access and repair a historic crane. Once the works conclude, public access to the Patrol Boat Wharf will be possible. New piles for the wharf have been installed as part of this project. Works are now focused on constructing the new deck, which will involve sawing, drilling and hammering timber. It is anticipated the works will conclude by the end of November 2024. The crane repairs will commence in 2025. To minimise impacts to the community, hours of work are limited to:

  • Mondays to Fridays: 7am to 5pm
  • Saturdays: 8am to 1pm
  • Sundays and public holidays: No works

  We apologise for any temporary inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to restore Cockatoo Island’s heritage. Please note that public ferry access to/from the island will not be affected by the works.

  If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Harbour Trust at:

  • Email: planning@harbourtrust.gov.au
  • Phone: (02) 8969 2100 (please leave a message and we will get back to you promptly)

  
  Read more about this project, here.

• Greenwich Point wharf upgrade: Transport for NSW is upgrading the Greenwich Point Ferry Wharf to improve accessibility. The project began in April and is expected to take eight months to complete. The wharf will be closed for the duration of the works and ferries will not stop there. Night works are scheduled between 10pm and 5am on up to 6 nights between 4 and 22 August. However, the specific dates for these night works have not been announced. Further, the work may be noisy. Campers should come prepared for potential disruptions during this period.

Visit the Transport for NSW website to learn more or visit transportnsw.info to plan your trip.

• Tour bookings: 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 if you have a tour booked. Further, 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.
  
  
• Temporary site fencing: Temporary site fencing has been erected at Building 09 (plateau) and Building 20 (plateau) on the north and south ends. It is anticipated the conservation buildings will be completed by September 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience.

There are currently no alerts or disruptions to accessing Georges Heights. Continue to check this page and or social media channels for updates.

There are currently no alerts or disruptions for Macquarie Lightstation. Continue to check this page and or social media channels for updates.

There are currently no alerts or disruptions for Marine Biological Station. Continue to check this page and or social media channels for updates.

• Chowder Bay road repairs (14 October): On Monday 14 October, a section of Chowder Bay Road (near the roundabout with Middle Head Road) will be closed for urgent repairs between 8:30pm and 5:30am. We apologise for any inconvenience. 

• Fox baiting: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is carrying out an ongoing baiting program at North Head Sanctuary to control foxes for the protection of native fauna including threatened species such as Long-nosed Bandicoots and Little Penguins. The program uses manufactured baits, fresh baits and Canid Pest Ejectors containing 1080 poison (sodium fluoroacetate). Warning signs are located at the entries to sites being baited. Visitors are advised not to touch the baits or ejectors. Further, pets may be affected (1080 is lethal to dogs and cats) and are not permitted at North Head Sanctuary. Working dogs must be restrained or muzzled in the vicinity and must not enter the baiting locations. Penalties apply for non-compliance. In the event of accidental poisoning, seek immediate veterinary assistance. For further information, please call the Harbour Trust on (02) 8969 2128.

There are currently no alerts or disruptions to accessing Sub Base Platypus. Continue to check this page and or social media channels for updates.

There are currently no alerts or disruptions to accessing Woolwich Dock and Parklands. Continue to check this page and or social media channels for updates.