Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Cockatoo Island

Location map of Cockatoo Island

Location

Sydney Harbour's largest island

Open

every day

Admission

Free

Visitor Centre Open:

10am to 4pm

Website

www.cockatooisland.gov.au

Transport

by ferry.


The Guardhouse at Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour was once a convict prison, then an industrial school for girls and finally Australia's biggest shipyard. It is the largest island in Sydney Harbour and is located near the Balmain peninsula. Today this surprising island is open to the public. Visitors can arrive by ferry and explore the island's fascinating heritage. Its brooding sandstone convict gaol has been inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, as well as the large dock and hand-carved storage silos built by the reluctant inhabitants.

Tourists on Cockatoo Island

Tours

Hear the tales behind Cockatoo Island colourful history and visit spaces normally inaccessible to visitors.

More on Cockatoo Island Guided Tours

Historic Photo odf workers int he Turbine Shed

Discovery

Did you know that Cockatoo Island was once Australia's largest shipyard?

More about Cockatoo's remarkable history

Campers enjoy the sun on Cockatoo Island

Accommodation

Cockatoo Island has a great range of accommodation options including self contained luxury apartments and holiday houses, and glamping and camping. All this on an island in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

More about places to stay

Kids' activites on Cockatoo Island

Kids

Try your luck with some Cockatoo Island puzzles and activities before you go to the island.

More information for kids