Winter school holiday activities: Cranes, convicts & more

Convict Sounds Tour at Cockatoo Island (10 July)

As you explore convict-era buildings, including the Mess Hall and Convict Quarters, a knowledgeable guide will share historical anecdotes and prompt you to get playful and recreate sounds from the island’s former gaol. The hour-long experience will culminate with an orchestra of noises in the Turbine Shop, meaning you will also get to time travel to the island’s golden dockyard era. 

• Where: Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island (meeting point)
• When: Monday 10 July at 10:30am OR 1:30pm
• Cost: $26 Adult | $16 Child (12 and under)

Crane Day at Cockatoo Island (5 July)

Travel to the era when steam power ruled – and meet one of Cockatoo Island’s ‘Iron Giants’ – with Crane Day! Between 10:30am and 2:30pm, visitors to the island will be able to see the No. 2 Travelling Steam Crane in action for FREE. This metal behemoth, like the nearby Mort’s Dock Steam Crane, has been restored to its former steam-powered glory by a skilled team of volunteers.

• Where: Docks Precinct, Cockatoo Island
• When: Wednesday 5 July at 10:30am, 11:30, 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm
• Cost: Free

WWII era submarine torpedo on display at Cockatoo Island

For a limited time only, visitors to Cockatoo Island's Industrial Precinct (Building 137) can marvel at a historic torpedo dating to the Second World War. The decommissioned Mark VIII torpedo was recently transferred to Cockatoo Island from Spectacle Island’s military base. It is the type of projectile used by the Royal Australian Navy’s Oberon class submarines. The Harbour Trust will eventually relocate the torpedo to Sub Base Platypus, its community recreation and work hub in North Sydney. Sub Base Platypus is the former site of HMAS Platypus, the home of Australia’s Oberon submarines from 1967 to the late 1990s.

Nature Detectives at North Head Sanctuary (4 July)

Allow your children aged 5 to 12 years to unleash their inner explorers and become nature detectives! On Tuesday 4 July, armed with magnifying glasses, brushes, and bug jars, they'll embark on a thrilling bug hunt adventure with Healing with Nature at North Head Sanctuary in Manly. With fascinating bug facts and a day filled with outdoor fun and creativity, it's an experience they won't want to miss.

• Where: North Head Sanctuary
• When: Tuesday 4 July from 8am to 4pm
• Cost: $100 per child

Talking Object Tour (free)

Key objects and landmarks have been awoken across our sites… and they’re eager to have a conversation with you! Look out for our "Hello" signs to kickstart a lively and informative conversation on your mobile phone. 

• When: year round
• Where: Cockatoo Island, Headland Park, North Head Sanctuary, Sub Base Platypus, Macquarie Lightstation and Woolwich Dock & Parklands
• Cost: Free

Guided Tours at Cockatoo Island (weekends)

Four of our guided tours at Cockatoo Island are available across Saturday and Sunday, meaning weekend warriors can enjoy a crash course in the island's layered history. There are multiple all-age tours for you to choose from, including a night tour and a tour for visitors with low mobility.

• Where: Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island (meeting point)
• When: Weekends
• Cost: $25 Adult | $16 Child (12 and under)

Camping at Cockatoo Island (year round)

Cockatoo Island is such a rich source of adventure that it can be difficult to experience everything in a single day… but don’t worry! Our waterfront campground is a cost-effective way for you to extend your visit!

• Where: Northern Apron, Cockatoo Island
• When: All year
• Cost: From $50 per night

Special offer: Book 2 or more nights in Cockatoo Island’s campground and receive 10% off your stay! 

Self-guided Audio Tour at Cockatoo Island (year round)

Our self-guided Audio Tour paints a vivid picture of the island’s bygone days across 26 audio stops. It features an informative narrator, immersive sound effects, and archival interviews with former workers and residents.

• Where: Visitor Centre, Cockatoo Island (meeting point)
• When: From 10am to 3pm daily
• Cost: $6

Free activities at Cockatoo Island (year round)

Here are some free activities that will help you and your little ones burn off some steam and extend your understanding of the largest island on Sydney Harbour.

• Talking Object Tour: Look out for the turquoise "Hello" signs inviting you to engage in a lively and informative text message conversation with some of our most iconic objects and landmarks.
• Kids activity book: Let your little explorers tap into their creativity with a free activity book, available from the Visitor Centre (while stock lasts). 
• Giant chess: Head to the island’s Eastern Apron to play a game on our giant, outdoor chess board, surrounded by Sydney Harbour!

Visit our extraordinary places on Sydney Harbour (year round)

Known for their natural beauty, layered stories and historic landmarks, each of our destinations are an opportunity for visitors to enjoy rewarding experiences against the backdrop of the world’s best harbour. From walking tracks and guided tours through to dining experiences, live music and seasonal events – there’s bound to be something for everyone.