We offer indoor and outdoor event venues across 4 of our locations: Cockatoo Island, North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney and Georges Heights at Headland Park, Mosman.
The Turbine Shop features exposed steel beams, cathedral-like ceilings and sandstone detail. Its gritty industrial character will transport event attendees to the island's maritime era.
Capacity: 2,000 people (cocktail event) or 850 people (seated)
Size: 2,090m²
Toilets: There are facilities for 9 males and 6 females.
Accessibility: The Turbine Shop provides access for people with a mobility impairment. The nearest accessible toilets are located near the campground.
Image credit: Jordan Munns (Mode Festival).
The Naval Store is a ground floor waterfront venue offering impressive harbour and bridge views. The venue features a concrete floor and exposed timber truss ceilings, and there is the potential to use an adjoining outdoor area to extend your function space.
Capacity: 200 people (cocktail event) or 150 people (seated)
Size: 343m² (internal) and 100m² (waterfront area)
Toilets: There are facilities for 13 males and 8 females in Building 119, located a short distance from the Naval Store.
Accessibility: The Naval Store provides access for people with a mobility impairment. The nearest accessible toilets are located near the campground.
With sandstone walls, arched windows, exposed steel beams and original machinery still in situ, the Convict Workshops is a venue with immense character and raw beauty. It is an impressive and versatile space, suitable a variety of events and production requirements.
Capacity: 1,000 (standing) or 500 (seated).
Size: 773m²
Toilets: There are 6 male and 6 female toilets in the Turbine Shop.
Accessibility: The Convict Workshops provides access for people with a mobility impairment. The nearest accessible toilets are located near the campground.
Image credit: Team Event.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of a sheer cliff face, the Eastern Apron is a magnificent waterfront area offering eventgoers a breathtaking harbour view.
Capacity: Up to 5,000 people.
Size: 15,000m²
Toilets: Available. Demountables may be required based on population load.
Accessibility: The Eastern Apron has wheelchair access; however, owing to the island’s industrial heritage, there are uneven surfaces.
Image credit: Jordan Munns (Mode Festival).
Built for the Australian Navy, the T5 Camouflage Tank at Georges Heights, Headland Park is a relic from World War II. The bare internal space is ideal for art exhibitions and performances.
Capacity: Up to 200 people.
Size: 1,015m²
Toilets: Facilities for two males and four females nearby at Georges Heights Oval.
Accessibility: There are uneven surfaces and the path to the venue is gravel and very sloped. Care is required when accessing via wheelchair.
Boasting a distinctive red gravel surface, the Parade Ground is the centrepiece of the Barracks Precinct – a collection of Art Deco buildings that occupy a significant place in Australia’s military history. The Parade Ground is suited to an array of events including concerts, markets, exhibitions, filming and photography and team building exercises.
Capacity: Up to 2,500 people
Size: 7,920m²
Toilets: Public toilets are located at nearby Building 1.
Image credit: Night at the Barracks.
The Artillery Shed was an integral part of the School of Artillery and saw frequent use during the Second World War. Also referred to as the 'Hangar', this venue is 10 meters high and features two large sliding doors, which run on end-to-end on steel tracks. The shed has been restored by our volunteer team and is an ideal space for filming and photography, product launches and team building activities.
Capacity: Up to 200 people
Size: 391m² (internal) and 76m² (external)
Toilets: Public toilets are located next to North Fort Visitor Centre.
The Retort House was constructed between 1886 and 1887 for the conversion of coal to gas, which essentially involved heating the coal to a high temperature in chambers, called retorts. This venue is ideal for private/corporate events, exhibitions, music and theatre performances and more.
Capacity: 200 people standing or 100 people theatre style
Size: 304m²
Toilets: Public toilets are located nearby in Building 2.
The former Torpedo Factory has been revitalised as a contemporary precinct that provides visitors with different ways to engage with the area’s layered character. Choose from the Main Factory Floor, Terrace, Interpretation Walkway or Wirra Birra Park.
Capacity: 629m² to 1,433.5m² (depending on building)
Size: 50 to 800 people (depending on building)
Toilets: 2 accessible toilets are located in the Torpedo Factory Precinct.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and Owners of the lands, waters and sky of Sydney Harbour, including the extraordinary places we manage and protect. Today, the homelands of the Borogegal, Birrabirragal, Cammeraygal, Gadigal, Gayamagal, Wallumedegal and Wangal peoples host destinations under our stewardship. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging.
Learn more
Subscribe
View Cockatoo Island venue guide
