Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

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Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, is an extraordinary foreshore site protected and managed by the Har Managed by the Harbour Trust.
(6868)

In 2010, Cockatoo Island’s Convict Site was inscribed
on the UNESCO World Heritage List with 10 other
convict sites nationwide. Remnant structures from
the island’s former penal establishment (1839–1869)
offer a window into a period when criminal offenders
were forcibly transported to Australia and put to
work on the colony’s building projects. Specifically, re-offending male
convicts were sent to

Cockatoo Island to alleviate overcrowding at
Norfolk Island Prison. Convict era structures include Fitzroy Dock, the Grain Silos, and Biloela
House as well as the buildings that comprise the Convict Precinct. Many
were constructed with – or excavated from – sandstone quarried on the
island by the convicts. Located on the plateau, the Convict Precinct
is part of Cockatoo Island’s broader Convict Site. Key landmarks in
the area include the Barracks, Mess Hall, Guardhouse, and Solitary
Confinement Cells. Learn more: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/our-story/

11/06/2026

Ignite those curious minds with our quirky Curious Tales Family Tour 🐑
You'll laugh and gasp as we introduce you to a weird and wacky bunch of real-life characters and creatures. Guaranteed entertainment for oddballs of all ages. Book now at https://buff.ly/OmyqozX

09/06/2026

Winter nights are calling ✨
Camp on the waterfront, enjoy a cosy campfire, and take in magical harbour sunsets.
Check out our camping packages at https://buff.ly/HA7YlCT

05/06/2026

Time is running out to experience Vivid from Cockatoo Island! Until 11 June, you can add a scenic harbour cruise to your accommodation booking. Plus: Enjoy 10% off your stay until 13 June, book now at https://buff.ly/sAZjZfS

03/06/2026

Last month, we opened the doors to the island’s Powerhouse for a series of exclusive tours as part of the Australian Heritage Festival.

More than 160 visitors stepped inside this usually closed space, uncovering the island’s dockyard history and the important role the Powerhouse has played since 1918.

A rare chance to go behind the scenes 👀

01/06/2026

Enhance your stay with us✨

Add something special to your next getaway with our curated experiences, available to book with your accommodation.

Highlights this long weekend:
🌟 Experience Vivid with a 90-minute harbour cruise
🎨 Paint, sip & stay with stunning harbour views

Book now at https://buff.ly/50mVPAD

29/05/2026

Have you spotted our Heritage Holiday Houses on the upper island? Originally built in 1916, these Federation-style homes once housed Cockatoo Island’s medical officer and engineering manager.

Each house sleeps up to 8 guests (with space for 4 additional guests) making them perfect for a unique weekend getaway on the harbour. Learn more: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/stay/houses-and-apartments/heritage-holiday-houses/

27/05/2026

Have you tried our new self-guided family tour? Across 8 exciting stops, you'll explore historic buildings, hear the First Nations story of Burriburri the whale, play a convict game and meet an ancient amphibian. Available from the Visitor Centre for just $5 per booklet. Learn more: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/whats-on/tours/family-tour-our-day-at-cockatoo-island/

25/05/2026

Planning a trip to Cockatoo Island? Don’t miss these sweeping harbour views from the upper island! 😍 Explore our half-day, full-day and overnight itineraries to make the most of your visit: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/visit-us/itineraries/

22/05/2026

Did you know the Fitzroy Dock (pictured) is the only surviving example, nationally, of a dry dock constructed by convicts? Completed in 1857, convicts working on the dock used their bare hands, were often in waist-deep water and were even in leg irons! ⛓️ Learn more: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/learn/island-history/working-harbour-and-industry/

20/05/2026

Thinking about booking a weekend stay on Cockatoo Island? Make the most of your visit by securing tickets for our brand-new guided after-hours tours! These new tours invite you to see Cockatoo Island in a way you never have before.

🔦 Dark Past Tour (15+)
🔦 Curious Tales Family Tour (all-ages)

From dark histories to wacky discoveries, there’s a tour for every kind of explorer! Learn more: https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/en/whats-on/tours/

Address

Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Sydney, NSW
2110

Website

http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/, https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/media/pnknv3ar/harbour-trust-social-media-terms-of-us

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