Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit an island that has been a convict prison, a naval base, a shipyard, and a cultural venue? If so, then you should definitely check out Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage listed island in Sydney Harbour that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and fun.
Cockatoo Island is the largest island in the harbour, and it has a rich and fascinating past that spans over two centuries. You can learn about the island's convict and shipbuilding eras, and see the relics and exhibits that showcase the island's heritage. You can also enjoy a variety of activities and attractions on the island, such as camping or glamping on the waterfront, relaxing at the island bar, playing chess or corn hole, visiting the biennale of Sydney, and witnessing the spectacular sunset views.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to visiting and exploring Cockatoo Island. We will tell you how to get to the island, where to stay on the island, what to do on the island, and some tips and tricks to make the most of your trip. Whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, Cockatoo Island has something for everyone. So, let's get started!
How to Get to Cockatoo Island
The easiest and most scenic way to get to Cockatoo Island is by ferry from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, or Barangaroo. The ferry ride takes about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on your departure point, and it runs every day from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm. You can check the ferry timetable and fare information on the Transport NSW website.
Taking a ferry ride to the island is not only convenient, but also enjoyable. You can admire the stunning views of the harbour and the city skyline, and spot other landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You can also take some amazing photos and videos along the way.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also get to the island by kayak, canoe, or boat. However, you will need to book a berth or a mooring in advance, and pay a fee. You can find more information on the Cockatoo Island website.
Where to Stay on Cockatoo Island
One of the best things about Cockatoo Island is that you can stay on the island overnight, and experience the island's atmosphere and charm. There are different accommodation options on the island, ranging from camping to glamping to holiday houses and apartments. You can choose the option that suits your budget, preference, and group size.
Camping
If you are looking for a budget-friendly and adventurous option, you can pitch a tent and camp on the island. You can bring your own tent and equipment, or hire them from the island. You can also book a package that includes a tent, a sleeping mat, a sleeping bag, a chair, and a lantern. The camping area is located on the waterfront, and it has a campfire, a communal kitchen, a shower, and a toilet. You can enjoy the views of the harbour and the city lights, and listen to the sounds of the water and the wildlife.
Glamping
If you are looking for a more comfortable and luxurious option, you can opt for glamping on the island. Glamping is like camping, but with more amenities and style. You can stay in a spacious and stylish tent that has a bed, a fan, a fridge, and a private deck. You can also access the shower and toilet facilities, and the campfire and kitchen area. You can relax on your deck, and watch the sunrise and sunset over the harbour.
Holiday Houses and Apartments
If you are looking for a more private and cozy option, you can rent a holiday house or an apartment on the island. You can choose from a range of options, such as the heritage houses, the contemporary apartments, or the historic cottages. You can enjoy the features and facilities of each option, such as the fully equipped kitchen, the living room, the bathroom, the bedroom, and the balcony. You can also appreciate the architecture and design of each option, which reflect the island's history and character.
You can book your accommodation on the island online, by phone, or by email. You can also check the availability and prices on the Cockatoo Island website. The prices vary depending on the season, the option, and the duration of your stay. You can also find some special offers and discounts on the website.
What to Do on Cockatoo Island
There are plenty of things to do on Cockatoo Island, whether you are interested in history, culture, or fun. You can explore the island's convict and shipbuilding relics, visit the biennale of Sydney, relax at the island bar, play chess or corn hole, and enjoy the sunset sessions. You can also join a guided tour, or take a self-guided tour, to learn more about the island's past and present.
Convict and Shipbuilding Relics
One of the main attractions on the island is the convict and shipbuilding relics, which tell the story of the island's role in the convict and shipbuilding eras. You can see the remnants of the prison buildings, such as the barracks, the mess hall, the guardhouse, the hospital, the solitary confinement cells, and the administration building. You can also see the remains of the shipbuilding and repair facilities, such as the docks, the slipways, the cranes, the workshops, and the powerhouse. You can also see the models, photographs, documents, and artefacts of the shipbuilding industry on the island.
You can join a guided tour of the convict and shipbuilding relics, which are offered daily at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. The tour lasts for about 90 minutes, and it costs $16 for adults, $10 for children, and $40 for families. You can book your tour online, by phone, or by email. You can also take a self-guided tour of the convict and shipbuilding relics, which are available for free on the Cockatoo Island website. You can download the audio guide, the map, and the brochure, and follow the signs and markers on the island.
Biennale of Sydney
Another attraction on the island is the biennale of Sydney, which is a major international contemporary art exhibition that takes place every two years. The biennale of Sydney showcases the works of artists from around the world, and it transforms the island into a creative and cultural hub. You can see the exhibitions and installations on the island, and experience the art, the ideas, and the stories of the artists. You can also attend the events and programs on the island, such as the talks, the workshops, the performances, and the screenings.
The biennale of Sydney is usually held from March to June, and it is free and open to the public. You can check the dates, the venues, the artists, and the schedule on the biennale of Sydney website. You can also download the app, the map, and the guide on the website.
Island Bar
If you are looking for a place to relax and have a drink and a snack on the island, you can head to the island bar, which is a waterfront bar that offers a range of beverages and food. You can choose from a selection of beers, wines, cocktails, soft drinks, and water. You can also order some pizza, burgers, fries, salads, and desserts. You can enjoy your drink and food on the deck, and listen to some live music or DJ sets. You can also admire the views of the harbour and the city, and feel the breeze and the sun.
The island bar is open from Friday to Sunday, from 12 pm to 8 pm. You can check the menu and the events on the island bar website. You can also book a table or a function on the website.
Chess and Corn Hole Games
If you are looking for some fun and games on the island, you can play chess or corn hole on the island. Chess is a classic board game that involves strategy and skill, and you can play it on a giant board with oversized pieces on the island. You can challenge your friends or family, or join a game with other visitors. Corn hole is a popular game that involves tossing bean bags into a hole on a wooden board. You can play it on the island, and have some friendly competition and fun.
The chess and corn hole games are available for free on the island, and you can find them near the camping area. You can also borrow some equipment from the visitor centre, or bring your own.
Sunset Sessions
One of the best things to do on the island is to enjoy the sunset sessions, which are a series of events that celebrate the beauty and the magic of the sunset on the island. You can watch the sky and the water change colours, and see the city lights sparkle. You can also listen to some live music, poetry, or storytelling, and join some activities, such as yoga, meditation, or painting. You can also have a picnic, or order some food and drinks from the island bar.
The sunset sessions are held on selected dates, usually from 5 pm to 7 pm. You can check the dates, the performers, and the activities on the Cockatoo Island website. You can also book your tickets online, by phone, or by email. The tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for children, and $60 for families.
Tips and Tricks for Visiting Cockatoo Island
To make the most of your trip to Cockatoo Island, here are some tips and tricks that you should keep in mind:
- The best time to visit Cockatoo Island is from September to May, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the island is less crowded. You can also visit the island during the winter months, but you will need to bring some warm clothes and a raincoat.
- The island is open every day from 6 am to 11:30 pm, and you can visit the island for as long as you want. However, if you are staying overnight, you will need to check in and check out at the visitor centre, which is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The island is accessible for people with disabilities, and it has ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. You can also borrow a wheelchair or a mobility scooter from the visitor centre, or bring your own.
- The island is family-friendly, and it has a lot of activities and attractions for children, such as the playground, the giant chess board, the corn hole game, and the biennale of Sydney. You can also borrow some games and toys from the visitor centre, or bring your own.
- The island is pet-friendly, and you can bring your dog or cat to the island, as long as they are on a leash and under your control. You can also bring some food and water for your pet, or buy some from the island bar or the cafe. However, you will need to clean up after your pet, and dispose of the waste in the bins provided.
- The island is eco-friendly, and it has a lot of initiatives and practices to reduce its environmental impact, such as recycling, composting, solar power, and water conservation. You can also help the island by following some simple rules, such as using the bins provided, avoiding littering, and saving water and electricity.
Conclusion
Cockatoo Island is a unique and amazing destination that you should not miss when you are in Sydney. It is a place where you can experience the history, the culture, and the fun of the island, and enjoy the views and the vibes of the harbour and the city. Whether you are looking for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, Cockatoo Island has something for everyone.
