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All 516 Sydney Attractions »

Cockatoo Island

Woolwich, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
+61 (0)2 8969 2100
Ranked #49 of 302 attractions in Sydney
4.0 of 5 stars 45 Reviews
Type: Islands
Fee: No
Owner description: Visit the largest island in Sydney Harbour and explore its convict prison and remnants of its shipbuilding past, cranes, towers, dry docks and houses....... more » Owner description: Visit the largest island in Sydney Harbour and explore its convict prison and remnants of its shipbuilding past, cranes, towers, dry docks and houses. The impressive sandstone convict structures have been nominated for listing on UNESCO's World Heritage List. You can book a tour of Cockatoo Island or explore it at your leisure on a self-guided walk. Or you can pitch a tent and camp on an island in the middle of Sydney Harbour. « less
Useful Information: Bathroom facilities
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45 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    20
    16
    4
    2
    3
Date Rating
Balmain, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

Our family (2 adults, 2 children 3 & 6) recently had a wonderful glamping experience on the island. We stayed in May and had a truly memorable experience staying on the island, even though we only live a 15 minute ferry ride away! The Island's picnic and camping areas are immaculate and with Sydney Harbour views everywhere you turn, the... More

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Helensburgh, Australia
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 2, 2012

We did a one night "Glamping Package" which involved staying in a very comfortable conditions tent, with everything required was supplied. Great views of the city harbour, and on the following day we took a audio tour of the island, which explained the history of the island as a shipyard. More

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Paris, France
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 25, 2012

The best time to go is during the Sydney Biennale (international art celebration) when the old warehouses and tunnels etc. become "galleries" for an extensive display of contemporary art. The spaces are perfect for video installations and the trip out by boat, the nice cafe they put on, the gorgeous outlook across the harbour - make it a fantastic day... More

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See 6 more reviews by Philostratus for Sydney
australia
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2012

Cockatoo Island is the largest Island in Sydney Harbour and easily accessed by ferry. It has had a varied history, firstly being a prison, then dockyards then in 1871 became a reform school for girls. During WW2 it became the main ship repair facility in southwest Pacific. Today you can visit for the day or stay overnight. Events take place... More

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See 8 more reviews by dianne004500 for Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 6, 2012

Lots of concrete and ugly sheds. Those that like maritime history may find it interesting More

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See 53 more reviews by juelsM for Sydney
Sydney
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 28, 2012

It was an absolutely stunning day, so that helped. Had a guided tour around the island with Amanda. Very knowlegable guide and very professional. There were audio tours available too, but I didn't listen. The amazing thing was the variety of accommodation options, which I didn't know about. Bring a tent or stay in a huge edwardian house. All reasonable... More

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See 7 more reviews by sqms for Sydney
Ryde, Australia
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 21, 2012

Spent a day on Cockatoo Island lately and what a treasure right under our noses. Plenty of Australian History either on a guided tour or a self guided tour with headpones. The Camping would be a great idea to spend more time there. But truly a fantastic day. More

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See 10 more reviews by Julie M for Sydney
Sydney, Australia
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 9, 2012

If the weather is good, you have a spare day and you are looking for a place to hang out - then cockatoo island is worth checking out. Note that you need to set aside at least half a day to go there as you will need to catch a ferry from circular quay and make sure you have a... More

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See 14 more reviews by nitalo for Sydney
Sydney
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 8, 2012

We have been several times across on the ferry from Woolwich. Last school holdays we took our two grandsons. They had their razor scooters and loved going in and out of the tunnels. Great location for photos of Sydney. More

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See 3 more reviews by wharatah for Sydney
North Sydney, Canada
Senior Contributor
33 reviews 33 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 1, 2012

The event venue and the history spectacular areas surrounding the Island More

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See 26 more reviews by phppl for Sydney

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