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.
(6856)

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/

03/09/2026

Bring in 2027 with a celebration to remember✨

Enter the Cockatoo Island NYE ballot for a chance to stay in one of our unique holiday houses or apartments, including the newly available Dock Master's Residence.

With spectacular views the NYE fireworks on Sydney Harbour and a minimum 4-night stay, it's the perfect place to celebrate with family and friends.

Enter the ballot at https://buff.ly/KlAJK4K

The ballot closes at 2pm AEST on 16 September.

28/08/2026

Be the first to hear about our New Year’s Eve accommodation experience! ✨

Our ballot for Cockatoo Island's charming heritage houses and apartments opens soon. Shortly after, we'll release our New Year's Eve camping packages, offering a rare chance to wake up on Sydney Harbour.

Ring in 2027 in spectacular style, with front-row views of the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks from the heart of the harbour.

Sign up to our NYE mailing list to be first in line when bookings open https://buff.ly/KfZbZDx

21/08/2026

For History Week, step into the stories of Cockatoo Island / Wareamah. We’re running 3 of our tours at additional times so you can uncover the people, events and moments that shaped this remarkable place on Sydney Harbour.

From convicts and dockyard workers to wayward youths, uncover the stories that shaped the island and left their mark on its historic landscape.

Book now at https://buff.ly/zxK6mp2

Pictured:
1. Engineering projects: Four men standing with a large ship propeller, 1940
2. Cockatoo Island, 23 February 1944
3. Two Cockatoo Island convicts writing a letter, 1849
4. Soldiers embarking for war, 18 August 1914

History Council NSW

13/08/2026

Celebrate Dad with an unforgettable day on Sydney Harbour! 💙
Father’s Day Picnic Day is coming to Cockatoo Island, with live music, lawn games, fun challenges including rock climbing, delicious food and kids activities.
📅 Sunday 6 September 2026
⏰ 11am–3pm
📍 Cockatoo Island
Book your picnic at https://www.amaconnect.com.au/fathersdaypicnic

12/08/2026

Building 10, the historic Estimating and Drawing Office, was part of Cockatoo Island’s remarkable 135-year shipbuilding and repair legacy. That story began in 1857 with the opening of the convict-built Fitzroy Dock.

Located on the upper island, the building underwent significant conservation works, completed in 2024. Guided by archival photographs, five colours were identified and carefully recreated, bringing this important building’s original character back to life.

10/08/2026

Guess what? You can chat with a historic object from Cockatoo Island's celebrated dockyard era... the once-mighty Keel Bender!

In its heyday, this powerful machine bent steel plates to form a ship's keel, one of the vessel's most important structural components.

Curious to learn more? On your next visit, scan it's QR code and discover the stories this dockyard giant has to tell.

31/07/2026

Happy World Ranger Day! Today we thank our amazing Cockatoo Island rangers. From protecting the island’s rich heritage to welcoming visitors, sharing knowledge and keeping everyone safe, their work makes a difference every day.

30/07/2026

returns to Cockatoo Island on 4 October, now with on-island accommodation. Stay overnight, wake up to Sydney Harbour, skip the late ferry, and make a whole weekend of it.

Learn more at https://buff.ly/Bvv7znk

26/07/2026

Meet Susie, the leader of Cockatoo Island's infamous sheep gang 🐑

When dockyard workers and their families lived on the island, sheep helped keep the grass trimmed and often became beloved pets. But some were a little more mischievous.

Susie and her woolly accomplices earned a reputation as some of the island's most "baaad" residents.

Learn their story on our Curious Tales Family Tour at https://buff.ly/MimBL1G

24/07/2026

BYO tent and sleep under the stars in the heart of Sydney Harbour ✨

Find out more about camping on the island at https://buff.ly/CaOu7UM

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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