Cockatoo Island - Aboriginal Name Wa-rea-mah
About Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour. It's one of Sydney's great places to visit, big, surprising, entertaining. Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers, Cockatoo Island is a former imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory and gaol. It is also the site of one of Australia's biggest shipyards during the twentieth century. The first of its two dry docks was built by convicts and was completed in 1857. The island's maritime industrial activity ceased in 1992.
Today Cockatoo Island retains many remnants of its past. Its prison buildings have been nominated for World Heritage listing, along with other convict sites around Australia. Large workshops, slipways, wharves, residences and other buildings retain the texture of the island's industrial past. The island boasts a campgroun, a bar and two cafes. Regular exhibitions and art installations are a feature of the island.
Guided tours of the island are scheduled on Sundays at 11.15 and 1.15, and at any time for groups of 20+. There is also a great audio tour for only $5 which you can take any time and follow at your own pace. Find out about Cockatoo Island tours and more at the Cockatoo Island website.
Cockatoo Island Water Taxi Tours
To get there call us on 1300 426 829 and one of our water taxis will pick you up from anywhere in Sydney Harbour. Explore this intriguing place at your leisure then we can transport you on the next leg of your harbour adventure. We also offer private boat charters on Sydney Harbour, which can includ visiting Cockatoo Island.
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