Cockatoo Island

Island Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

What to expect

Cockatoo Island, also known as Wareamah, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. The island has a rich history, having been used as a convict penal establishment from 1839 to 1869 and later as a naval shipyard. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, offering heritage and campground accommodation, waterfront cafes and picnic spots, guided history and paranormal tours, and exciting seasonal events. The island is also home to several heritage buildings, including prison buildings that have been World Heritage listed. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the harbour and the city, and the island is accessible for people with sufficient mobility. The island is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, which is revitalizing the island as a landmark harbour attraction with cultural events and heritage interpretation

Plan your family visit to the Cockatoo Island with these blog insights 👇

7 of our favourite places to scoot in Sydney

This family's experience:

Activities: We made a day trip to this scooter-friendly island to speed up, down, around and through its awesome hills and tunnels

Highlights: The kids loved speeding up and down the hills ✨

The Best Museums in Sydney to Visit with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We explored Cockatoo Island, learning about its convict and maritime history

Highlights: We enjoyed the island's unique history and the opportunity to take a guided history or paranormal tour ✨

Unique Ways to Explore Sydney With Your Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited Cockatoo Island and took a ferry from Circular Quay. We explored its historic buildings and had a chance to glamp

Highlights: We enjoyed the spectacular views across the harbour and the chance to explore a UNESCO convict site ✨