Just a short ferry ride from the city, Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) is layered with accessible history. Long before European settlement it was a gathering place for the Wareamah people. From 1839 to 1869, it became a convict prison where inmates endured harsh conditions of scorching summers and frigid winters, and their guards hardly fared better. From 1857 to 1992, the island became one of Australia’s key shipyards – its workers’ perilous contributions largely overlooked in the nation’s maritime history.
Discover Cockatoo Island through a guided or self-guided audio tour that brings each era to life. Choose from themes covering the convict years, shipbuilding heritage or an all-in-one highlights route.
A spooky tunnel passes clear through the middle of the island and you can also explore the remains of the prison. During WWII most of the old sandstone buildings were stripped of their roofs and converted into bomb shelters. Solitary confinement cells were unearthed here after being filled in and forgotten in the 1890s.
The convict tour suits families with older kids, while the shipyard tour is wheelchair accessible. Tech-minded visitors can also interact with digital characters scattered around the island, each revealing stories from Wareamah’s past.
Allow half a day to explore and enjoy lunch at one of the island’s two restaurants. To dive deeper and tick each tour off your list, stay overnight and camp on the northern foreshore. While you can BYO tent, the ones provided have decently comfortable cots. It’s one of Sydney’s most unique and affordable waterfront stays. If you prefer to sleep with a roof overhead, book into one of the heritage houses or apartments, some with Harbour Bridge views.
