Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

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Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour

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Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, is an extraordinary foreshore site protected and managed by the Har Managed by the Harbour Trust.
(6841)

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/

30/10/2026

Today is World Teacher’s Day. We take this opportunity to commend the incredible teachers who inspire curiosity in school students and bring learning to life every day. We're also excited to announce bookings are now open for our new education programs at Cockatoo Island / Wareamah, launching in Term 1, 2027.

Aligned with the updated K-6 HSIE and NSW History 7-10 syllabuses, these curriculum-linked experiences include educational tours and object-handling sessions led by specialist education guides.

Available for Stages 2, 3 and 5, with adaptable content for other learning stages.

Learn more and make a booking https://buff.ly/8AeLF9K

29/10/2026

The Daring-class destroyer HMAS Vampire (II) was launched from Cockatoo Island’s No 1 Slipway on 27 October 1956 – 70 years ago this week!

Built at the island’s dockyard, it was one of the largest destroyers constructed in Australia. This was the beginning of a new era of shipbuilding. Workers adopted innovative techniques including the use of all welded hulls. Today, the vessel is maintained as a floating exhibit by the Australian National Maritime Museum.

To learn more about HMAS Vampire and its connection to our historic dockyard, check out our ‘How to build a ship’ audio tour at https://buff.ly/Vl1pyIO

Image: Daring-class destroyer, Unit 1 and 2 prior to turning. 1 July 1952. John Jeremy Archive, courtesy of the Jeremy Family.

28/10/2026

What an incredible weekend celebrating First Nations culture, dance and community at DanceRites 2026.

As a proud sponsor of the festival, we were delighted to welcome First Nations dance groups from across Australia to Cockatoo Island / Wareamah, providing accommodation and a place to connect as they gathered for this year's festival.

From powerful performances to the sharing of stories, traditions and cultural knowledge, DanceRites once again showcased the richness and diversity of First Nations cultures and the strength of community coming together.

Image credit: DanceRites welcome reception on Cockatoo Island, Bebeloa Brennan.

26/10/2026

WIN 1 OF 4 DOUBLE PASSES 🚢

This weekend, travel through 3 locations and 3 chapters of HMAS Vampire (II)'s history in this special guided round-trip experience developed in collaboration with the Australian National Maritime Museum and Harbour Trust.

Step aboard HMAS Vampire (II) for a guided experience at the Australian National Maritime Museum and follow the remarkable 70-year journey of ‘The Bat’ from naval warship to museum vessel.

After exploring HMAS Vampire, cruise Sydney Harbour on the historic Harman before heading to Cockatoo Island, where you'll discover the story behind the ship's construction.

Led by experts from the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Harbour Trust, this exclusive tour brings Sydney's naval and shipbuilding history to life.

📅 Sunday 1 November, 10am to 1pm

For a chance to win a double pass, sign up to our newsletter at https://buff.ly/ODqPLbK

We'll draw 4 lucky winners to receive a double pass each. Competition closes 27 October 2026. ⚓

📷 Image credits:
Australian National Maritime Museum (ANMM) collection
Bat flag gifted to ANMM by Norman Cooke

20/10/2026

Don't miss the debut of our newly restored historic vessel, FMB Sydney, at this year's Balmain Regatta and Workboat Convoy on the 25th of October.

Celebrating Sydney Harbour's rich maritime heritage, this much-loved annual event brings together an extraordinary flotilla of historic and working vessels. Watch the action from Cockatoo Island or head to Balmain for the official festivities with live music and a BBQ.

Find out more at https://buff.ly/Z2mb68a

09/10/2026

POV: You stayed for sunset. ✨

📍 Cockatoo Island

22/09/2026

BYO tent and get a front row seat to the Sydney Harbour fireworks this New Year’s Eve!

Our NYE 2026 camping experience includes a 2-night stay plus activities and entertainment.

BYO tent options available from $590.

Be quick, spots are limited and selling out fast. Book now at https://buff.ly/b0W3pXi

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

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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