[2025 Woolwich Attraction] Travel Guide for Cockatoo Island (Updated Mar)

Was surprisingly convenient to get to, I thought it would be extremely difficult to get to seeing it’s a separate island but it only took a short 7 minute ferry ride from Barangaroo Wharf to Cockatoo Island. I went there on New Year’s Day which I was surprised it was even open on a public holiday. The Island offered bookings for people to camp there to see the 9pm and midnight NYE fireworks (bet it had spectacular views while welcoming a brand new year!) A great location for a picnic day by the ocean and could even site see historical buildings and heritage. Travel back in time and journey through the island’s convict and shipyard eras. The island is open 7 days a week and free admission.

#australiatrip Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sydney Harbour, offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and stunning waterfront views. Once a convict prison and later a major shipyard, the island is now a unique destination for exploration, camping, and events. Visitors can wander through historic sandstone buildings, tunnels, and dry docks, learning about Australia’s maritime and colonial past. The island also hosts art exhibitions and festivals, adding a modern touch to its heritage charm. Easily accessible by ferry, Cockatoo Island is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay, offering a mix of history and relaxation.

Cockatoo Island is also known as Cockatoo Island. You need to take a ferry from Sydney's circular Quay to get there. Because the schedule is different, you can find which platform to get to on site. You can buy the ferry ticket directly or with an Opal card or credit card. I used a credit card so I don't know how much it costs. But you don't need a ticket to enter the island. There are shipyards and old prison facilities on the island, and there is also open camping (the bathroom facilities are not very good, so you need to think twice). From 1839 to 1869, Cockatoo Island operated as a penal institution, primarily as a place of secondary punishment for criminals who reoffended in the colony. From 1857 to 1991, Cockatoo Island operated as a shipyard and was home to one of the largest shipyards in Australia. I heard that a lot of tourists are now allowed to visit, but I seemed to be the only non-Australian person when I went there🤔 That day, I was leaving Sydney for the Gold Coast. When I checked out early in the morning and didn't know where to go, this attraction suddenly opened up. I went there without thinking about anything. It was a good experience to just go. People who like monuments and nature can try it. Don't leave any regrets in your life, do your want to do, even if you don't have any idea, few years later, you will thank yourself for you made a right choice #sydney

Bondi Beach 🏄‍♂️ Catch the waves or bask in the sun at Bondi Beach, Sydney's iconic seaside hotspot. With its clear blue waters and vibrant atmosphere, it's the perfect place to chill with an ice cream or watch the surfers do their thing. Just a bus ride away from the CBD, Bondi is the ultimate city escape! 📍Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia Manly Beach 🌅 Hop on a ferry to Manly Beach and find yourself amidst bustling weekend markets and stunning sunset views. This beloved beach offers a slice of paradise with its scenic walks and luxurious homes. Whether it's for a refreshing swim or a leisurely stroll, Manly is a must-visit! 📍New South Wales, Australia Cockatoo Island 🏝️ Step back in time on Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history as a convict prison and shipyard. Explore the industrial relics and enjoy a picnic with a view. Whether you're into industrial archaeology or just looking for a unique day out, this island won't disappoint! 📍Woolwich NSW 2110, Australia Watsons Bay 🌊 Watsons Bay, the edge of Sydney, offers breathtaking sea views and a serene escape. Whether you're looking to relax to the sound of the waves, enjoy a seaside café, or try your hand at fishing, this picturesque bay has it all. Plus, it's just a ferry ride away from Circular Quay! 📍New South Wales 2030, Australia Bronte Beach 🏖️ Bronte Beach is a gem with its pristine sands and family-friendly Bronte Baths. Ideal for a day of sunbathing away from the crowds, it provides a picturesque setting for a perfect beach day. With ample amenities and a nature walk leading to a secret waterfall, Bronte is a local favorite. 📍Bronte NSW 2024, Australia #Sydney #SydneyAttractions #Australia #AustraliaTravel

In Sydney, there was once a prison island specifically for exiling prisoners - Cockatoo Island. The small island has many historical relics, including cells, solitary confinement rooms, cellars, tunnels, and a huge granary. It also preserves a large number of industrial relics, dilapidated factories, and abandoned docks. Nowadays, these abandoned factories have a unique flavor, and it's not a bad idea to come here to take a set of post-modern heavy metal photos. It has now transformed into a fashionable art island and is a good place for many Sydneysiders to relax, camp, and unwind on weekends.