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

#summervacay Cockatoo Island was unlike anything else. I took a short ferry ride and stepped into a living museum of tunnels, cranes, convict buildings, and eerie silence. I roamed the sandstone cliffs, lay on the grass overlooking the harbor, and even toured some old shipbuilding yards. If I had more time, I would’ve camped overnight. It’s industrial, historic, and totally atmospheric—like discovering a piece of Australia few others talk about. #summervacay

#summervacay One of Sydney’s must-visit spots, right next to Darling Harbour, is Cockatoo Island — the city’s only large-scale industrial heritage site that’s completely intact and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site! This fascinating island was originally a convict prison, with intact prison cells, solitary confinement rooms, dungeons, tunnels, and huge granaries. Up until 1991, it served as Australia’s core shipbuilding hub, constructing and repairing numerous naval and commercial vessels — all perfectly preserved as if frozen in time. Spending a day here feels like stepping back into the last century! And for movie buffs, it’s also famous as the mutant laboratory of General Stryker in The Wolverine movie. Getting There: Catch a ferry from Circular Quay or Darling Harbour — just one stop from Darling Harbour to Cockatoo Island. Cost: Free entry! Explore history, film magic, and breathtaking views all in one place — Cockatoo Island is a Sydney gem you can’t miss! #CockatooIsland #SydneyHistory #WolverineMovieSpot #UNESCOHeritage #IndustrialHeritage #SydneyHiddenGems

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

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Tunnel 1, also known as the "Straight Tunnel", has reopened after being closed due to structural and safety issues since June 2020. Shipping containers have been placed in the tunnel for safety reasons. Anyone visiting Cockatoo Island can stop by to visit the tunnel. #SydneyTravel #Australia #Sydney

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck The Historic Residence Precinct on Cockatoo Island is a collection of historic houses preserved by the government. They were originally the homes of people who lived and worked on the island during its years as a shipyard and prison. The area has several restored residences that have been carefully preserved to reflect their original condition and use.

#GetDiscountsWithoutLuck Another popular camping spot in the heart of the city, located on Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, where you can see the river, the city and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 📄 There are many facilities in the camping spot. There are tents to choose from at various prices, ranging from $50 to $375. There are toilets and showers (with hot water). For anyone visiting Sydney and wanting to camp and enjoy nature, we recommend this place.

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

Cockatoo Island✨ This island is a former prison camp floating in Sydney Harbour, Australia😳 The scenery was beautiful! There were various facilities, and explanations were written on them! When I visited, there were no tourists at all, and it was a strange feeling as we were the only ones there in a very large space♪ We went to the island by boat, and the scenery was so beautiful that it was fun to go there and back♡

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.