A Big Day Out at Cockatoo Island: The Ultimate Sydney Harbour Adventure for Families
- Family
All Ages
If you are on the hunt for family adventures that are big on fun and light on your wallet, set your sights on Cockatoo Island. This spectacular slice of history in the middle of Sydney Harbour offers family-friendly activities, exciting tours and unbeatable views all year round, including during and outside the school holidays.
Whether you’re making a day of it or camping overnight, there’s plenty to keep little explorers busy, including a brand-new self-guided family tour aimed at kids aged 6 to 10.
A Big Day Out at Cockatoo Island: The Ultimate Sydney Harbour Adventure for Families
Free to explore all year round, Cockatoo Island is the ultimate hidden gem in the middle of Sydney Harbour. Once families step off the ferry (following an easy, scenic ride), they’ll be transported back in time thanks to a series of jaw-dropping historic spaces and landmarks, including a former convict jail (1839-1869) and dockyard (1857-1992). Throw in a program of informative tours, family-friendly outdoor cafes and sprawling picnic spots, and you’ll quickly realise this UNESCO World Heritage-listed site is a recipe for a great day out…whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart!
Our Day at Cockatoo Island: A New Self-Guided Tour
Say hello to Cockatoo Island’s newest family adventure: Our day at Cockatoo Island is a hands-on, self-guided tour that’s perfect for curious kids aged 6 to 10. With the help of a vibrant, beautifully illustrated booklet, young adventurers (with a grown-up in tow) will follow the pink cockatoo ground stickers they spot around the island and enjoy 8 activity-packed stops.
Along the way, kids will meet a whale named Burriburri as well as an ancient amphibian. Plus, they’ll learn to communicate like a sailor, get creative with drawing and writing, play like a convict and uncover stories from the island’s incredible past.
Available in English and Simplified Chinese, the $5 booklet includes a tour map, stop-by-stop details, a pencil, and even a pair of colourful paper flags to wave as you go.
Head to the Visitor Centre between 10 am and 4 pm to pick up your copy of Our day at Cockatoo Island, and while you’re there, grab a limited-edition 'I visited Cockatoo Island' tote bag for $12 to keep everything in one handy place!
Take A Tour These Holidays To Win a Camping Stay
Winter School Holidays are the perfect time to explore Cockatoo Island. Not only is it a hive of adventures, but every purchase of the Our day at Cockatoo Island family tour booklet puts you in the running to WIN a basic camping package voucher! The more booklets your family grabs, the more entries you’ll receive (so bring the cousins, friends or neighbours along for the ride!) The winner will be announced by Friday 25 July 202, so plan your visit, grab a booklet (or two…or more), and cross your fingers for a night under the stars on Sydney Harbour! T&Cs apply.
More Fun For Families on Cockatoo Island
Cockatoo Island is brimming with other fun activities for all ages, all year round - and many of them are free. As your kids encounter incredible landmarks from its convict and dockyard eras, they’ll get to imagine what it was like to be a convict, a shipbuilder... or even a steam crane operator! On that note, you can see one of the island’s massive Iron Giants in action on the first Tuesday of every month – a true highlight for machine-obsessed kids and history buffs.
Pack a picnic and head up to Biloela Lawn for one of the best views in Sydney, or let the kids run wild on the sprawling green spaces. Bring a ball or kite – there’s plenty of room to move! More of a scooter family? There’s plenty of pavement to scoot along!
Need a break? Stop by the Marina Café & Bar or Cockatoo Overboard for an ice cream, snack or a hot chocolate recharge.
To make the most of your visit, check out Cockatoo Island's Family Itineraries webpage for inspiration on how to plan your big day of adventure!
Dive Deeper with a Family-Friendly Guided Tour
Cockatoo Island's guided tours are available on weekends (plus select weekdays throughout the winter 2025 school holidays) and they’re suited to kids who are 10+.
Tours include the Island Highlights Tour, the Convict Prison Tour, and the Shipyard Tales Tour, each offering a deeper look into the island’s rich (and sometimes weird!) past.
Camp Overnight On Sydney Harbour
Turn your Cockatoo Island day trip into a family staycation! The island’s waterfront campground offers a range of affordable options, from BYO tent spots to basic camping packages with pre-erected tents. For a little more space and comfort, the deluxe two-bedroom package includes two tents with a sheltered table area – perfect for families with older kids.
Camping on the island gives you more time to explore, stargaze, toast marshmallows at the fire pit, and enjoy the island once the day trippers have left.
Getting To Cockatoo Island is a Breeze
It’s easier to get to Cockatoo Island than you might think! Simply hop on a ferry from Circular Quay, Barangaroo or along the Parramatta River. For the quickest route, take the F3 ferry from Barangaroo and you’ll be on the island in under 10 minutes. Ferries run daily, and the journey is part of the adventure with stunning views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House along the way. Plan your ferry trip to Cockatoo Island.
Whether you're looking for an easy day out or a short family getaway, Cockatoo Island is your one-stop destination for family fun, with plenty to see, do and learn. Plan your big day out at Cockatoo Island.
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