Autumn Fun At Heritage Destinations on Sydney Harbour

Rarely has there been a better time to rediscover the heritage destinations on Sydney Harbour. Owing to their natural beauty, heritage buildings and layered histories, the Harbour Trust's visitor destinations are a rich source of exploration and discovery including North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney, Headland Park in Mosman and Cockatoo Island on Sydney Harbour.

Tickets are available for a variety of the Harbour Trust’s tours including the Sub Base Platypus Walking Tour in North Sydney, the Defence of Sydney Tour at North Head Sanctuary, Manly and a program of tours including two new accessible tours, the World War II Shipyard Tour and the Lower Island Tour at Cockatoo Island.

Lower Island Tour 

As you explore lower Cockatoo Island, including the Turbine Shop, the towering Powerhouse's chimney and convict-built Fitzroy Dock, our knowledgeable guide will share stories and anecdotes that paint a vivid picture of the island throughout the ages. Suitable for less mobile visitors.

Where:  Meet at the Cockatoo Island Visitor Centre
When:  1pm - 2pm on select Saturdays
Cost:    Tickets available from $16
Age:      All ages

For further information about the Lower Island Tour, visit the Cockatoo Island website. 

World War II Shipyard Tour 

Learn about the contribution Cockatoo Island's dockyard made to the Allies’ war effort during the global conflict. A knowledgeable guide will delve into this fascinating slice of maritime history as you visit key landmarks including the Turbine Shop, Fitzroy and Sutherland Docks and the Slipways. 

There will also be a range of additional activities across the heritage sites during the school holidays, including learning programs for kids and a pop-up exhibition at Sub Base Platypus.

Where:  Meet at the Cockatoo Island Visitor Centre
When:  11:30am - 12:30pm on select Saturdays
Cost:    Tickets available from $16.
Age:      All ages

For further information about the World War II Shipyard Tour, visit the Cockatoo Island website. 

Remarkable: Stories of Australians and their boats

The historic Retort House at Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney will host a pop-up exhibition, Remarkable. It shares the stories of a dozen Australians who have lived and worked on the water, and showcases the special connection each has to their boat. Remarkable was produced by the Australian Maritime Museums Council, its members, and the Australian National Maritime Museum. 

Where:  120 High Street, North Sydney, NSW 2060
When:   1 April - 9 May, 8am - 4pm daily
Cost:    FREE
Age:      All ages

Unable to visit? Check out our FREE DigiTalks webinar (14 April) on Cockatoo Island’s Nautical School Ship era and check out Digital Harbour (NEW) to stay connected with us online. 

Getting To Cockatoo Island

Catching a public ferry is the easiest way to visit. Harbour City Ferries run regular services to Cockatoo Island every day of the week, departing from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, as well as from wharves along the F3 Parramatta River ferry route. You’ll find the latest ticket information, including prices, timetables and purchase locations, here.

You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak.

Tell them ellaslist sent you!