Summer School Holiday Fun At Cockatoo Island

Looking for something a little different to do with the kids these Summer School Holidays? Cockatoo Island is a magnificent island in the middle of Sydney Harbour which not only represents an important part of Australian history, it offers guided tours, picnic spots, cafes, and amazing views of Sydney Harbour.

There's so much to do, you may even want to stay overnight!

Crooked Characters Tour

Learn about the charlatans, rogues, thieves and cut-throats that once populated Cockatoo Island, with the FREE Crooked Characters Tour. This hour-long guided tour takes families on a hilarious and fascinating journey through the island’s colonial and recent history. 
When:    Saturday 5, 12 & 19 January 2018; 1pm
Cost:      FREE

No.2 Travelling Steam Crane 

The kids will be amazed by this! Installed on Cockatoo Island during the early 1900s, the No. 2 Travelling Steam Crane is amongst the oldest surviving examples of its kind in Australia. The crane has since been restored and you can get up and close at one of the steam crane demonstrations.
When:     Saturdays 12 January & 20 April 2019; 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
Cost:       FREE

Family Ghost Tours

Secrets. Scandals. Skeletons... Be brave and explore the history and atmospheric landmarks of Cockatoo Island. Every Saturday evening from 7pm, you can join an all-ages Haunted History Tour.
When:     Saturdays from 7pm
Cost:       FREE

Activities

Grass Court Tennis
Located on the upper island, with stunning views of Sydney Harbour, our grass tennis court will make you feel like the king or queen of swing!
Cost:        $20/hour

Outdoor Basketball
Shoot some hoops and practice your dribbling at our harbour-side basketball court, located a short distance from the ferry wharf.
Cost:       Basketballs can be hired from the Visitor Centre for $5

Novelty-size Chess
Play a game on our giant, outdoor chess board, surrounded by Sydney Harbour! Head to the island’s eastern apron, it’s your move! 

Sunset Sessions

Every Saturday evening, from 10 November 2018 to 16 February 2019, home-grown musical heroes will take to our stage on Biloela Lawn to perform original acoustic tunes. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Sydney Harbour, with food and refreshments for purchase from the Marina Café & Bar, Sunset Sessions offers the ideal escape this summer.
Where:     Biloela Lawn, Upper Island
When:      Saturday 10 November 2018-16 February 2019 (except 22 Dec, 29 Dec and 26 Jan); 5-7pm
Cost:       $25 per adult; FREE for kids 12yrs and under

Staying

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a stay at Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour! There are a number of popular and quality accommodation options, which include beautifully restored heritage holiday houses as well as the world’s first urban waterfront campground. 

Getting There

Ferry: 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.

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

Car Parking at Ferry Wharfs: If you’re catching a ferry, you’ll find plenty of on-street parking close to the wharves at Woolwich, Greenwich, Chiswick, Huntleys Point, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. The Valentia Street wharf at Woolwich is the closest stop to Cockatoo – it’s just a five-minute ferry ride away and has unmetered parking so you can stay all day.

There's so much to do at Cockatoo Island, you'll want to stay a couple of nights to explore the whole Island or make a few visits back over the holidays.

For more information, visit the website.

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