School Holiday Activities at Cockatoo Island

What to Expect

Escape the usual routine and dive into a fun-filled day at Cockatoo Island, just a short ferry ride from Barangaroo or Circular Quay. This historic island offers a variety of engaging activities perfect for families, including guided and self-led tours, steam crane demonstrations, and waterfront camping. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring the island’s rich history and stunning harbour views.

Discover the brand-new Family Tour booklet, which takes you through eight exciting stops featuring historic buildings, First Nations stories, and interactive games. Whether you prefer to wander at your own pace or join a guided tour, there’s something for every interest and age group.

From outdoor adventures like flying kites on the Eastern Apron to cozy campfire marshmallow toasting for campground guests, Cockatoo Island blends education and entertainment seamlessly.

What to Expect

- Explore historic convict and dockyard sites through self-led or guided tours.

- Participate in the Family Tour booklet activities, including storytelling and games.

- Witness a steam crane demonstration showcasing the island’s dockyard heritage.

- Enjoy waterfront camping options from budget-friendly BYO tents to deluxe pre-erected tents.

Activity Details

The Family Tour booklet is available daily from 10:00 to 16:00 for $5 and includes fun tools like pencils and paper flags. Guided tours run Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, costing from $20 per person, with midweek tours during school holidays only.

Special events include the NAIDOC Week Dharawal language workshop on 2025-07-11 from 10:00 to 11:00, and a steam crane demonstration on 2025-07-01 from 10:30 to 13:30. A photography workshop for kids is available on 2025-07-14 and 2025-07-15, costing $90 per person.

Waterfront camping is available year-round starting at $50 per night. Campground guests can enjoy marshmallow toasting by the campfire and participate in family-friendly events like NRL by the Harbour on 2025-07-19 with discounts on camping.

Location and Access

Cockatoo Island is located in Sydney Harbour and is accessible by a 9-minute ferry from Barangaroo or a short ride from Circular Quay. The island features wheelchair access, toilets including accessible facilities, vending machines, barbeques, showers, and free Wi-Fi.

Families can enjoy picnic spots with harbour views at the Eastern Apron and Biloela Lawn. There is also a harbour-side basketball court near the ferry wharf where you can bring or hire a basketball.

For convenience, lockers with power outlets are available for device charging, and the Visitor Centre offers souvenirs like tote bags and Junior Ranger Hats.

Important Information

The island’s terrain includes uneven surfaces and some stairs, so visitors should proceed at their own pace for safety. Campfire use is restricted to campground guests only, and marshmallows can be purchased at the Visitor Centre.

Special offers include a 10% discount on camping for the NRL by the Harbour event on 2025-07-19 and 2025-08-30 using promo code Footynight25. Booking in advance is recommended for workshops and guided tours.

Please note that some activities require booking via email or online, and quantities for souvenirs are limited.

Booking and Prices

- Family Tour booklet: $5, available daily 10:00–16:00

- Guided tours: from $20, available Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun

- NAIDOC Dharawal workshop: from $10, on 2025-07-11 10:00–11:00

- Steam crane demo: free, on 2025-07-01 10:30–13:30

- Photography workshop: from $90, on 2025-07-14 and 2025-07-15

- Waterfront camping: from $50 per night, year-round

- Sunday morning yoga: $15, on 2025-07-20 and 2025-08-31 at 09:00

- Tote bags: $12, daily 10:00–16:00

- Junior Ranger Hat: $25, daily 10:00–16:00

Bookings for certain activities can be made online or via email. Discounts and promo codes apply for select events and camping stays.