Cockatoo Island (Wareamah) in Sydney Harbour is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site offering a mix of history, stunning harbour views, and accommodation. Key activities include exploring convict-era prisons and shipbuilding docks, taking audio or guided tours, camping/glamping, and visiting waterfront cafes. Entry is free, with the visitor centre providing maps and, if necessary, booking information for, tours.
The cockatoo island is just a 20 min ferry ride away from Curcular Quay and is worth visiting if the convict history interests you. Even if it doesn't, the island offers spectacular views of the harbour and surroundings. We have taken a guided tour that lasted about 2 hours with a very knowledgeable guide.
Cockatoo Island / Wareamah is a former convict gaol and shipyard located in the heart of Sydney Harbour. Popular attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site, waterfront cafes, tours, camping, heritage accommodation and exciting seasonal events like our New Year's Eve celebrations.
Recent use and activities. The island is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust which is also responsible for seven other lands around Sydney Harbour. The Harbour Trust is revitalising the island as a landmark harbour attraction with cultural events and heritage interpretation.
Unbroken. Unbroken – directed by Angelina Jolie, had a number of scenes filmed on Sydney's Cockatoo Island. The island had to be transformed into a prison of war camp set in winter.
17 Things Tourists SHOULD KNOW Before Visiting Australia 2025 (Don't Visit Without Knowing This!)
Was Harry Potter filmed in Australia?
The famous Quadrangle at the University of Sydney, which has become a hit with misguided tourists. It's not totally unreasonable — the USyd buildings have been noted as having a bit of a Hogwarts vibe. But not a single scene in any of the popular films was actually shot in Australia.
Take a short break in one of our luxury houses or apartments or camp overnight on the harbour's edge in what Lonely Planet described as “one of the world's most spectacularly located campsites”. Cockatoo Island is now open daily and entry is free. The Visitor Centre is open from 10am-4pm daily.
Don't litter as it's illegal in Australia. Especially don't throw a cigarette but from your car window as many bushfires are caused by this. Don't ride a bike without a helmet. Don't go in the sun without sunscreen; the sun rays in Australia can be adangerous for your skin.
While specific visitor numbers vary, the Sydney Opera House & Sydney Harbour consistently rank as Australia's most famous and visited tourist icons, drawing millions to its iconic architecture and surrounding waterfront, alongside natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru, and vibrant cities like Melbourne and Brisbane.
Popular attractions include the UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Site, waterfront cafes, tours, camping and heritage accommodation. Known to Sydney's First Nations peoples as Wareamah, Cockatoo Island is just a short ferry ride from Sydney's CBD.
Sydney Ferries operates a ferry from Circular Quay, Wharf 5, Side B to Cockatoo Island Wharf, Side A every 15 minutes. Tickets cost $7–10 and the journey takes 29 min. Captain Cook Cruises also services this route hourly.
Sydney is most famous for: Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney Opera House. Amazing zoos (Taronga & Sydney Zoo) -Iconic Beaches (Bondi, Coogee, Manly to name a few)
General comparisons: Median Income: The median Australian income is around $72,000 annually. Decent Wage: A decent benchmark for a good salary is generally considered to be between $90,000 and $108,000.
As stated, bull shark encounters in Sydney Harbour are infrequent but have involved both sightings and rare attacks, primarily during the warmer months when sharks are most active.
The crème de la crème of Sydney beaches – those awarded a Very Good grade – include Nielsen Park, Maroubra Beach, Camp Cove, South Curl Curl, Palm Beach, Whale Beach, Newport Beach, Bilgola Beach and Avalon Beach. Crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and (statistically speaking) minimal risk of swallowing anything nasty.
