Cockatoo Island

Located at the junction of Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers, Cockatoo Island contains naval dockyards, convict structures, and industrial buildings across multiple levels.

From 1839 to 1869, Cockatoo Island operated as a penal establishment, later transforming into Australia's largest shipbuilding facility during the twentieth century.

The island preserves authentic convict-era structures and maritime industrial facilities, reflecting the evolution of Australian corrections and naval engineering systems.

Visitors reach the island via regular ferry services from Sydney Harbour, with the site remaining open 24 hours and offering camping facilities.

The island maintains two dry docks: the Fitzroy Dock completed by convicts in 1857 and the larger Sutherland Dock finished in 1890.

Location: New South Wales

Elevation above the sea: 10 m

Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible

Website: http://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/about/index.html

Operator: Transdev Sydney Ferries

Part of: Australian Convict Sites, Sydney Harbour islands

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: http://cockatooisland.gov.au/about

GPS coordinates: -33.84548,151.17344

Latest update: September 27, 2025 15:20