Cockatoo Island Power House & Pump House

Cockatoo Island Power House and Pump House is an industrial building on an island in Sydney Harbour built with rounded arches, brick walls, and sandstone details typical of its period. The structure contains machinery and electrical systems that once powered the dockyard operations on the island.

The facility was built in 1918 to replace an earlier pump station and supply power to the military dockyard that operated on the island. It served as one of Australia's largest electricity generating plants at that time.

The building reflects how early 20th century Australia harnessed electricity and water power for industrial work through its original equipment and machinery still visible inside. Visitors can observe the practical engineering that made the dockyard operate effectively.

To visit, take a ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island where the site is located. Guided tours are available to explain the engineering features and help you understand how the facility operated.

The power station chimney stands out with its square base and decorated upper section that can be spotted from various points across the harbour. This distinctive element makes it recognizable among the island's industrial structures.