Cockatoo Island Open Day

Mark your calendars: Cockatoo Island Open Day is on Sunday 4 May. It's an action-packed day of free family activities spread across the beloved, UNESCO World Heritage listed destination.

Cockatoo Island Open Day

Families are invited to journey through the layers of history at Cockatoo Island and, for one day only, take a sneak peek inside its award-winning accommodation. That’s right – you’ll get to explore the island’s charming houses and apartments as well as its deluxe tents. Plus: Families who attend Open Day will gain access to exclusive discounts on their next stay!

Free Family Activities

Bring the whole family for a day packed with free activities! To coincide with the theme of the Australian Heritage Festival this year, Unearthed, there will be a range of talks that not only illuminate Cockatoo Island’s history but also raise awareness of its marine environment, including its White’s seahorse colony. These include a special talk by the heritage architect who rediscovered the island’s long-lost, convict-era Solitary Confinement Cells.

Open Day will also be abuzz as attendees enjoy live music, dance lessons, food stalls, and – of course – activities for kids (and kids at heart). In addition to kite-flying and convict-era games, the island’s Stamp-a-thon Challenge – a smash hit at last year’s Open Day – will make a return! As part of the challenge, young adventurers will explore the island from top to bottom, looking for special stamps. Collect all 6 to earn a funky cockatoo sticker!

Steam Crane Demonstrations

Be sure to check out the historic steam crane demonstrations. They’re a rare chance to step into the era when steam power ruled and see one of the island’s ‘Iron Giants’ in action… and up close! Parents and kids alike are guaranteed to be awed by the towering metal behemoths.

Heritage Boat Rides

For a unique experience, ride the Sydney Heritage Fleet's 1902 steam tug Waratah to Cockatoo Island, just like the dockyard workers of the past. Tickets available from $12.

You can also enjoy a special heritage boat ride around Cockatoo Island, departing from Camber Wharf at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm & 2 pm. Tickets available from $10.

Limited spots are available aboard the Waratah, so reserve your tickets before they sell out.

Exclusive Accommodation Offers

Explore Cockatoo Island’s historic accommodation and waterfront campground – and unlock an exclusive discount on your next holiday!

OOpen Day visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to save on their island getaway. Just attend the open house and tent showings to gain access to a special accommodation discount.

Getting To Cockatoo Island

The quickest and easiest way to access the island is aboard the fast ferry from Barangaroo. It only takes 9 minutes. Ferries also travel to Cockatoo Island from Circular Quay as well as wharves along Parramatta River. Please allow extra time the open day is expected to be very popular!

Where:    Cockatoo Island
When:     Sunday 4 May 2025 | 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cost:       Free entry. Boat rides from $10.

For more information and to register your attendance, visit the Cockatoo Island Open Day.

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