The warmer weather and sunny days are the perfect excuse to get outside and explore the marvels of Sydney Harbour
A great place to discover is Cockatoo Island. Located at the heart of Sydney Harbour and surrounded by the waters of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, it’s a perfect getaway to enjoy nature and discover part of the heritage and history of the nation.
During the 60,000 years prior to European settlement, Cockatoo Island was a meeting place for Sydney’s First Nations peoples, who know it as Wareamah. It was later reshaped to be a former convict gaol and shipyard in the heart of the Harbour.
Some of the popular attractions of this site are the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Convict Site, waterfront cafés, guided tours, camping and heritage accommodation.
Part of the many activities that the island has to offer to its visitors are the free live music shows on the third Sunday of the month at the Marina Café.
Now in its third year, the Sunday Sessions will take place on 20 October, with other shows to follow on 17 November and 15 December. And although the event is free, bookings are encouraged to reserve a place.
Beth Commins, venue manager, says the cafe started the monthly event to connect with the local communities as well as support up-and-coming local artists.
“We realised that a lot of (people in Sydney) either had never been to Cockatoo Island or their only trip was when they went to a school camp years ago. We wanted to expand our reach from not just tourists, but to these valued community members who are so close by so that they too can appreciate the amazing place that is Cockatoo Island.”
From pop and RnB to jazz singers, there will be lots of entertainment. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, a cold beer and great tunes. There will also be games for kids and families. It’s the perfect way to finish a day spent exploring the sites of Cockatoo Island.
How to get to Cockatoo Island
- Public ferries are the easiest way to reach the island.
- The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay, Barangaroo and from wharves along Parramatta River.
- For information and timetables visit the Transport NSW website.
- You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi or private boat.
And there is much to find on the island. You can explore it by foot and discover the heritage steam cranes and Convict Site Precinct which provides a window into the period when the island was a gaol.
Keep an eye out for the turquoise ‘Hello’ signs. As you chat with key objects, you’ll hear stories and gain insights into the island’s First Nations, convict and maritime narratives, or look up for the talking cockatoo sign, scan the QR code, type in a question – and receive an answer.
The dramatic landscapes and panoramic views can also be enjoyed overnight, as the island offers many options to spend the night, including camping.
So prepare yourself for an adventure and surround yourself, your family and friends with the natural beauty of Cockatoo and let the history of the island surprise you.
For more activities, bookings and information, visit cockatooisland.gov.au
