Cockatoo Island is hosting an open day and it’s the ideal weekend getaway for history and nature lovers. The largest island in Sydney Harbour will open its doors to the public on Saturday, July 20 from 10am to 3pm allowing visitors to explore its heritage accommodation and waterfront camping and experience the UNESCO world-heritage listed site in all its shimmering splendour for one day only. There are a variety of free activities and experiences on offer, including:
- Experience the on-site accommodation offerings with exclusive discounts available on the day for future bookings.
- Harbour Trust guide led discussions at attractions such as the Turbine Shop, Convict Prison and heritage dockyards.
- Historic steam crane demonstrations and exclusive behind-the-scenes restoration workshop tours.
- Talks, workshops, and educational previews about marine restoration work on the island.
- A dinosaur fossil hunt for kids along with fun facts about the reptiles.
Find the full program here.
To make it extra fun, Sydney Heritage Fleet’s 1902 steam tug vessel Waratah will take visitors to and from the island on an exclusive ticketed sailing experience with tickets priced at $20 per adult and $10 for kids aged between 4 and 12 years.
Cockatoo Island has a rich and storied history that spans over two centuries from first being a convict prison to today transforming into a world-class recreational space offering waterfront camping, live music sessions, and guided history tours. It’s also popular for its ghost tours given its long history and secluded location and also offers plenty of seasonal activities.
Admissions to the open day are free but registrations are encouraged, make yours here.