traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2025 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
Australia/Things to Do in Sydney, solo trip

Cockatoo Island (solo trip)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Solo-Friendly is Cockatoo Island?

88%Solo-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 88% Solo-Friendly: The cheap ferry, $6 audio handset, orienteering courses and wide photography loops give solo visitors a full day of flexible activity, and clear signage plus staff keep them safe on the old shipyard.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 747 reviews)
Cockatoo Island Historical Stay | Sydney Weekender
4 min
Start from:
0:00
Cockatoo Island Historical Stay | Sydney Weekender
7.4K views • 2 years ago
COCKATOO ISLAND SYDNEY AUSTRALIA 4K | Scenic Ferry Ride | Exploring Walking and Sightseeing Tour NSW
114 min
Start from:
0:00
COCKATOO ISLAND SYDNEY AUSTRALIA 4K | Scenic Ferry Ride | Exploring Walking and Sightseeing Tour NSW
5K views • 1 year ago
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia
11 min
Start from:
0:00
Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia
4.6K views • 2 years ago

Positives:

  • Small group tours: Join Island Highlights or Shipyard Tales tours to learn with fellow travelers.
  • Free interactive options: Use the Talking Object tour and orienteering courses to explore solo at your own pace.

Challenges:

  • Steep and uneven paths: Wear sturdy shoes—old dockyard surfaces and steps can be slippery when wet.
  • Limited ferry times: Plan around the ferry schedule; missing the last boat can delay your return to the city.
Cockatoo Island image 1
Cockatoo Island image 2
Cockatoo Island image 3
Cockatoo Island image 4
Cockatoo Island image 5
🏖️ Explore Cockatoo Island with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Cockatoo Island. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Cockatoo Island?

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Heritage-listed island in Sydney Harbour
  • A former convict penal settlement and colonial shipyard featuring sandstone barracks, workshops, and dry docks
  • An industrial archaeology landmark preserving 19th-century architecture, convict-era structures, and maritime infrastructure

What is so special about Cockatoo Island for solo trip?

  1. Explore convict-era buildings with a self-guided audio or interactive phone tour
  2. Capture unique industrial and harbour views along marked walking trails
  3. Join small-group guided tours for expert-led history in a solo-friendly setting
  4. Relax with harbour vistas at free BBQ facilities or café terraces
  5. Experience monthly steam crane demonstrations for a live industrial show

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Enough time to complete an audio tour, walk historic trails and relax at a harbour viewpoint without rushing.

(View Cockatoo Island on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Cockatoo Island

Talking Object & Animal Tour:

Scan ‘Hello’ signs to hear stories from objects and native animals at your own pace.

Tip: Start at the Visitor Centre and follow signs clockwise to avoid backtracking.

Self-Guided Audio Tour:

Rent a handset or use your device to follow 26 audio stops around the island.

Tip: Pay $6 at the Visitor Centre or $10 online via QR code—book online to save time.

Photography & Walking Trails:

Walk the lower loop through Convict Precinct, Turbine Shop and Biloela House for industrial and harbour views.

Tip: Pick up a free map and carry a wide-angle lens for tight industrial spaces.

Island Highlights Guided Tour:

Join a 60-minute small-group tour of convict and dockyard landmarks.

Tip: Book ahead online for weekend slots or ask at the Visitor Centre for weekday departures.

Steam Crane Demonstrations:

Watch restored steam cranes in action on the first Tuesday of each month.

Tip: Check dates at the Visitor Centre and arrive by 10:30 am for front-row views.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Cockatoo Island

  1. Book audio tour online: Purchase web-based audio tours before arrival to skip lines at the Visitor Centre.
  2. Catch the first ferry: Arrive early on the first morning ferry to avoid peak crowds and enjoy quiet trails.
  3. Pack snacks and water: Bring your own supplies since on-island cafés have limited menus and service hours.
🏖️ Tour Cockatoo Island like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Cockatoo Island. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Cockatoo Island

Powered by Google
haya tarazi

haya tarazi

Aug 2025

Had a brilliant day out at Cockatoo Island with family and friends! We grabbed a map and went on the stamp hunt—once we collected all six, we got a fun little sticker as a reward. Such a great way to explore the place! Tried the cheeseburger there and it was absolutely delicious. There were other food options like pizza and a few food trucks, though they were a bit pricey. Loved that there was a s...

Zeph

Zeph

Jul 2025

We took the short ferry trip from Barangaroo to a less crowded spot in Sydney Harbour. The remnants of this penal colony provide a stark contrast with modern architecture and skyscrapers across the waters. The establishment and grounds are well-preserved and worth an easy two hour stroll following the trail on visitor map. Audio commentary is available.

sam

sam

Jun 2025

Beautiful island!! Not a single cockatoo tho... it doesn't matter cause there's so much to do here. Alot of walking and exploring. You are immersed into the (very short) history of Australia. We hopped onto a ferry from Drumoyne to the island. The most interesting area was the convict prison section, it is a great insight into to the poor conditions that prisoners dealt with. Also!! Apparently the...

Tasmia Mariam

Tasmia Mariam

Mar 2025

It’s a beautiful place for a day trip with friends and family. There are only two cafes, so would recommend grabbing snacks and bites for the little ones if required or simply purchase from there. Great amount of history.

Korean Traveller

Korean Traveller

Mar 2025

Cockatoo Island was a fascinating place to visit! The mix of history, industrial ruins, and waterfront views made it a unique destination. Walking around the island, I could see remnants of its past as a shipyard and prison, which added to its charm. The open spaces and picnic areas were perfect for relaxing, and the harbour views were stunning. It’s also a great spot for camping or just a day tr...

When is the best time to visit Cockatoo Island (Sydney, Australia)?

Summer days can be hot—carry water and sun protection. Winter mornings bring clear views and smaller crowds.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Sydney on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Sydney ferry return ticketAUD 8.8
Audio tour (Visitor Centre rate)AUD 6
Light meal at island caféAUD 12
Total EstimatedAUD 26.8

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Cockatoo Island

Address: Cockatoo Island, New South Wales 2110, Australia

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Cockatoo Island (Sydney)?

← See other Things to Do in Sydney (solo trip)

About Cockatoo Island

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇦🇺 Australia, solo trip

Things to Do in Sydney, solo trip
Sydney
Things to Do in Melbourne, solo trip
Melbourne
Things to Do in Gold Coast, solo trip
Gold Coast
BrisbaneCanberraSunshine CoastGreat Barrier Reef AreaPerthAdelaide

🇨🇦 Canada, solo trip

Things to Do in Vancouver, solo trip
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, solo trip
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, solo trip
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawa

🇮🇪 Ireland, solo trip

Things to Do in Dublin, solo trip
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, solo trip
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, solo trip
Galway

🇬🇷 Greece, solo trip

Things to Do in Santorini, solo trip
Santorini
Things to Do in Athens, solo trip
Athens
Things to Do in Heraklion, solo trip
Heraklion

🇦🇹 Austria, solo trip

Things to Do in Vienna, solo trip
Vienna
Things to Do in Salzburg, solo trip
Salzburg
Things to Do in Innsbruck, solo trip
Innsbruck

🇯🇵 Japan, solo trip

Things to Do in Tokyo, solo trip
Tokyo
Things to Do in Osaka, solo trip
Osaka
Things to Do in Kyoto, solo trip
Kyoto
Mount Fuji AreaSapporoHakoneFukuokaNagoya

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Sydney, Australia

searching for