Cockatoo Island
A major venue of the Biennale of Sydney since 2008 Cockatoo Island hosts 120 works by 56 artists Just 20 minutes by free ferry from Circular Quay.
This year 56 Biennale artists take over Cockatoo Island – the largest island in Sydney Harbour and Australia’s most unusual urban park. A former prison and shipyard, it retains many remnants from its past. Its convict-built prison buildings have been nominated for World Heritage listing.
Spend a few hours or a day exploring the exhibition at this wonderful location – bring a picnic or visit the island’s cafés.
The Biennale of Sydney also provides free daily tours of Cockatoo Island, departing from the Education Hub under the ‘Meeting Point’ sign at 11.30am and 1.30pm weekdays, and 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm weekends.
Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site and hazards such as uneven surfaces and hazardous voids do exist. A number of buildings are darkened and require extra vigilance and a number of buildings will not be accessible by wheelchair. The ferry to Cockatoo Island is not accessible by wheelchair from the Commissioner’s Steps departure point. Visitors using a wheelchair must board at the Pier 2/3 departure point.
Cockatoo Island , Sydney Harbour
Access by free ferry from Commissioner’s Steps, Circular quay (outside MCA) and Pier 2/3 see free ferry timetable for more information
Open daily 10 am – 5 pm
For the comfort and safety of everyone on the island, please follow the Island Etiquette:
- no alcohol to be brought onto the island
- no portable BBQs or lighting of fires
- no smoking in buildings
- do not bring animals onto the island (except guide dogs)
- do not enter construction areas
Address: Cockatoo Island Sydney, New South Wales
Hours: 10 am - 5 pm
Phone: (02) 8969 2100
Website: www.cockatooisland.gov.au
Transport Information:
A free ferry service leaves hourly every weekday and every half hour on weekends, starting from 10 am from the Commissoner’s Steps outside the Museum of Contemporary Art. This shuttle service will return to Circular Quay from the island via Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay. Last departure: 5.30 pm.
See the free ferry timetable for more information.