I love to get away for my birthday weekend. If I’m not travelling overseas, I prefer to explore somewhere new within Sydney. Last year, we decided to spend my birthday weekend on Cockatoo Island—a secluded gem in the middle of the beautiful Sydney Harbour.

Cockatoo Island has a varied past. It was first known as an Aboriginal meeting ground before it became a site of a convict gaol from 1839 to 1869 and a major shipbuilding and repair facility from 1857 to 1992, and dock workers supported the Allied powers during both World Wars. Additionally, between 1871 and 1911, the island hosted educational institutions for boys and girls. These included an industrial training school for girls, a reformatory for young women and nautical school ships for boys.

Where to Stay?

For my birthday treat, I splurged on the Deluxe Waterfront Camp. These luxurious camping setups come with a key and a lantern, making you feel like you are escaping to a peaceful paradise. I booked online well in advance, as only two of these exclusive suites are available. The package includes a double bed inside a pre-erected 4m dome tent, bedding, toiletries, towels, deck chairs, lounge cushions, a welcome drink, and a snack pack. It was pure luxury and well worth the extra dosh. Compared to the other campers lugging around trolley wagons full of gear, we had to pack very little.

All campground bookings are non-refundable, so be sure about your dates before committing. Also bookings cannot be changed within five days of your arrival.

The Deluxe Waterfront Camp area is powered from 6 am to 6 pm, a nice perk. You can choose from various accommodations, such as Deluxe Waterfront Camping, Deluxe Camping, or if you are jsut after something simple and cheaper, there are grass sites where you can bring your own setup; just dont forget the tent pegs as it gets quite windy. There are also historic residences available to book for the night, including the Fire Station Studio, Heritage Holiday Houses, Harbour View Apartments, and Garden Riverview Apartments.

What’s the Deal?

Getting to Cockatoo Island is relatively easy. You can catch the river cat from any wharves along the Parramatta River or hop on the F3 and F8 ferries from Circular Quay or Barangaroo. Check-in is from 2 pm at the Visitor Centre, and check-out is by 10 am the following day.

Where to Eat?

The island has two cafes: Cockatoo Overboard and The Marina Cafe and Bar. If you prefer the DIY style, there’s also a Campground Kitchen where you can use a fridge, BBQs, microwave, toaster, sink, and covered seating. Be aware that the kitchen closes at 10:30 pm. Remember to pack your supplies and utensils if you plan to use the BBQs. Alternatively, you can order a BBQ Pack up to two days before your trip.

A quick heads-up: you can’t bring alcohol onto the island, but you can purchase it from the bars.

What to See?

There’s plenty to explore on Cockatoo Island. Walk around and visit the Ship Design Precinct, Industrial Precinct, Convict Precinct, Dog Leg Tunnel, Basketball Court, Croquet Lawn, and Giant Chess. You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Harbour Bridge and the city skyline. Head up to the island’s upper plateau for the best sunrise views.

The island offers a variety of activities, including historical tours and live music on select dates—check their schedule to see what's on. If you’re camping, the campground campfire is lit around 7 pm every night, or you can catch a movie in the island's cinema. Kids' movies are screened at 6 or 7 pm, while M and M15+ movies play at 8 or 9 pm. There’s a late-night scary movie session at 11 pm on Friday and Saturday nights for adults only.

If you’re into peace and quiet, keep in mind that while the quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am, this isn’t always easy to enforce—especially with kids running around late at night or early in the morning. We experienced some noise from a function across the water, where music seemed to carry across the harbour all night. If you're looking for a couple's getaway, be aware that the noise from kids can be a bit disruptive. However, this shouldn't be an issue if you love children or don’t mind the late-night commotion. Also, keep in mind the time of year—camping in extreme heat or cold is never fun!

How Long Do You Need?

An overnight stay was enough for us, but if you prefer to stay longer, there’s plenty to explore and relaxing is always good.

Extras

Lockers are available for hire on the island if you need to store your belongings securely during your visit.

There are a few blocks of toilets and showers that have a timer and limit.

If you’re looking for a unique and relaxing getaway, Cockatoo Island offers a fantastic experience under the stars. It’s definitely worth considering for a special occasion or a weekend escape.

Have you been to Cockatoo Island before? Feel free to share your insights and experiences by leaving a comment below!