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Cockatoo Island

Sydney

Copyright: Cockatoo Island/Destination NSW
DESTINATIONS australia sydney Do & See Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island

A short ferry ride from Circular Quay in the city centre is Sydney Harbour's largest island and one of Australia's most fascinating historical sites that's on the World Heritage list. Take an audio tour or self-guided journey and explore the island's convict and ship-building history. Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where you can stay overnight in what Lonely Planet described as "one of the world's most spectacularly located campsites".

Useful Information

  • Address: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
  • Phone: +61 2 8969 2100
  • More Info: www.cockatooisland.gov.au
  • More Info: Ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island.

Do & See

From enchanting national parks and tranquil gardens to fascinating museums and beautiful beaches, there's always something to explore and see in Sydney. You'll discover world-class attractions and delight in a ferry ride on Sydney Harbour. And many of the best sightseeing activities are free — all you need is a map, comfortable shoes, and your bus, train or ferry fare (you can get an Opal smartcard ticket to cover all three). Enjoy some of the Sydney locals' favourite places to go.

Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney Copyright: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash
Blue Mountains Day Trip from Sydney
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Sydney Harbour Bridge Copyright: Rodrigo Dawson - Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour Bridge
A Sydney icon, and known locally as The Coathanger, the impressive bridge has six million steel rivets and carries rail, bicycle, car, bus and pedestrian traffic across the harbour. It's 134 metres (440ft) from the water to top of the steel arch. The bridge is inspiring to look at, and even more exhilarating to …
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Big Bus Sydney & Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour Copyright: Clarinta Subrata/Unsplash
Big Bus Sydney & Bondi Hop-on Hop-off Tour
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Explore The Rocks Copyright: James Horan - Destination NSW
Explore The Rocks
Discover Sydney's convict history in the cobbled laneways near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The Rocks is where Britain began its colony in 1788. This is a picturesque destination, with a maze of sandstone courtyards, workman's cottages, elegant terraces and Sydney's oldest pubs. Discover vibrant weekend markets, theatres, cafés and bars, as well as several …
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Manly Ferry Copyright: Keith McInnes - Destination NSW
Manly Ferry
As a harbour city, Sydney has long relied on these grand old ladies - the Sydney Ferries - to criss-cross the sparkling waterways. Take the iconic Manly ferry across the harbour to Manly peninsular and stroll along the Corso to Manly Beach, where the first world surfing championship was held in 1964. Go for …
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Royal Botanic Garden Copyright: Royal Botanic Garden/Destination NSW
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden is an oasis of 30 hectares in the city. Wrapped around Farm Cove, from the Sydney Opera House to Woolloomooloo, the landscaped Garden is in one of Sydney's most spectacular positions and is home to an outstanding collection of plants from Australia and overseas. Wander through the garden, established in …
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Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Copyright: Destination NSW
Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
There's no better way to enjoy the beauty of the Sydney coastline than from the winding cliff walk between Bondi and Coogee beaches. These paths become a stage for whale watching between May and November, the backdrop for Sculpture by the Sea in October-November, and a year-round vantage point to watch surfers carve up …
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Darling Harbour Copyright: James Horan - Destination NSW
Darling Harbour
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Chinese Garden of Friendship Copyright: Manny Moreno/unsplash
Chinese Garden of Friendship
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Kings Cross Copyright: Anna Kucera - Destination NSW
Kings Cross
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Hyde Park Copyright: Robert Billington - Destination NSW
Hyde Park
Australia’s oldest park is 16 hectares of beautiful gardens in the heart of the city centre. Replete with 580 exotic and native trees, art works, monuments and water features, Hyde Park is a favourite lunch time spot, and hosts a number of cultural events such as the Night Noodle Markets for Good Food Month …
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Australian Museum Copyright: Stuart Humphries/Destination NSW
Australian Museum
Established in 1827 and the first in the country, the Australian Museum has an international reputation in natural history and in indigenous studies, research, community programmes and accessible, innovative exhibitions. View unique and extensive science and cultural collections, multimedia exhibitions of physics and of indigenous Australian culture and native animals. The permanent Dinosaur exhibition …
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Centennial Parklands Copyright: Destination NSW
Centennial Parklands
A short bus ride from the city centre, Centennial Parklands contain beautiful gardens, an entertainment quarter, 18-hole golf course, sporting fields, tennis courts, equestrian facilities and Fox Studios, which makes films. About 15,000 trees grow in Centennial Parklands' three parks: Centennial Park, Queens Park and Moore Park. Enjoy a picnic under one of the …
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Cockatoo Island Copyright: Cockatoo Island/Destination NSW
Cockatoo Island
A short ferry ride from Circular Quay in the city centre is Sydney Harbour's largest island and one of Australia's most fascinating historical sites that's on the World Heritage list. Take an audio tour or self-guided journey and explore the island's convict and ship-building history. Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where …
Read more
Museum of Sydney Copyright: Doug Riley - Sydney Living Museums/Destination NSW
Museum of Sydney
Built on the site of Australia’s first Government House, a stroll from Circular Quay in the city centre, the Museum of Sydney is a fascinating place to explore some of Sydney's dramatic history. The museum uses imaginative and interactive displays, like a miniature First Fleet, offering the visitor a journey back to the moment …
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