Known as Wareamah by the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal Peoples, Cockatoo Island is a former convict penal establishment and naval shipyard, located in the heart of Sydney Harbour.
Cockatoo Island is a source of intrigue and inspiration for visitors owing to its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain and panoramic views. Popular attractions include heritage and campground accommodation, waterfront cafés and picnic spots, guided history and paranormal tours, and exciting seasonal events. Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers, Cockatoo Island is just a ferry ride away.
Cockatoo Island has strong continued ties to the First Nations people, having served as a meeting place for the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the region prior to colonisation.
Meanwhile, the heritage buildings and distinctive terrain offer insights into the complex and layered history of the island’s former convict penal establishment, naval ship dockyard, and industrial school for girls and reformatory.
We will be taking the Sandstone to Steel Tour where we will be given a crash course in the storied history of Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour. This tour charts the changing face of Cockatoo Island.
As you visit key landmarks from bygone eras, our guide will reveal how they fit into the island’s historical narrative. They will also share anecdotes about a colourful cast of real-life characters, including convicts, wayward youths, and dock workers.
DATE: Thursday 23 February 2023
TIME: 10.45am – 12.00pm
10.45am – for an 11.00am start. Tour will last approx. 1 hour. However, there are numerous buildings to explore so if you’d like to stay longer after the tour, you are most welcome to do so.
Lunch: There are 2 cafes on the island. I will make a reservation at one of them when I have an idea of how many people will be joining us on this outing.
VENUE: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
COST: $16.00 – does not include transport to and from Cockatoo Island. Members should use their Seniors or Non-Seniors Opal Cards for this.
RSVP TO: Caren Trafford: [email protected] 0410991670
RSVP BY: 16 February 2023
PAYMENT OPTIONS: (e.g. Payable by the two payment options below)
Payment Option 1 (Preferred): By Credit Card through the Payments section of the website
Payment Option 2: Online (direct deposit) into the SWIC bank account
Account Name: SWIC Inc.
BSB No: 112-879
Account No: 431-019-281
Description: Cockatoo Island & your initial and surname
TRANSPORT: Getting there:
The easiest way to get to Cockatoo Island is by public ferry. The F3 and F8 services operate to Cockatoo Island daily, departing from Circular Quay and Barangaroo as well as from wharves along Parramatta River.
For further information, including timetables, visit the Transport NSW website. You can also visit Cockatoo Island by water taxi, private boat or kayak.
Please Note:
This is the Sandstone to Steel Tour on Thursday 23rd February 2023 at 11:00am. Our group will have a designated Cockatoo Island tour guide. Please meet outside the Visitor Centre about 15 minutes beforehand, ie. 10:45am.
Please note, all tour participants will be required to ensure that they:
- follow NSW Government Covid safety check in procedures and other Covid requirements necessary at that time
- maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres from others;
- are not unwell and have not had any COVID-19 symptoms in the last 7 days.
