Convict Prison Tour

Discover Cockatoo Island’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Precinct with our 60-minute tour of the upper island.

During the Convict Prison Tour, our guide will lead you through the turbulent history of the island's former penal establishment, stopping at iconic landmarks including the Mess Hall, Barracks, Guardhouse, Military Officers Quarters and Solitary Confinement Cells. 

Interested in arranging the tour for a group of friends or family? Request a private group tour.

Quick overview

• Cost: $26 per adult, $16 per child and $16 per concession holder. Companion Cards are accepted.


• Day and time: Saturdays at 1:30pm.


• Meeting point: The tour starting location is outside the Visitor Centre.

Important information 

• To ensure the safety of participants and Harbour Trust staff, at the discretion of the Harbour Trust, any participant(s) who appears intoxicated, disruptive or displays consistently unsafe behaviour, will not be permitted to take part in the tour, and / or may be asked to leave the tour at any time. Refunds will not be provided.


• Weather conditions: Tours will proceed regardless of weather conditions except in the event of dangerous weather. Participants will be notified via email if the tour is cancelled, and under these circumstances, a full refund will be issued.


• Cancellation / Rescheduling: The Harbour Trust reserves the right to cancel, reschedule or alter tour dates and routes at its discretion. In instances where tours are cancelled or rescheduled, the Harbour Trust will endeavour to contact all pre-booked ticket holders, within a reasonable amount of time prior to the scheduled tour date and time. If the tour is cancelled by the Harbour Trust at its discretion, the Customer may contact the Harbour Trust and reschedule or seek a refund.

Content and mobility 

• First Nations peoples: Our First Nations community are advised that this tour contains stories (and may contain images and/or visuals) of deceased persons.


• Site conditions: This tour is not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters due to uneven surfaces and the requirement to climb stairs and ascend rises.


• Safety: All visitors must comply with the safety directives issued by guides, rangers and security staff.


• Age restriction: People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring

• Suitable walking shoes and wet weather clothing (if needed). 

Getting here

• For information about getting here, including by public transport, see: Visit Cockatoo Island. 

Eat and drink

Cockatoo Island features 2 family-friendly cafés – Marina Cafe & Bar and Cockatoo Overboard – both of which are licensed to serve alcohol and operate 7 days a week. Reserve a table for your group or pre-order a meal to enjoy either before or after your tour. See: Eat and drink.

Additional mid-week tours

From 10 December 2024 until 31 January 2025 (excluding public holidays), we're offering additional Convict Prison Tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, along with our usual weekend tours. 

• 11am to 12pm, Mondays


• 11am to 12pm, Tuesdays


• 3pm to 4pm, Wednesdays


• 1pm to 2pm, Fridays