Dark Past Tour

Secrets. Scandals. Skeletons... Cockatoo Island has its fair share of all three. Discover for yourself with our intrigue-filled Dark Past Tour.

As day bleeds into night, you'll visit iconic landmarks and buildings from different eras, including the convict workshops, Dog Leg Tunnel and Biloela House. Plus, our guide will blend history with mystery to captivate your imagination!  

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Quick overview

• Cost: $26 per adult, $16 per child (12 & under) and $16 per concession holder. Companion Cards are accepted.


• Day and time: 6:30pm to 8pm, select Saturdays


• Meeting point:  Outside the Visitors 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.


• Accommodation: If you are considering booking accommodation with us and wanted to embark on a guided tour during your stay, please check tour availability first. We cannot always guarantee tours will run during your stay and on dates that have not been advertised. As tours can sell out, we recommend booking tickets at the same time as accommodation. Further, we will not be accountable for any loss and disappointment associated with booking accommodation for a date or dates where either your preferred tour has not been confirmed or tickets have sold out. 

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, wet weather clothing (if needed) and a torch (phone flashlights are adequate).

Getting here and home

• 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.