Shipyard Tales Tour

One of our most popular attractions is the historic dockyard, which dates to Cockatoo Island’s turbulent convict era. Operational from 1857 to 1992, it contributed significantly to Australia's maritime affairs – before, during and after both world wars.

On this tour, you’ll visit key landmarks with our guide – including the convict-built Fitzroy Dock, the cathedral-like Turbine Shop and Sutherland Dock – and learn how the dockyard evolved across the span of 135 years.

But you won’t just hear about the ships and submarines built, converted or repaired here. No, we’ll also introduce you to the island’s iconic ‘iron giants’ and tell fun and thrilling tales! You’ll learn about a beloved budgie named Trevor, a ‘funny’ fossil discovery, a daring armed robbery and the unionists who fought not just for better worker rights… but the very fate of the dockyard.  

This accessible tour takes place exclusively on the lower island, making it an ideal activity for less mobile visitors.

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


• Day and time: Sundays at 11:00am.


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

• 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.

• 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 suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.


• 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.

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

• 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.