Convict Precinct Tour - On-demand group tour

Our Convict Precinct Tour is available as an on-demand group tour at 11am between Monday and Friday. Note: A minimum of ten people per booking applies.

Discover Cockatoo Island’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Convict Precinct with our 60-minute tour of the upper island. During the Convict Precinct 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. You’ll also hear about the history of the island’s former shipbuilding yard, industrial school for girls and reformatory.

Would you prefer to purchase individual tickets for our regularly scheduled Satuday tour? Click here.

Quick overview

• Cost: $26 per adult, $16 per child and $16 per concession holder.Minimum 10 persons per group.


• Days & Times: Monday to Friday at 11am.


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

Important information 

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


• NSW COVID Safe check-in: All visitors must check in to Cockatoo Island via the NSW COVID Safe Check-in app.


• Vaccination passport: All visitors must show their Vaccination Passport in line with NSW Health restrictions.


• Social distancing: While on Cockatoo Island, we ask you to be aware of, and comply with, social distancing guidelines.


• Room capacity signage: In line with health recommendations, we have included room capacity signs in some of our enclosed spaces. We kindly ask you to comply with capacity limits.


• Face masks: We ask that you follow NSW Health guidelines and wear a facemask over your nose and mouth when in enclosed areas on Cockatoo Island.


• Illness and isolation: If you feel unwell, please stay home. Further, if you have been asked to isolate due to illness, please do not attend the tour. Email us confirmation of your isolation to receive a refund.

Content and mobility 

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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.


• Ranger and Security: 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.