Cockatoo Island

For the first time, this year the Biennale takes over Cockatoo Island – the largest island in Sydney Harbour and Australia’s most unusual urban park. A former prison and shipyard, Cockatoo retains many remnants of its past. Its prison buildings have been nominated for World Heritage listing, along with other convict sites around Australia. For this year’s Biennale, 35 artists are utilising buildings and sites across the island. Spend a few hours exploring the exhibition at this wonderful location. A free ferry service leaves hourly every day between 9.45 am and 4.45 pm from the Commissioners Steps outside the Museum of Contemporary Art and from Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay. This shuttle service will also return from the island. Last departure 5.15 pm.

• Hours:

  Daily, 10am to 5pm
  Admission is free.
  Free Ferries from Commissioners Steps, Circular Quay and Pier 2/3.

• Phone:

  (02) 8969 2100

• Website: www.cockatooisland.gov.au

Transport Information:

The Biennale of Sydney free ferry shuttle service to Pier 2/3 and Cockatoo Island departs from the Commissioners Steps at Circular Quay. The Commisioners Steps are located outside the Museum of Contemporary Art. The free service runs 7 days a week throughout the exhibition. Click here for the Timetable.

Please note: A paid ferry service to Cockatoo Island is also available via Sydney Ferries from Wharf 5, Circular Quay as an alternative travel option. Click here for paid Sydney Ferries service timetable.

Safety on the Island
Cockatoo Island is a former industrial site. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visitors are requested to wear appropriate footwear and comply with all signage on the island. We ask that you mind your step and beware of hazards. Please do not walk backwards – there are occasional uneven surfaces, hazardous voids and open man holes. A number of buildings are darkened and require extra vigilance. Please take care at all times. There is no smoking in buildings on Cockatoo Island.