Cockatoo Island Open Day

Get ready for the ultimate island adventure! On Sunday 4 May, Cockatoo Island will come alive as we celebrate the Australian Heritage Festival 2025 and offer a range of free and paid activities to excite families!

To coincide with theme of this year’s festival, Unearthed, we’re running a range of talks that peel back the layers of history at Cockatoo Island. These include a special talk by the heritage architect who, in 2009, uncovered the island’s convict era Solitary Confinement Cells. Throughout Open Day, you’ll also have a chance to enjoy live music, a dance lesson, delicious food (including food trucks and stalls), steam crane demonstrations, paid boat rides and so much more!

Plus: For one day only, we’ll be opening our holiday houses and apartments at select times – and inviting people in! Discover their heritage charm and gain access to an EXCLUSIVE discount for your next stay! More of an outdoors type? We’ve got you covered – our very best waterfront tents will be open for a sticky beak.

While it’s not compulsory to register your attendance for Open Day, we strongly encourage you to. Registering helps us forecast visitor numbers so we can ensure everyone has an enjoyable and hassle-free visit.