Cockatoo Island’s HAUNTED HISTORY NIGHT TOUR

Dare to discover!

Skeletons, scandals and secrets will be spilling out of the closet when you join us at dusk for a special spooky night tour of Cockatoo Island’s hidden histories and mysteries!

Bring the whole family, or come alone if you’re game, on this 90-minute nocturnal exploration of the convict workshops and gaol, the grain silos, dry docks, Dog Leg Tunnel and Biloela House (our very own haunted house, some say!).

With its early colonial beginnings as a prison from which there was no easy escape, to reformatory for orphans and wayward children, then working shipyard for more than a century, no wonder Cockatoo Island is haunted by its history...

... Did you know...

•Prisoners were sometimes left for weeks in coffin-like sandstone solitary confinement cells?

•People drowned trying to swim to freedom across then shark-infested waters?

•Convict ‘Sudden Solomon, the Safecracker from London’, died in suspicious circumstances?

•Damaged vessel USS New Orleans was pumped at Sutherland Dock and 15 bodies floated out?

•3 men perished in a 1934 heavy machinery accident, and their shocked foreman just disappeared?

•Legend has it that ‘George’, a military ghost from the convict era, still haunts the Upper Island?

Are you unspookable?

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there’s no question that Cockatoo Island at night can be eerily atmospheric.  Be on the lookout for strange sounds, sights and sensations – people on previous tours have reported seeing spectral figures, feeling sudden gusts of air, and even smelling tobacco smoke!  

Our experienced tour guides will blend the history with the mystery to help unlock some of Cockatoo Island’s many hidden secrets. For a limited time only – so book now! - www.cockatooisland.gov.au/haunted-tours

Prices:
Adults: $25 plus booking fee
Children: $15 plus booking fee (up to 16 years)

If you dare – please be aware:

•Although designed to be family-friendly, the 90-minute tour length (and possibly some of the content) may not be suitable for very young children.

•All children must be accompanied by an adult.

•The tour includes a steep incline, as well as some uneven and dimly lit areas – wear closed walking shoes for comfort and safety, and have your phone torch handy.

•Bring wet weather gear if rain looks likely.

• This ticket is non-transferable. Tickets are refundable up to 7 days prior to your tour. 

During the Parramatta Wharf upgrade, you will arrive into Camber Wharf and the Visitors Centre is an 8 minute walk. Please follow the trail. Our Guides will meet you outside the Visitor Centre on Cockatoo Island 15 minutes before your tour start time. Please be on time. Tours will not wait for latecomers.

Societe Overboard Cafe located near the Visitor Centre is open for coffee, drinks and a bite to eat prior to your tour. For more information, visit www.cockatooisland.gov.au/eat 

All tour participants must follow instructions given by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust staff, including Guides, Rangers and Security.

The tour includes a steep incline, stairs, as well as some uneven and dimly lit areas. Wear closed walking shoes for comfort and safety and have your phone torch handy. A moderate level of fitness is required for the tour and tours will run regardless of weather conditions.  Exceptions to this rule exist only when ferry services advise against travel due to extreme weather.

FAQs

Are there ID requirements or an age limit to enter the event?

Although designed to be family-friendly, the 90-minute tour length (and possibly some of the content) may not be suitable for very young children. Please bring along confirmation of your ticket purchase. Either a printed copy or on your smartphone. 

What are my transport options getting to the event?

Cockatoo Island is accessible by public ferry (F3 Parramatta Service.) For more information on ferry tickets and timetables head to transportnsw.info

Is my registration/ticket transferable or refundable?

This ticket is non-transferable. Tickets can be refunded up until 7 days prior to your tour.  

For further information or enquiries, please email tours@cockatooisland.gov.au