Comments on: 5 reasons to visit Cockatoo Island, Sydney

By: Toni Broome

Toni Broome — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 22:59:40 +0000

In reply to Monica K. Hi Monica. It's disappointing to hear that but I am pleased you enjoyed your time on the island. The visitors centre is staffed by volunteers and officially open 9-5, we can only hope this was a one-off issue they experienced. Because of the hills, it is so helpful to have access to their help in picking the best route around the island to see everything you want to, especially for those with children or who find the walk more difficult. Thanks for letting me know, I'll see if I can go back and update our article to add a suggested walking route to take in the key points.

By: Monica K

Monica K — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 21:19:54 +0000

Unfortunately the visitor centre was closed the Friday we visited with no signage to indicate when it might open. We soldiered on alone and used google for our information source. When leaving the site 2.5 hours later we saw the VC was open. But alas we were turned away with "we're not open". When asking the attendant when the VC might actually be open we were met with "oh now don't be like that"??? My response? "Don't worry about it then" and we continued on to the wharf to leave. The idiot attendant followed after us telling us to go wait on the wharf (??) and "reported" us to the next dude at the Gate. What a disappointing end to what had been a terrific visit on a rainy wet day. Telling everyone about the ridiculous treatment and lack of friendliness, no information etc.

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 21:35:49 +0000

In reply to Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields. That sounds amazing Lyn, the idea of wandering it almost deserted is very appealing

By: Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields

Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 07:04:41 +0000

David and I stayed overnight there a few years ago - not in a tent but in one of the cottages. It was just fabulous after all the day visitors went home. We felt like we had the whole island to ourselves.

By: 2 Aussie Travellers

2 Aussie Travellers — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 21:12:03 +0000

In reply to Natasha. It was OK Nataha, cockatoo are really common, we saw others that day in the city parks and we get them in the garden all the time, just not on the island.

By: Christopher

Christopher — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 17:07:15 +0000

Very interesting place! I have to admit,I love the name of this island. Australia has been on my to-do-to-list for quite some time. I will and this island to that list...thanks 🙂

By: Natasha

Natasha — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 09:39:03 +0000

I was hoping that you guys saw a cockatoo. I should have known it was all in the naming 🙂 Interesting history there and it looks like a really interesting place that I had never even heard of.

By: Cristina

Cristina — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 08:08:23 +0000

I've never been to Australia but the more I read about it, the more I want to go. Sydney would be high on the list of this to see and now Cockatoo Island :). Beautiful photos BTW.

By: Mar Page

Mar Page — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 06:38:20 +0000

Talk about taking history out of the classroom, definitely interested after reading this! Will make sure to stay on the campsite to complete the trip, thanks for the tips!

By: Vicky and Buddy

Vicky and Buddy — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 00:22:41 +0000

Wow, so much history on such a small island! And I love that's it's so easy and inexpensive to get there. When I visit Sydney I'll make sure to stop by. :)