Getting There
PLANNING YOUR FESTIVAL
Festival opens at 12 midday.
First performances from 1pm.
Last show finishes at 10pm.
Last boat off the island 10:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: There are NO ATMs on the island so bring your beer money with you!
ALCOHOL: There is a Festival Bar selling beer, wine, cider and mulled wine – so come have a lovely Little Creatures beer with us!
PUBLIC FERRIES
The best way to get to Cockatoo Island is by public ferry. Public ferries depart regularly from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour Terminal, Greenwich Point, Woolwich and Balmain wharves. The last ferry to Cockatoo Island departs at 7:10pm on Saturday evening and the box office closes at 8pm. If you miss this ferry, the only way to the island is by Water Taxi. If you plan on staying on Cockatoo Island past 8pm, book a seat on the Underbelly Arts Express boat back to Circular Quay (at the Underbelly Arts info desk on the day).
To Cockatoo Island:
Departing Cockatoo Island:
UNDERBELLY ARTS EXPRESS – Your boat off the island once the public ferries stop
If you are planning to stay on at the Festival after the last Sydney Ferry departs at 7.44pm, buy a ticket for the Underbelly Arts Express service leaving Cockatoo Island at 8.30pm, 9.30pm & 10.30pm. Tickets for this service are available at the Underbelly Arts info desk on Cockatoo Island on Festival Day. This is a one-way service to Circular Quay, taking people OFF the island only.
If you miss the Underbelly Arts Express, the only options are to book a water taxi or camp overnight – so make sure you’ve planned your day.
WATER TAXIS
If you miss the last Underbelly Arts Express, you can book a water taxi:
H2O Water Taxis 1300 420 829
Water Taxis Combined 02 9555 8888
Yellow Water Taxis 1300 138 840
111 Watertaxis 0451 118 294
CAMPING ON THE ISLAND
Camping is available for those who want to stay overnight on the island. There are a few different options available:
Bring your own tent, sleep up to 4 people $40/night
Camping package for 3 adults $80/night
Delux camping package $148/night
To make a booking or find out more information visit: www.harbourtrust.gov.au/accommodation/camping
Jul 16, 2011 @ 14:41:13
You need to change your information, there are three wharves in Balmain. There is Balmain East, Balmain West and Balmain Thames. The only ferry to cockatoo island is from Balmain Thames street, none of the other “balmain wharves” as you have quoted go to cockatoo.
Jul 17, 2011 @ 15:15:38
Thanks for the feedback. We agree, our text was slightly confusing as there are three Balmain wharves, usually referred to as Balmain, Balmain East and Balmain West by Sydney Ferries. In future we’ll definitely try to give clearer transport guides!
Cheers, Underbelly Arts.
Jul 15, 2011 @ 19:24:05
How much do the ferries to the island and back cost?
Jul 16, 2011 @ 10:47:33
Ferries cost about $5 one way. If you’re staying on the island after 7:44pm (the last public ferry), there will be 3 free Underbelly Arts Express boats leaving the island. They depart at 8:30pm, 9:30pm and 10:30pm.
Jul 14, 2011 @ 13:50:21
Hi, The Ferry timetable says Balmain – which Balmain wharf is this exactly?
Thankyou
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:25:32
It’s Thames St wharf, Balmain.
Jul 13, 2011 @ 23:58:33
Are all the performances and works wheelchair accessible? I have already bought tickets assuming this should be fine. Let me know..
Jul 15, 2011 @ 10:40:35
Cockatoo Island has wheelchair access and disabled toilet facilities. Most areas of the Festival site are wheelchair accessible, though keep in mind that the island is an industrial heritage site so some of the surfaces are uneven and some buildings on the island are not accessible by wheelchair. There is one quite steep incline from the lower island to the upper island. Cockatoo Island wharf is not formally classed as accessible as particular tidal conditions occasionally make the ramp between ferry and wharf unsuitably steep for wheelchairs. However, this is unusual, and subject to these conditions.
Jul 12, 2011 @ 12:28:10
can i bring boooooze
Jul 12, 2011 @ 12:40:51
Unfortunately no, it’s not BYO. But we’ll have a great Festival Bar in the precinct, featuring a range of drinks including Little Creatures beers.