About Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney Harbour. Located at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove rivers,and just 10 minutes from Circular Quay, Cockatoo Island is a former imperial prison, industrial school, reformatory and gaol. It is also the site of one of Australia’s biggest shipyards during the twentieth century. The first of its two dry docks was built by convicts and was completed in 1857. The island’s maritime industrial activity ceased in 1992.

Cockatoo Island’s prison buildings were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list along with ten other Australian convict sites in July 2010. Large workshops, slipways, wharves and residences retain the texture of the island’s industrial past. Today it plays host to large scale events and cultural programs including the Biennale of Sydney and offers unique waterfront accommodation, bars and licensed kiosk.

For Underbelly Arts 2011, we’ll be setting up on the eastern side of Cockatoo Island amongst the amazing renowned heritage listed buildings such as The Turbine Hall. Explore this magical winter wonderland in July this year to see some of the oldest, and newest, sides of Sydney.

For more information visit cockatooisland.gov.au