New Years Eve at Cockatoo Island. We spent 2 nights at Cockatoo island to celebrate NYE 24/25. When looking for reviews prior to our visit, I couldn't find any good ones, so here it is. Firstly - we could not fault the place. Easy access. Ferry stops there frequently. For NYE we had to purchase our package a few months in advance and there are a variety of options available (just check the website). As soon as we arrived - we had our bags checked as you can't take byo alcohol or glass. Then there were plenty of people to greet us and check us in and we had a lovely staff member walk us to our tent. The tent was in perfect condition. We were supplied with camp chairs and camp mats (I recommend you rent an extra one as well) and we hired the pillows (they were brand new and fluffy). We took an eski with us filled with ice and bottled water and snacks. We took a sleeping bag and a backpack with a few clothes and a lantern light. The toilets and showers were way better than we expected. And they were frequently cleaned across the 2 days. There were also staff in golf buggies constantly going around and emptying the rubbish bins etc, so the island was neat and clean the whole time. The island on NYE had plenty to entertain us. We did drag bingo, a history tour about the convicts, the walk to the viewing points overlooking the harbour. There was also a silent disco and putt putt. On NYE they had an open air concert and everyone was dancing and having a great time. If you want a good view of the fireworks, many people were setting up their rugs and chairs in the morning. But there is plenty of space. The island is capped to a certain amount of people and it was perfect. Enough to have fun but not over crowded. Food and Drinks - the Marina cafe was our favourite of the two. There were busy times but nothing crazy. But often you got served right away and the staff were lovely. We had pizza, nachos, fish n chips across the 2 days. And good coffee. The bar sells a huge variety of choices, all good quality and at worst the queue was probably 6 people deep. Super convenient. There are plenty of food options so you can get away without taking snacks. But there is a camp kitchen as well so you can cook your own food if you wish. The best thing about the whole NYE experience was the lack of crowds, everyone was really relaxed and just happy to enjoy the island and the festivities. Everything was safe and clean and easy to access. They did have security walking around at night to make you feel extra safe. We were blessed with perfect weather, and would do it all again in a heartbeat. If you have considered spending NYE on the island, do it!! It is a such a memorable couple of days and nights seeing the famous harbour bridge fireworks without the hectic crowds or crazy drunk people.