Cockatoo Island

Just spent two nights/three days here with my hubby and 16 year old. We stayed in the Studio apartment with a roll out bed.

Positives: We were stunned by the layers of history throughout the island - too much to write about but worth a read in the lead up to or during your visit/stay. From the remnants of the Indigenous Tent Embassy (now fashioned into a mirrored mosaic), onto convict quarters, and then to extensive ship building/repair facilities.

My hubby is a photographer and he was overwhelmed by the photographic opportunities available to him on the island. The large industrial sheds to the south of the island remain open through the night enabling access for photography in low light.

You are able to see across to our beautiful city and the Harbour Bridge from the eastern side of the island.

Accommodation was comfortable, with everything you could want for a short stay, including a dishwasher and washing machine (see photos).

Staff: The fellow who checked us in was helpful and pointed out areas on the island where he felt my husband would be able to capture great photos. We grew tired, however, of having our bags repeatedly checked for alcohol when returning to the island from trips to the mainland, despite staying in the Studio apartment. (You cannot bring alcohol in if you are camping.)

Negatives: The nesting seagulls can get in your face (they are indiscriminate with their nesting locations and can surprise you on your walk).

The studio apartment is located above the Visitors Centre, a stone's throw from the ferry wharf and adjacent to hundreds upon hundreds of nesting seagulls . As such, it is not quiet. Late into the evening (we think it stopped about midnight) you can hear the recorded ferry announcements discussing mandatory mask use. People from the camp ground congregated under the apartment window until late into the evening (or until moved along). And the seagulls went off like the proverbial throughout the night when something or someone disturbed their slumber.

Food: It's best to bring your own. If you're camping, you can purchase bags of ice. We ate lunch and ordered a coffee at each cafe on the island to get a feel for both. Price-wise, they were about the same. However, the coffee at The Marina was superior. We also felt ripped off at Societe Overboard when they charged us $18 for 3 Cornettos. The food at each was nothing to write home about. We felt there were more options at The Marina (which can be accessed from the Visitors Centre via the Dog Leg Tunnel but closes at 3pm).