Cockatoo Island, Sydney
In proximity to Sydney downtown
Camping at Cockatoo Island was the first main camping experience for the family with 2 children, aged 13 and 3 years. We were accompanied by 3 more desi families also on their camping debut. The only reason we chose the location to start with was because of the proximity to where we live in Sydney.
We did the October month booking for the camping site at https://www.cockatooisland.gov.au/ way ahead in April month, as is expected for almost every other camping site in Australia which are close to the main cities.
The following should give an idea of what it takes to go camping at Cockatoo Island.
A few weeks before the camping date:
A few weeks before the planned visit, somebody from our group realized that one cannot take any vehicle to the island (should have been obvious ! right !!). Cannot forget those amusing expressions mixed with shock and confusion !!!
We then planned to carry our tents and luggage in a car to Meadowbank Wharf, offboard the luggage at the wharf, park the car somewhere safe and still nearby (not at the wharf as not safe overnight) and then take the ferry from Meadowbank Wharf to Cockatoo Island wharf.
We also planned to potluck homemade food and snacks and breakfast items (like bread, eggs etc.) at least to last the dinner and breakfast and also for never-ending munching
The first day:
Quick to realize that, if you are a family with kids, instead of booking a tent site with the BYO tent option, it would have been better to book any of the options where the tent, cabin or room is provided by the management of Cockatoo Island itself as this option comes with all bedding etc. too. Refer to their site for the details.
By default, the management will put you up in an area with a cluster of tents (looks like a refugee camp area with hoards of tents) however our folks insisted on a better location with a view and we were sent to a location (bit away from the common kitchen and utilities) with a view of Sydney downtown and Anzac bridge. Refer to the pictures above. [One needs to be very mindful of very strong winds in such open space as we realized late]
After reaching the Cockatoo Island wharf, there are huge trolleys available for you to carry your luggage and stuff, from the wharf to your tent site
There were no power points close to where we put up our tents
Mobile reception is not an issue as you are in the heart of Sydney.
Rangers are on duty 24 hrs. in 2 shifts.
Cockatoo Wharf is open till late around 10:30 PM for travel in and out of the island using ferries. Please google the timetable for details.
There is enough light for naked eyes across the island during the night.
As the ocean is all around, it can be cold at night even in summer.
The second day:
Holidays and weekends can see huge footfalls from those doing day visits and picnics because of the proximity and easy accessibility of the island from Sydney mainland.
The toilets and bathrooms are clean. These are not accessible for a few hours around Noon for cleanup (this note is for those who wake up late as is common among many desi folks)
The kitchen is fully equipped with BBQ, water, tables, chairs, power points etc. The kitchen is also closed from 10:30 AM for a couple of hours for cleanup (again a note for those who start their holiday late in the morning)
The "know your tent" moment - The location, which was open ground next to the ocean, where we put up our tents, faced lengthy moments of very strong winds. If you are not sure whether your tent can put up against strong winds (be very sure and mindful of this), it would be a good idea to stay at the location where all other tents were put up together by management, as this default location is not as windy (but then one lose the harbour and Anzac bridge view).
Another "know your tent" moment - ensure that the tent or gazebo is very carefully secured to the ground. We observed one gazebo flying up into the air and then into the ocean, even though it was not so very windy.
Ladies and kids in the group visited Sydney downtown for dinner (up and down using scheduled ferries) and the big boys stayed back for drinks. Be aware of the last ferry which visits the wharf when you plan late visits to anywhere outside the island.
Any challenge, including when you have lost your tent (to the winds) or if there is any medical emergency e.g. during off hours, please connect with the rangers on duty.
The morning of the last day:
The cafe on the island opens up at 8:30 AM on weekends and there is a long queue. You can order meals from a fixed menu, coffee obviously, ice cream, liquor, drinks etc. There are no other shops on the island.
Checkout is usually at 10 AM. At least pack up and put your things on the side for anybody else coming in to set up their tents - if you believe you need more time to stroll around on the island.
The ferry starts early to and from the island. Please check the timetable available on the Internet.
Along with strong winds, be also mindful of rainy days.
If you are a newbie to camping or have never visited Cockatoo Island, it is a good idea to plan a day visit or picnic, which can give you a fair idea of what you are up to, in case you plan night stays on the island in future.
Indian food nearby:
There are many options in Sydney downtown and the only way to commute is ferry which runs between Cockatoo Island and Sydney Downtown
Google results for Indian food are available here
Happy camping !!!.
