Complete Guide to Cockatoo Island Camping [9 Camping Spots]

How to Prepare for Cockatoo Island Camping? 

Camping on Cockatoo Island is one of the outdoor activities that many people enjoy, and it is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Setting up a tent in nature and enjoying the fresh air and pleasant scenery is a way to relax. However, proper preparation is essential to make your trip pleasurable and enjoyable.

Camping Permits on Cockatoo Island

Cockatoo Island has something for every price, group size, and event, from romantic getaways to family vacations. Want to stay with your kids without any trouble? Book the basic camping deal and stay in a tent already set up.

Want a little comfort? With a deluxe plan, you can relax in a high-end tent fully equipped with all the comforts of home. Want an authentic, do-it-yourself experience? Choose the cheap "Bring Your Own Tent" menu item.

Things to Consider Before Camping

Consider the following, and you'll have an unforgettable outdoor experience.

• Length of Camping: The length of the camping trip will determine how much food, water, and other supplies you must bring.
• Party Size: Party size affects the equiPMent and supplies needed. Make sure you bring enough tents, sleeping bags and cooking utensils.
• Weather: Find the weather conditions at the campsite in advance and pack accordingly. Bring clothing and equiPMent suitable for different weather conditions.
• Campsite Facilities: It would help if you considered the campsite's facilities. Bring a portable toilet or necessary hygiene supplies if there are no restroom facilities.

Cockatoo Island Camping Essentials

To set up a campsite, you always need a shelter that can keep you warm at night. Other furniture, such as chairs and pillows, can also provide comfort.

But before packing, check out the campground facilities. Most campgrounds offer picnic tables and kitchens and sell firewood on-site.

A high-quality waterproof tent that can accommodate all members and camping gear is one of the most essential items for camping. Remember to pack a suitable sleeping bag for the warm night. Packing camping lighting equiPMent, such as flashlights or flashlights, is also ideal for overnight trips.

You'll also want to bring some camping kitchen essentials for cooking and cleanup. Of course, you can get the necessary kitchen equiPMent to suit your lifestyle and eating habits. Many campsites have domestic water available. Otherwise, bring your own. (It is recommended that you get your drinking water.)

In addition to the essential equiPMent, your camping needs a power supply to maintain its daily electrical needs. Jackery Solar Generator is designed to power appliances outdoors. It combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to use solar energy efficiently.

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus and 300 Plus are great power sources for Cockatoo Island camping trips because they let you camp in remote areas without access to the power grid.

Best 9 Camping Spots in Cockatoo Island 

Did you know you can camp in the heart of Sydney Harbour? Of course, you can camp on Cockatoo Island. Camping on Parrot Island is an experience to be noticed in Sydney.

Accommodation on Cockatoo Island is almost all camping styles, from bringing your tent to luxury camping. Here are nine great places to camp on Cockatoo Island.

1. Jila Camp Grounds

Location: Yarramundi NSW 2753 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 418 738 784

Website: Jila Camp Grounds

Facilities: Pets are allowed, accessibility, potable water, flush toilets, campfires, showers, kitchen

Activities: Biking, fishing, hiking, paddling, swimming, wildlife watching

Stroll along the Hawkesbury-Nepean River and enjoy riverside camping at Jila Campground. There are over 600 meters of beach, and you can swim and fish while camping. You can also rent a kayak and go on a whitewater adventure. Jila Camp Grounds is located in the Grosse Valley and has over 50 acres for camping, hiking, and biking. You can also buy some green-grown avocados here during certain seasons.

2. Hawkesbury River Rural Campground

Location: 2020 Singleton Road, Laughtondale, NSW 2775 (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +6 1466 949 331

Website: Hawkesbury River Rural Campground

Facilities: Pets are allowed, accessibility, potable water, campfires, kitchen

Activities: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, wind sports, off-roading (OHV), swimming, wildlife watching

Hawkesbury River Rural Campground is located next to the river, 1 hour 44 minutes north of Sydney. Natural forests, riverside mangroves, open pastures, and the Maramala National Park surround the 350-acre farm. During this time, you can go canoeing, hiking, fishing, crabbing (in the warmer months) and boating. Hawkesbury River Countryside Campground suits campers who bring their own camping toilets and showers and drive a 4x4 or 4x4 vehicle.

3. Central Coast Valley Farm

Location: Cedar Brush Creek NSW 2259 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: (03) 8427 2122

Website: Central Coast Valley Farm

Facilities: Pets are allowed, campfires, accessibility, cave, forest, river, stream, creek, swimming hole, waterfall, mountainous, field, wetlands, farm

Activities: Biking, hiking, horseback riding, climbing, wildlife watching, cave exploring, swimming

Central Coast Valley Farm is a beautiful valley an hour from Sydney. Here, you'll see a tranquil river meandering through the grounds, wombats burrowing into the hillside and wallabies grazing in the fields. This way, you may relax in the picturesque valleys without worrying about getting back into the city.

Campsites at Central Coast Valley Farm are limited, so reservations are required. It is best to bring your own camping toilet, showers, water and supplies and light a fire in the fire pit provided. Also, please note that there is no electricity or amenities.

4. Canoelands Orchard Camping

Location: 27-29 Canoelands Rd, Canoelands NSW 2157, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +61 419 688 039

Website: Canoelands Orchard Camping

Facilities: Pets are allowed, accessibility, potable water, flush toilets, campfires, showers, kitchen

Activities: Hiking, cave exploring, swimming, climbing, horse riding

Surrounded by the stunning valley views of Marra Marra National Park, Canoelands Orchard Camping is just 1 hour's drive from Sydney's CBD (Central Business District).

Here, you can enjoy hiking, wandering orchards picking fresh produce, riding a tractor, feeding the animals and relaxing. Canoelands Orchard specialties include raw honey, seasonal stone fruit, handmade jewellery, beeswax candles, jams, chutneys and coffee.

5. Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl

Location: Curl Curl NSW 2096 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 9970 1675

Website: Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl

Facilities: Pets are allowed, drinking water, flush toilets, campfires, picnic tables, trash cans, showers, laundry room

Activities: Surfing, walking, wildlife spotting, picnicking

Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl is located atop a beautiful sandstone ledge in Curl Curl, New South Wales, just 300 meters from the beach. The 33-kilometre Northern Beaches Coastal Track and Kuringai National Park are near Rock Shelf Campsite at Curl Curl.

At the same time, Curl Curl's Rock Shelf Campground is also close to W'gah Shopping Center and public transport, providing easy access to Manly and the city. Curl Curl's Rock Shelf Campground is pet-friendly. The campsite has a fire pit but bring your firewood.  

6. Mountain Lagoon Wildlife Retreat

Location: New South Wales 2758, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 02 4567 1074

Website: Mountain Lagoon Wildlife Retreat

Facilities: Potable water, campfires

Activities: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling, off-roading (OHV), climbing, swimming, wildlife watching

Mountain Lagoon Wildlife Retreat is located 14 kilometres northeast of Birpin, against the backdrop of Wollemi National Park. The 16-acre campsite (including 5 acres of grassland) is surrounded by towering trees and teeming with wildlife, including native animals such as koalas, monitor lizards and wombats. Additionally, it's the starting point for some great hiking trails in the national park.

This campground only has well water, so you should bring your drinking water. You will also need to have a camping toilet and shower facilities. Only rock circles can start a fire at this campsite, which must be extinguished before leaving.

7. NSW Ski Gardens

Location: Wisemans Ferry NSW 2775 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: 02 4566 4212

Website: NSW Ski Gardens

Facilities: Wide boat ramp, weekend kiosk (ice, hot food, ice creams, drinks, etc.), sheltered riverside picnic area, BBQs, disabled bathroom, potable water, toilets, showers and campfires

Activities: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, paddling (bring own equiPMent and lifejackets), swimming, wildlife watching

NSW Ski Gardens are owned by the New South Wales Water Ski Federation, 1.2 km from the village of Wisemans Ferry. It's popular with water skiers, fishermen, cyclists, campers, and vacationers.

There are electric and non-electric campsites for caravans and campers.

If you want a quiet and relaxing weekend at NSW Ski Gardens, it's not a good idea. Because NSW Ski Gardens has many people, it won't be silent.

8. Fern Valley Ranch

Location: Somersby NSW 2250 Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: (908) 689-0400

Website: Fern Valley Ranch

Facilities: Accessibility, pets are allowed, potable water, toilets, campfires, showers

Activities: Biking, hiking, wildlife watching

Fern Valley Ranch is a great camping spot. Fern Valley Ranch allows you to get out of the city and back to the sound of birds and the quiet breeze among the tall trees. The 100-hectare property has 16 campsites with various amenities, forest walks, waterfalls and an animal farm. You can quickly get out and back into the city, too, as it's just an hour's drive from Sydney and Newcastle and just 15 minutes from Gosford.

9. Fern Gully

Location: Mandalong NSW 2330, Australia (Open with Google Maps)

Website: Fern Gully 

Facilities: Accessibility, pets are allowed, potable water, campfires, trash can

Activities: Biking, hiking, horse riding, and wildlife watching

Fern Gully is a beautiful 40-acre wooded area in Olney State Forest, perfect for hiking, biking, bird watching, and more. You can camp in the meadow overlooking the dam or in the woods.

Pets are allowed in Fern Gully, but dogs must always be on a leash and supervised. (Dog waste must be cleaned.) Every campsite here has a fire pit. The campsite needs toilets, showers or electrical connections. In addition, you need to prepare domestic water and drinking water yourself.

Jackery Solar Generators for Cockatoo Island Camping

Jackery Solar Generator is perfect for Cockatoo Island camping. It provides reliable and consistent power; these devices are eco-friendly, portable, flexible, and quiet, making camping more enjoyable while meeting sustainability goals. Campers can be helpful and worry-free with these generators while enjoying the outdoors.

Also, it combines Jackery Solar Panels with a Portable Power Station to convert and store solar energy. Our Portable Power Stations use lithium batteries to provide a reliable power source. Jackery Solar Panels take full advantage of solar energy, giving you an eco-friendly way to power your camping trips. 

Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus is the best portable power option for camping. It can power many outdoor devices, from GPS devices to camping lights, with its 800W output and 632Wh capacity.

The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus is your go-to power station for all your activities because it is strong, durable, and light. It makes charging easy outdoors. Its dual PD fast charging can go up to 100W, so your devices will be charged quickly. The Explorer 600 Plus can give you long-lasting power, a backup in an emergency, or quiet charging that won't bother anyone.

The LFP battery in the Jackery 600 Plus boasts a remarkable 4000-cycle lifespan, rendering it resilient for daily utilisation spanning a decade. A UPS switch time of under 20 ms guarantees an uninterrupted power supply to your vital outdoor appliances during camping.

Besides, the Chargeshield 2.0 is our sophisticated charging system (not merely fast charge tech) to ensure safer and quicker connectivity and keeps you fully charged whenever required.

Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus is a compact powerhouse designed to redefine convenience in outdoor charging. With a substantial capacity of 288Wh and an impressive 300W power output, this portable power station is crafted to meet the diverse energy needs of adventurers on the go.  

Featuring dual PD ports capable of up to 100W output, the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus supports fast charging for multiple devices simultaneously, offering a versatile and efficient charging solution. Its small dimension and lightweight design make it exceptionally convenient for outdoor charging, providing a reliable power source for your adventures.

Experience the freedom to charge your devices wherever your journey takes you, thanks to the various charging options offered by the Jackery Solar Generator 300 Plus. This portable power station combines performance and portability, ensuring your devices stay powered up during outdoor escapades.    

The Jackery Solar Generator 600 Plus and 300 Plus are perfect for outdoor adventures, particularly camping, and are popular among ecologically concerned tourists, family campers, and long-term caravaners.  

Tips for Cockatoo Island Camping

If you want to camp on Cockatoo Island, here are some tips:

Bring your drinks and food.

The shops on the island only serve essential foods, and they might need more. You can store and cook your food in the kitchen at the campground. You can also buy BBQ packs ahead of time from Cockatoo Overboard.

Pack everything with you.

Paper towels, oil, bug spray, and a flashlight are all things you should bring. You can also buy toiletries, earplugs, camper packs, and sleeping bags at the Visitor Centre.

Be aware of the rules.

Rangers and security guards walk around the campground and can fine people and take away their booze. You can bring one opened bottle of wine and four cups of beer every hour. Cockatoo Overboard sells alcohol that can be taken to the campsite kitchen, the fire pit, or a tent.

Think about your accommodations.

You can rent mats, raised camp beds, lanterns, pillows, towels, and chairs, or book a 4m x 4m spot and set up your tent. Tents have steps to get inside, so people in wheelchairs might be unable to use them. If you travel with many people, you can take a private car or a ferry to get there.

What Things To Do on Cockatoo Island?

Cockatoo Island offers visitors an exhilarating activity experience. In addition to enjoying peaceful camping, Cockatoo Island allows you to explore the convict quarters, take a ferry, hike around the island, and more.

Explore Convict Precinct: The Convict Precinct is a place worth exploring on Cockatoo Island, widely recognised as one of 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and home to the stunning remains of convict architecture. During your 60-minute tour of the island, your guide will take you through the tumultuous history of the island's former prison, stopping at famous locations such as the mess hall, barracks, guardhouse, officers' quarters and solitary confinement cells.

Take A Ferry: Another exciting experience on Cockatoo Island is taking the ferry. During this time, you can admire the beauty of Round Edge and the Opera House in the waterside backyard. In other words, you'll see Sydney's history during this time.

Hiking: Hiking is also a fun activity on Parrot Island. During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge.

Cockatoo Island Camping FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the Cockatoo Island camping.

1. Is Cockatoo Island worth visiting?

Yes. Cockatoo Island is worth a visit. Cockatoo Island is on the main ferry route, so getting there is quick and easy. You can also explore the history of the shipbuilding industry on Cockatoo Island, and it's fun to admire the beauty of Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is a relaxing place. Enjoy coffee or wine while enjoying the unmissable views, especially the sparkling ocean and Sydney Harbor Bridge.

2. Does the Cockatoo Island campground allow bringing your tent?

Generally, it is allowed. However, if your tent is more significant than 4m x 4m, you must book one or more additional BYO tent sites.

3. Are there noise curfews at Cockatoo Island campgrounds?

Some. Between 10 PM and 7 AM is "quiet time" at the campground. Please avoid making excessive or loud noises and refrain from riding motorcycles and bicycles along the seaside wooden promenade beside the campsite. Please also note that noise generated on the island can readily travel through the open space and harbour to the waterfront.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a visitor or a local looking for a unique adventure, Cockatoo Island campsites offer the chance to spend a night (or more) under the stars in the heart of Sydney Harbour. You can also camp by the sea and watch the sun and sunrise over Sydney Harbour.

So, are you in love with the views and camping on Cockatoo Island? Hurry up and choose one of the nine good campsites on Cockatoo Island introduced in this article to experience a perfect camping experience!