Located in the middle of Sydney Harbour, Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World-heritage-listed island with some of the best views Sydney has to offer. However, it was once a penal convict establishment where prisoners lived in extremely harsh conditions. The spirits of many are said to still wander around the island scaring visitors. So if you’re feeling brave and have an interest in Australian history, the Cockatoo Island Haunted History Night Tour is for you.
The tour is approximately 90 minutes long and you are welcome to stay on the island and do your own exploring afterwards if you wish. Ensure that you rug up, wear sensible walking shoes and keep your wits about you in case you run into one of the island’s permanent residents.
Our tour started with an introduction to the history of the island which was first visited by the Eora indigenous Australians who called the island Waremah. They visited in bark canoes made from red gum to fish and gather food from the island. We then wondered though the various buildings which included prison barracks, a military guardhouse (where there have been sightings of a very dedicated guard called George), as well as the official residences. While exploring the island we were able to take in the
amazing views of Sydney, the beauty of the island, and the stunning stonemasonry of the buildings.
Along the way, our tour guide told us stories of the hardships of individual convicts and some chilling tales of accidents and ghost sightings that have taken place on the island. She also entertained us with the story of the only prisoner to ever escape from Cockatoo Island, who went on to become one of Australia’s most famous bushrangers.
We finished at Biloela House, another striking sandstone building. Biloela was built by convicts, to house the island’s superintendent and his family, whose daughter is known to still walk the hallways. After learning so much about the history of the island, this tour left me intrigued to know more about the lives of those who have lived there. The stories occasionally sent shivers down my spine and after the tour, I made a decision to only return during the daytime!
– Emma
Emma is a writer, feminist, coffee addict and horror enthusiast!
The Haunted History night tours are family friendly, and running every Saturday night throughout June, July and August. More info: www.cockatooisland.gov.au/haunted-tours
