FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Cockatoo Island

An introduction to camping was in order for my brother, Brian, and his family. So "glamping" we went on Cockatoo Island, the largest island in Sydney Harbour. It had rained the whole morning and as we ate at the Woolwich Pier Hotel prior to catching our ferry, we wondered if we had made the right decision.

As soon as we hopped on to Cockatoo island after our 5 minute ferry ride, the sun and blue skies graced us with their presence! Check in to our 2 bedroom tents (permanent erected tents) was quick and easy. The tents were spacious and toiletries and linen/mattresses/camp cots were provided. The shower block was clean and had hot water as well as power points! The kitchen block was also well equipped with communal fridges and boiling water at the ready. A selection of cafes and restaurants were also available on the island providing a variety of food as well as coffee and alchohol. Camping doesn't get any easier than this...

The sunny weather allowed us to explore the island and learn about its history as a former convict establishment and ship building site. There were activity books for the children available and we let the children guide us around. It was soon nearly sunset and we farewelled Oma as she headed back home. The rest enjoyed their dinner with a harbour before settling down for an early night in our tents. We brought our own breakfast as the cafe didn't open early enough for Brian's girls and it was goodbye to Cockatoo Island!