Cockatoo Island: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sydney

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Source: Getty / Getty Images/Airphoto Australia.

Cockatoo Island is an interesting and history-rich UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the heart of Sydney harbour at the junction of the Parramatta River and Lane Cove River.


Have you ever heard of Cockatoo Island?

The island is actually not far from the city of Sydney. And by sailing using the ferry you can visit the island.

Known as Wareamah by the Wallumedegal, Wangal, Cammeraygal and Gadigal Tribes, Cockatoo Island is located in the heart of Sydney harbour at the junction of Parramatta River and Lane Cove River, Cockatoo Island is a fascinating and history-rich UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The buildings on the island survived the tumultuous period and were built by convicts, using blocks quarried from the sandstone of the island.
convict built sandstone buildings Cockatoo Island shipyard heritage site, Sydney Harbour
convict built sandstone buildings from the mid ninteenth century, when convict labour transformed Cockatoo Island into an industrial dockyard, Cockatoo Island shipyard heritage site, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia Credit: Manfred Gottschalk/Getty Images
The story of the island dates back to the indigenous Australians, who called it “Wareamah.” They used the island as a fishing and hunting ground for thousands of years.

In 1788, the British arrived in Sydney and renamed the island “Cockatoo Island” based on the large number of sulphur-crested cockatoos that lived there.

In 1839, Cockatoo Island was made a convict prison. Some of Australia's most notorious criminals are held here, including robber Captain Melville. The prison was closed in 1869, but the history of incarceration on the island did not end there.

In the 20th century, Cockatoo Island was used as a detention centre for foreign enemies during World War I and World War II.

Listed on the National Heritage List, Cockatoo Island was the site of one of Australia's largest shipyards, operating between 1857 and 1991. The first of her two dry docks was built by the convicts.

The dry docks and workshops on the island were used to build and repair some of Australia's most famous ships, including the destroyer HMAS Vampire.
Launch of Vampire.png
Launching of HMAS Vampire Credit: Video archive Australian National Maritime Museum
The shipyard closed in 1991, but its legacy lives on.

Today, Cockatoo Island is a popular tourist destination. It is a source of intrigue and inspiration for visitors due to its heritage buildings, distinctive terrain, and panoramic views.
Popular attractions include waterfront cafes and picnic spots, guided history and paranormal tours, and exciting seasonal events.

Other highlights include waterfront campgrounds, heirloom homes and apartments, live music events, and a former shipyard that made a significant contribution to the country's shipbuilding activities between 1857 and 1991.

Cockatoo Island is a must-see tourist site for anyone interested in Sydney's history. This place is interesting to explore, offering something for everyone.
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Cockatoo Island: Warisan Dunia UNESCO di Sydney

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06/02/202505:56
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