We took the ferry to Cockatoo Island. I'd checked out their website so knew it was both a former prison and building yard; that you could camp there and that there were trails to follow. Beyond that it was going to be a surprise. It turned out to be good Sunday afternoon adventure with the kids.
We started at the Visitors Centre and collected a free kids trail booklet (2 trails available). We decided to try the Ship Shape Trail and set off past the campsite looking for the first clue, which we walked right past and then spent ages doubling back to find it. We are quite seasoned at treasure hunts but found this so hard we finished without finding all the clues. We asked back at the visitors centre where the final clue was and they didn't know either. It didn't spoil anything. For a disused complex there is a lot to see.
We went through tunnels; around the big machinery; stopped at one of the cafes; Stepped into the confinement cells; Warning - we got chased by swooping seagulls who were protecting their nests, even though we didn't walk close to them. We ended our day with a game of giant chess while waiting for the ferry back.
If you are interested in history or machinery then it should definitely be on your list of places to visit. If you just want to occupy the kids for a few hours then it ticks that box too.
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