Sydney’s coolest camping spot
LISA SINCLAIR plays castaway for an unforgettable stay on the Harbour
Wouldn’t it be nice to live in a waterfront mansion with wonderful views, boats bobbing in the breeze? While that dream is out of reach for most of us, there is a way to sleep like a billionaire for a fraction of the cost. From just $45 a night, you can have the best position in town.
Cockatoo Island is the only Sydney Harbour island where you can stay overnight. There are options to suit everyone, from camping on the waterfront to elegant holiday lets with all the creature comforts. We decided to try glamping, from $130 a night.
Our tents were set up so it’s just a case of bringing clothes and food – although there are eating and drinking options on the island, too. Bed linen, towels and luxury Appelles Apothecary toiletries are provided. There’s an excellent communal kitchen, plenty of barbecues and clean shower blocks. Plus two all-important camp chairs from which to soak up the surrounds.
As darkness settles and the daytrippers leave, you are free to explore the island – just watch out for the resident ghosts. It’s well worth doing a tour – our guide Katie brought the place to life.
There are events on all year. We were there for the Biennale of Sydney – Australia’s largest contemporary visual arts event – and were blown away.
The original cockatoos have long gone, but we enjoyed the chorus of kookaburras while watching the sun rise over the Emerald City. Now that’s priceless.