Itineraries Home » New South Wales Itineraries » Sydney Itineraries » Unveiling Sydney's Time Travel Secrets: From Susannah Place to Cockatoo Island
Step into a world where history and culture intertwine as we invite you to join us on an exhilarating journey through Sydney's hidden treasures. From the fascinating corridors of Susannah Place, a heritage house lovingly managed by MHNSW (Museums of History New South Wales), to the enchanting expanse of Cockatoo Island, these destinations beckon the curious at heart. Prepare to be transported through time, as we unveil the captivating stories of Sydney's past and present, leaving you inspired and yearning for more.
Stop #1 - Susannah Place: The house that was saved by running water and a flushable toilet!
Our first destination for the day was Susannah Place, conveniently located in The Rocks within walking distance from Circular Quay. Public transport options such as buses, trains and ferries frequently service the area, ensuring easy accessibility. For those driving, paid parking facilities are available in close proximity.
Nestled in Sydney's historic Rocks district, Susannah Place stands as a testament to Sydney's working-class heritage. This row of four terrace houses, meticulously preserved by MHNSW, provides an authentic window into the lives of families who resided here from the 1840s to the 1990s. MHNSW, as the custodian of Susannah Place and numerous other museums in and around Sydney, plays a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the city's history and cultural heritage. Their dedication ensures that Susannah Place remains a vibrant living tapestry of Sydney's past.
The insides of Susannah Place can be accessed only by a guided tour, provided by MHNSW. The tour is FREE as of writing this post and are provided throughout the day from Thursdays to Saturdays 10AM to 5PM, with each tour slot lasting approximately an hour. The tours should be pre-booked via MHNSW’s website. Through their extensive knowledge and passion, the tour guides provide invaluable insights into the daily lives of the residents, architectural evolution, and the evolving landscape of The Rocks. The guided tour is a remarkable journey of discovery, enabling visitors to truly appreciate the significance and impact of this humble abode. We are not going to tell you how this place was saved by running water and a flushable toilet, as this is for you to find out during the tour!
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Stop #2 - Cockatoo Island: A Treasure Island Transformed
It was then time for us to leave for Cockatoo Island. Cockatoo Island is a 20-30 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, depending on whether you catch a fast ferry (F3) or a slow one (F8). Both the ferries charge you the normal Opal fare so your regular opal card will do. Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to Sydney's intriguing past. Once a foreboding convict settlement and shipyard, this captivating island has evolved into a thriving cultural hub. Its preservation and management fall under the purview of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
Upon arriving at the island, we found a cosy spot on one of the many grassy areas and enjoyed a leisurely picnic amidst the island's picturesque surroundings. There are also picnic tables available in the island if you need one. Alternatively, indulge in a delightful meal or refreshing beverage at one of the island's two cafes, offering a range of food and beverage options. The choice is yours to savour the culinary delights while immersing yourself in the island's captivating ambiance. The island also has great toilet facilities however we couldn’t find any water fountains in the island; instead, water bottles can be purchased from the cafes.
Cockatoo Island caters to all types of visitors, whether seeking cost-free adventures or more immersive paid experiences. After a delightful lunch, we embarked on the guided 1-hour Convict Precinct Tour, that is run only on Saturdays at 1:30PM. This tour commences at the Cockatoo Island Visitor Centre and offers a mesmerizing exploration of its haunting past, there are countless other experiences awaiting your discovery. Convict Precinct Tour suits all ages and fitness levels however please be advised that the tour involves climbing a flight of stairs (approximately 50 steps). During this tour, you will come across the turbulent history of the island’s former penal establishment and you will hear interesting stories of the past convicts of the island. You will stop at iconic landmarks of the island such as the Barracks, Mess Hall, Guardhouse, Military Officers Quarters and Solitary Confinement Cells. The tour can be booked via the island’s website.
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The island also offers a range of additional tours including Sandstone to Steel Tour, offering a crash course on the island’s history, and Ghost Tour (18+), delving into the island’s supernatural realm. Each tour provides a captivating insight into different facets of Cockatoo Island's past, ensuring an enriching and immersive experience. The island also offers a self-guided audio tour , which is an immersive 90-minute experience that will cost you only a fraction of the cost of the guided tours. The self-guided tour lets you explore the island at your own pace. More details on the guided tours, their timings and cost can be found on the island’s website, which is also the place to make bookings as well. After the Convict Precinct Tour, we leisurely strolled around the island until sunset exploring the island at our own pace.
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It was then time for us to head back home, so we departed the island on the next available ferry. Please note that the ferries can get really crowded during peak hours and may not stop at Cockatoo Island if they are at capacity, or they might only board a limited number of passengers from the island. So, be prepared for potentially longer wait times on your journey back home! If you're looking to extend your fantastic experience on Cockatoo Island, consider staying overnight. You can book your overnight stay experience here.
From the living heritage of Susannah Place to the transformative wonders of Cockatoo Island, these extraordinary destinations remain time capsules for future generations. Discover the untold stories, relish in the immersive experiences, and let the dedication to preserving Sydney's cultural heritage leave an indelible mark on your journey through time!
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