Convict Life Sydney: Escape from Cockatoo Island
🔒 Instant Access: Book now and start immediately. No need to wait for a guide.
⏱️ Total Flexibility: Start, pause, and resume whenever you want.
🧩 Gamified Discovery: Solve 13 location-based puzzles to unlock hidden stories and secret spots.
📍 Starting Point: Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf, 33.845831, 151, NSW, Australia
🛡️ Free Cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours before your planned start for a full refund.
🌐 Available In: 🇬🇧 English
Places you will visit
13
It will take you
110-140 mins
You will walk
3940 steps
Total distance
3 km
Route you will explore
Starting point Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf
33.845831, 151, NSW, AustraliaFinish point Convict Precinct
Birchgrove NSW 2041, AustraliaAbout this quest
You’ve broken your chains, now run. Set in the heart of Sydney Harbour, this immersive quest drops you into the boots of a 19th-century convict making a desperate escape from Cockatoo Island.
Once a prison for the colony’s most feared criminals, the island’s crumbling tunnels, towering guard posts, and eerie work yards hold both danger and the clues you need to break free. Solve puzzles, follow a trail of secrets, and walk through real history with every step.
Whether you’re with friends or family, this is a journey of discovery, connection, and adventure. Can you outsmart the guards and find your way back to freedom before it’s too late?
What to Expect
This self-guided walking tour in Sydney combines exploration, storytelling, and puzzle-solving into one unique experience. As you navigate through the city, you will discover 13 carefully selected locations, each revealing a piece of the story.
The entire quest takes approximately 7500 minutes to complete and covers 3km on foot. You will move at your own pace, with the freedom to pause whenever you want to take photos, grab a coffee, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
Each location features a challenge or puzzle that unlocks the next chapter of your story. These challenges are designed to be fun and engaging while teaching you about the history, culture, and hidden gems of Sydney.
No tour guide needed – your smartphone becomes your guide. The Questo app provides directions, shares stories, and presents challenges along the way.
Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of convicts as you make your way around the historic sites on the island.
Uncover the island's secret tunnel that served as an air-raid shelter during World War II.
Discover the solitary confinement cells that were hidden until 2009.
The mission: Your story in Sydney
Hide from the guards as you make your way around the historic sites of Cockatoo Island, trying to find a way back to the mainland.
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Historic Residence Precinct
Dog Leg Tunnel
Sutherland Dock
Coal Bunker
Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf
- We recommend not playing at night
- No attractions ticket(s) required
Tips & Recommendations
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You will be walking throughout the city, so comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the experience.
Charge Your Phone
Make sure your smartphone is fully charged. The quest runs through the Questo app, and you will be using it throughout.
Check the Weather
This is an outdoor activity. Bring an umbrella or sunscreen depending on the forecast.
Bring a Camera
You will discover photogenic locations and hidden gems perfect for capturing memories.
Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months or longer quests.
Play with Friends
While you can play solo, quests are more fun with friends or family. One ticket works for a group.
Important Information
Duration
Approximately 7500 minutes
Distance
3km walking
Group Size
Unlimited
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible (stairs and uneven surfaces)
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time
Need to Know Before Booking
- •You will need the Questo app on your smartphone (iOS or Android)
- •Each ticket can be used by a group (share one device or play separately)
- •Internet connection required to download the quest initially
- •Once downloaded, you can play offline if needed
Ratings and Reviews
100 ratings
Beat the best: Top Sydney explorers
Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
| Feature | Regular Guided Tours | Questo |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules & no pausing | Start, pause, and resume anytime |
| Privacy | Crowds of up to 30 strangers | Private experience for your group only |
| Pricing | $30-$40 per person | Affordable per-group pricing |
| Availability | Requires advance booking | Instant access 24/7/365 |
| Experience | Passive listening to a guide | Active gamification; you solve the mystery |
