Convict Life Sydney: Escape from Cockatoo Island
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?
per player · one-time · yours forever
An evening of adventure for less than two coffees
Each player races on their own phone.
Full refund until you start playing · 13 stops · 2 hrs · 3 km
Staying a few days in Sydney? All 8 Sydney quests for A$54.99 — pays for itself by quest #3. See the City Pass →
Places you will visit
13
It will take you
110-140 mins
You will walk
3940 steps
Total distance
3 km
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.
Bring your crew
Race to the finish.
Everyone plays on their own phone — race solo, as a couple, or with a crew of any size. First to solve every clue takes the crown.
Adventure
Your pace, no timer
Escape
Beat the clock
Plays offline at your own pace — live group races need a connection.
Final leaderboard
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
Historic Residence Precinct
Dog Leg Tunnel
Sutherland Dock
Coal Bunker
Cockatoo Island Ferry Wharf
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.
Good to know before you play
- 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 at least 60% 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.
Ratings and Reviews
109 ratings
Alexandria Porchik
Tina Huang
moniquevankirtley
justine Donohoe
liamanning
Beat the best: Top Sydney explorers
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Compare Questo vs. Guided Walking Tours
Flexibility
Regular Guided Tours
Fixed schedules & no pausing
Questo
Start, pause, and resume anytime
Privacy
Regular Guided Tours
Crowds of up to 30 strangers
Questo
Private experience for your group only
Pricing
Regular Guided Tours
$30-$40 per person
Questo
Affordable per-group pricing
Availability
Regular Guided Tours
Requires advance booking
Questo
Instant access 24/7/365
Experience
Regular Guided Tours
Passive listening to a guide
Questo
Active gamification; you solve the mystery
| 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 |
