Fourteen walkers caught the ferry from Circular Quay to Cockatoo Island. We had morning tea under the shade of some trees before we began our tour of the island. Cockatoo Island operated as a convict penal settlement from 1839 to 1869, mainly as a place of secondary punishment for convicts who had re-offended in the colonies. It was used by the RAN for ship building and servicing from 1913 to 1991.
The briefing near the wharf
We climbed up the hill to explore the Convict Precinct on the upper part of the island, seeing the solitary confinement cells, the ruins of the barracks and the mess hall. We then explored the Ship Design Precinct and the Historic Residences Precinct. Biloela House (built 1841) is being restored. We wandered around the verandah. The view of the harbour from the top of the island is spectacular.
View from Biloela House 
Walkers at the House
a Large Bromeliad in garden of house Leaders Robyn and Lyndy
We then went back to the convict area and saw the sleeping area. The island was designed for 200 convicts, but housed many more. They were crowded into wooden bunk beds. Outside the sleeping quarters was a dripstone for purifying drinking water.
Looking at Solitary Confinement Cells (left) Examples of convict beds
Approaching the convict era Guardhouse and Barracks Limestone Dripstone from Norfolk Island Map of the Island
We made our way back down the hill to make a circuit of the island on the lower level. We passed slipways 1 and 2, the powerhouse area, Sutherland Dock, Fitzroy Dock and the Industrial Precinct, which included the old convict workshop.
Turbine Shop used WW11 to 1991 Fitzroy Dock (built 1857) 19th Century building part of turbine shop Power House brick chimney
We then made our way back to our starting point via the dog-leg tunnel. After lunch under the trees, we caught the ferry back to Circular Quay.
A rest stop at the Powerhouse 
Lunch under the trees
We then ascended in the glass elevator to the Cahill Expressway and walked to the North Gate of the Botanic Gardens. We walked past the herb garden to the Calyx, but it was closed for an event. We exited the gardens and went to the State Library café for coffee.
Botanic Gardens: Yucca Trees Lyndy in the Herb Garden Coffee at the State Library Cafe
Walkers: Robyn Mi and Lyndy led Annette Elp, Barbara and David R, Kevin and Rosemary, Lyn, Margaret P, Nick B, Rex, Susan C and visitors Karen and Katherine
Photos: Barbara R (1,2,3,11,12,15,16,17,20), Robyn Mi (4,5,8,13,18,19,21,22), Margaret P (6,7,9,10,14)
Words: Robyn Mi