FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEAR ISLAND: TUNNELS OF TERROR DESCENDS ON COCKATOO ISLAND THIS WEEKEND

Sydney Harbour’s historic Cockatoo Island transforms into an immersive world of tunnels, live horror, roaming creatures, ghost stories, competitions and after-dark entertainment.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — 27 August 2026 — This weekend, one of Sydney Harbour’s most atmospheric locations will take a terrifying turn as Fear Island: Tunnels of Terror takes over Cockatoo Island from 28–30 August 2026.

As daylight disappears over Sydney Harbour, the island will transform into Fear Island — an immersive horror experience combining the haunting surroundings of Cockatoo Island with live performers, terrifying tunnel encounters, interactive entertainment and a precinct packed with experiences before and after guests face the darkness.

This is more than a traditional haunted attraction and more than watching horror unfold safely on a screen.

At Fear Island, guests step directly into the experience.

At the centre of the event are two terrifying tunnel experiences, where guests will enter darkened spaces filled with live horror performers, eerie creatures, theatrical scenes, sudden scares and unexpected encounters.

What — or who — is waiting around the next corner won’t always be obvious.

And escaping the tunnels is only part of the night.

AN ENTIRE ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Outside the tunnels, the Fear Island precinct will keep the experience alive with entertainment, interactive activations, food and plenty of opportunities for guests to become part of the story.

Experiences across Fear Island include:

• Ghost Stories of Fear Island by firelight
• Roaming horror characters and creatures
• Live contortionist performances
• Fear Island 360 Horror Booth
• Horror-themed photo opportunities
• Fear Island Fortune Cards
• Fear Island Death Certificates
• The Missing Persons Wall
• Best Dressed competitions and prizes
• One complimentary Horror Dog with every ticket
• Pizza truck
• Horror dessert truck
• Café, restaurant and licensed bar

Guests are encouraged to explore the precinct, interact with characters and embrace the atmosphere of Cockatoo Island after dark.

THE WARDEN’S LOST KEY — THE MYSTERY HAS ALREADY BEGUN

For some guests, the Fear Island experience starts before they even board the ferry.

In the lead-up to the event, a series of cryptic clues is being released across Fear Island’s Facebook and Instagram channels as part of The Warden’s Lost Key.

Somewhere on Cockatoo Island, the Warden has hidden a mysterious key.

Each clue reveals another piece of the puzzle, challenging followers to study the island’s history, interpret cryptic messages and work out where the key may be waiting.

On event night, the hunt becomes real.

The first guest to successfully uncover the Warden’s Key will win the growing prize pool — and the more tickets sold, the larger that prize becomes.

Guests hoping to beat the competition are encouraged to follow the Fear Island social channels, collect the clues and start solving the mystery before arriving.

DRESS TO TERRIFY — AND WIN

Guests are also encouraged to become part of Fear Island themselves by arriving dressed to disturb, terrify or impress.

The event will feature Best Dressed competitions, including nightly, time-slot and surprise spot prizes.

The ultimate Grand Champion of Fear Island will receive:

A custom Fear Island Trophy
A $250 Visa Gift Card
A Fear Island Merchandise Pack

With additional prizes appearing throughout the event, even those who don’t claim the title of Grand Champion may find themselves rewarded for bringing their best nightmare to life.

FEAR ISLAND: THE THRILLER DINNER

For guests who want to venture even deeper into the Fear Island story, the event is joined by its sister experience, Fear Island: The Thriller Dinner.

The Thriller Dinner combines dining with immersive theatre and horror, featuring themed food, live actors, interactive storytelling and a welcome cocktail.

Rather than simply watching a performance, diners become part of an unfolding story where the action takes place around them — turning dinner on Cockatoo Island into an unpredictable night of suspense and entertainment.

WHAT GUESTS CAN EXPECT

Fear Island: Tunnels of Terror features live horror actors, jump scares, loud sounds, dark tunnel environments, disturbing characters, creepy creatures, sudden encounters, theatrical horror scenes and outdoor event areas.

Food, beverages and entertainment will also be available throughout the Fear Island precinct.

The experience is recommended for guests aged 14 and over.

EVENT DETAILS

Event: Fear Island: Tunnels of Terror
Dates: 28–30 August 2026
Location: Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour
Transport: Accessible by ferry
Age recommendation: 14+
Tickets and information: ⁠Book Fear Island: Tunnels of Terror

With its historic industrial landscape, dark tunnels and isolated Sydney Harbour setting, Cockatoo Island provides the backdrop for a horror experience designed to begin long before guests enter the tunnels — and continue long after they emerge.

Enter the tunnels.

Face the island.

Survive the night… if you can.

MEDIA ENQUIRIES

AMA Event Management / AMA Connect
Email: [email protected]

Media representatives and content creators interested in event coverage, interviews, imagery or attendance opportunities are encouraged to contact the event team.