Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Day Use Area Update
by Javier Guiance

Project Manager Mark Watt at the grave of first light keepers Mr and Mrs George Mulhall, near the lighthouse Photo: Carmen Welss

Environmental beautification within the heritage-listed lighthouse precinct at Barrenjoey Headland on Sydney’s northern beaches should commence late in March 2004 and see completion in June 2004.

The status of the Barrenjoey Day Use area upgrade regarding financing and the development progress is running on schedule. Ranger Mark Watt of the DEC said, “The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife has been able to gain the support of the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Fairfax Foundation with a generous donation of $51,000. This will enable an important component of the project, but more financial support is required to complete the entire project.”

The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife is seeking a further $16,000 to complete the current works, envisaged as an initial step in implementing a much larger heritage improvement plan.

The on-ground work will start with the visit of a Navy helicopter lifting necessary material into the day use area. “The helicopter lift is intended for the onsite works to commence in early April”, said Mark Watt.

A recreational destination for future generations

The open space surrounding the lighthouse will be the main focus of the landscaping work. Photo: Carmen Welss

Since extensive upgrading has resumed, Barrenjoey Lighthouse precinct has seen positive feedback with regards to the replanting of natives and basic renovations. ”Public opinion of the current works is generally positive. The lighthouse is now open every Sunday by volunteers from Chase Alive. The volunteers, for a gold coin donation, take people up the lighthouse. The tour includes a history of the site and details the cultural significance of the light-station”, said Mark Watt.

With the initial precinct developments running to plan, Barrenjoey Light-station’s future as a superb example of Australian maritime heritage appears assured.

Upon completion of the heritage landscape plan, the Barrenjoey promontory will prove to be a recreational destination for future generations of visitors; local and global, drawn to this unique environmental and cultural heritage bastion that has become a Northern Beaches architectural icon, and similarly, a national architectural treasure.

Top of page