Barrenjoey Lighthouse

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Barrenjoey Lighthouse is located in Palm Beach on the headland of Sydney's Northern Beaches most northern point. The lighthouse can only be accessed by a one kilometre scenic walk from the Governor Phillip car park (pay and display parking). Parking is also available along Barrenjoey Road.

You may recognise the lighthouse from the popular TV series ‘Home and Away’, so bring your camera or binoculars as the lighthouse is a popular spot to photograph as well as for whale watching. Be sure to visit the grave of the first lighthouse keeper, George Mulhall, located close to the lighthouse which provides you with a sense of the history.

There are two options for the climb up to the lighthouse, the longer route while still a steep climb will take you on a slightly less steep walk through the densely treed headland, while the Smuggler's track will take you straight up with lots of stairs. The longer track up and the short track down could be a good option.

History

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is one of the Northern Beaches’ most iconic landmarks. Built in 1881 from sandstone, quarried on site and positioned 113m above sea level, the lighthouse stands at approximately 29.5 metres high. The original oil room and keepers’ cottages remain unpainted in the original stone finish.

Experience spectacular views from Barrenjoey Lighthouse over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park and Broken Bay, or up and down the coastline north of Sydney.

Lighthouse Keepers

Located on the headland is the original Keeper's Cottage, first occupied by George Mulhall, the earliest Barrenjoey lighthouse Keeper.  George Mulhall was born in Australia in 1811 and was appointed by the Colonial Treasurer as lighthouse keeper at Barrenjoey in 1881.

According to the National Parks and Wildlife signage, the death of George Mulhall is one of the “Tales from Barranjoey” written by Jervis Sparks.  “On a stormy night in June, 1885, George Mulhall venturing out for more firewood, was struck down by a tremendous bolt of lightning, and as the journalism of that day recorded, was burnt to a cinder.”

George Mulhall’s death certificate stated George died after 3 days of illness caused by a stroke. George Junior, the second lighthouse keeper 1881-1891, was in-fact stuck by lightening resulting in a badly burnt arm which form that day was bound in snake-skin to ward off further celestial visitations.

Guided tours are conducted every Sunday, weather permitting, 30 minutes duration, $5 for adults, $2 for children. For more information phone the Kalkari Discovery Centre on 02 9472 9300

More Information

Visit NPWS website for more information >>