Barrenjoey Head Lightstation

Item details

Name of item: Barrenjoey Head Lightstation
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Transport - Water
Category: Lighthouse Tower
Location: Lat: -33.5801129071 Long: 151.3285675620
Primary address: Barrenjoey Headland, Palm Beach, NSW 2108
Local govt. area: Northern Beaches
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT2 DP540435
LOT1 DP849249
LOT2 DP849249
LOT3 DP849249
LOT4 DP849249
LOT5 DP849249
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
Barrenjoey HeadlandPalm BeachNorthern Beaches  Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
National Parks and Wildlife ServiceState Government26 Nov 98

Statement of significance:

Barrenjoey Lightstation and its setting are highly significant as one of a collection of lighthouses which combine the natural values of a rugged coastal environment with the cultural values of a prominent landmark. Built as an isolated outpost of European settlement it demonstrates the development of coastal shipping in the late 19th Century. The light tower retains its original function today using recent technology to allow for automated operation. It is a notable work of NSW Colonial Architect James Barnet which retains components of 19th Century lighthouse technologies. This site retains evidence of cultural values, both Aboriginal and European, legible in the landscape which demonstrates the changing uses of the site, against a constant of natural values.
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker: James Barnett, NSW Colonial Architect
Builder/Maker: Isaac Banks, Builder;
Physical description: Context:
The headland projects out into Broken Bay forming its southern entrance. To the north is Boudi National Park along the Central Coast. Lion Island and the northern shore of Broken Bay present a natural backdrop. Ku-ring-gai National Park defines the western side of Pittwater, with West Head as the most prominent topographical feature.In Broken Bay are three island Nature Reserves. Lion Island, located just inside the entrance to Broken Bay and visible from Barrenjoey, was classified as a Nature Reserve under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1967. Long Island and Spectacle Island Reserves, dedicated in 1972, are located further inland and are important for their natural and cultural values.Palm Beach sweeps south of the Barrenjoey Headland. Further south, stretches of beach are framed by the various points and headlands.

Setting:
Barrenjoey Lightstation is located on the Barrenjoey Head at the southern entrance to Broken Bay. The headland was once an island joined to the mainland through the formation of a tombolo (Palm Beach) at the end of the last ice-age (approximately 10,000 years ago). The lighthouse reserve is about 10 hectares in area, the remainder of the headland being part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.The Barrenjoey Headland is located at the northern end of Palm Beach, separated from the Sydney suburbs of Whale Beach and Palm Beach by a spit, with the lighthouse as focal point on the headland. The natural character of the headland, curving into Broken Bay and Pittwater, contrasts with the heavily urbanised backdrop of Palm Beach and similar areas to the south of Pittwater.

Natural Attributes:
Barrenjoey Headland itself retains plant associations typical of other headlands in the Sydney region before clearing occured. Black she-oak scrub covers the more exposed areas, with Bangalay forest and small rainforest patches in more sheltered parts.Ocean rock platforms are inaccessible and less subject to scavenging than other Sydney platforms. These, together with associated rocky reefs and the sea grass beds in the sheltered bay, form a valuable littoral and sub-littoral environment.

The Littoral rainforest at the base of the headland, includes two species considered significant, as they are uncommon in the Sydney Region - Pararchidendron pruinosum (snow wood) and Flagellaria indica (twining bamboo). Two fauna (bird) species listed on the schedules of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 have been recorded at Barrenjoey Headland. They are Pandion haliaetus (the osprey) and Sterna fuscata (sooty tern).

Littoral Rainforest in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions have been listed as an endangered ecological community. The Barrenjoey Headland community occurs as a low closed forest with the canopy generally being 4-8m high throughout the type. The rainforest occupies only a small area of the headland (approx. 1ha). The canopy is composed of a number of species, which include Guioa semiglauca, Acmena smithii (lily pilly), Pittosporum undulatum (sweet pittosporum), Syzygium oleosum (brush cherry), Parachidendron pruinosum (snow wood), Rhodomyrtus psidioides and Cassine australis. Vines are also present, the most common being Cissus antarctica (kangaroo vine), but others include C. hypoglauca (water vine), Parsonsia sp. (native jasmine), Marsdenia rostrata, Hibbertia dentata (golden guinea flower) and H. scandens (snake vine). The climber Flagellaria indica and epiphytic orchids (Dendrobium linguiforme) can be located in the rainforest. The cabbage palm species Livistonia australis is a conspicuous canopy emergent (Lembit & McDougall, 1994)(Martens & Associates, 2011, 18).

Aboriginal values:
Barrenjoey Headland (part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park) occurs in the country of the Guringai people (Garigal Clan) who utilised the bushland, headland and shoreline for different purposes.
Eight recorded Aboriginal sites appear on the NPWS Register for Barrenjoey Headland and Palm Beach. These sites include middens on the spit, sheltered campsites, and engravings. There are no known sites within the immediate vicinity of the lighthouse precinct, or proposed construction zones. A potential archaeological deposit (PAD) has been recorded at the top of the Smugglers Track (Martens & Associates, 2011, 19).

Buildings and Structures:
The principal buildings are the Lighthouse tower, Head Keeper's cottage, and Assistant Keepers' duplex with two semi-detached dwellings, associated outbuildings, boatshed and other site features. The three cottages are cut into the ridge behind the tower, giving protection against the prevailing north easterlies. This composition utilises a strong pattern of sandstone retaining walls to define the front yards of the cottages and to link the main house to the tower.Barrenjoey is the only face sandstone tower in the NPWS collection. The tower is 19.5m high and the focal plane of the light is 112m above high water. It has a range of 40 kilometres. The tower base is octagonal in plan to a height of 4m and circular above. It is divided into three storeys with iron floors and staircases. The walls are 900mm thick at the base tapering to 600mm at the top.The gallery around the lantern is cantilevered on massive stone brackets capped with elegant gunmetal balustrade. A square oil room at the base of the tower is connected to the head keeper's cottage by a covered stair with a windbreak wall integral with both buildings.The Head Keeper's Quarters is constructed in sandstone, with timber floors and a pyramidal pitched roof of corrugated steel. The north western facade has a bay window flanked by verandahs which return along to the southern facade. The bay looks into a courtyard enclosed by sandstone walling. A covered way to the tower joins the verandah at the north eastern corner. The house is on two levels, with kitchen and service areas below and six rooms arranged around a central hallway above. The six rooms are currently set out as four bedrooms, storeroom and sitting room containing the north facing bay window. Five fireplaces remain. A privy is also located at the south eastern corner of the lower level.The Assistant keepers' duplex is also of sandstone with timber floors. Each has four rooms about a hallway and the pair is symmetrical about a central party wall. Each cottage has a verandah, reached by stair on the north and connected by another stair to a service building at its rear. The main section features four rooms about a central hallway of sandstone, with timber floors. A single hipped roof clad in corrugated steel spans both dwellings. This building has been substantially rebuilt after being burnt. The internal walls have been completely stripped of their internal finishes. Joinery has been reconstructed and the rooms adapted to suit the occupants' lifestyle.A sandstone kitchen, store room and separate privy occupy the rear yard enclosed by a sandstone wall. Two underground water tanks are located in the space between the main building and the service structure.The timber framed and weatherboard clad Customs Station cottage has four main rooms about an open west facing verandah with several other rooms to their rear. It is built with a timber floor and colorbond corrugated roof.

Lighthouse Equipment
The tower contains the 12ft. diameter Chance Bros cast iron and copper lantern house of segmental cast iron, copper clad dome and precast internal and external catwalks. It has diagonal pattern glazing system associated with fixed optics.The optic does not rotate on a chariot but sits on its original cast iron main pedestal. The optic glass is horizontally banded in "belts" and the centrally light is mounted on a smaller cast iron pedestal. The Barrenjoey lens and pedestal are rare in Australia as being a 700mm Chance Bros fixed optic light. Disused 1932 acetylene sun valve and flasher associated with the place are present in a stored condition. The light was converted to electricity in 1972.The light is still operational and is maintained as a navigational aid by the NSW State Government serving recreational boating in Pittwater.Cultural LandscapeThe foreground to the headland, when approached from Palm Beach, is the extensive Council Car park. Access to the lightstation is by 4 wheel drive road, by walking along Pittwater Beach and up the rough stone flagged road to the summit or by walking the "smugglers trail". The summit forms a cultural precinct with the buildings nestled behind the trees on the rear face of the ridge. The timber cottage and boat shed are located south west of the lighthouse complex, on Barrenjoey beach facing Pittwater. The cottage is associated with the Customs Station.A vegetable garden is believed to have been located to the rear of the timber cottages. A number of Coral trees presently surround this cottage and the boatshed adjacent. Lantana and privet also attest to European occupation. Otherwise, the vegetation is coastal heath, modified in the vicinity of the lightstation.A man proof fence as protection against vandalism presently surrounds the Lighthouse tower.The location of a flagstaff blown down about 1950 is indicated by eyebolts near the Trig Station. An earlier flagstaff (probably associated with the Stewart Tower) is shown on Barnet's 1877 plan and on a c.1885 photograph. A memorial cairn/obelisk was unveiled in 1935 on the site of the Stewart Towers and named after PW Gledhill, a noted local historian.The two graves to the east of the tower are those of the first lightkeeper, George Mulhall, who apparently died when struck by lightning in June 1885 and of his wife Mary who died the following year. The Gledhill Lookout Cairn is built from stone taken from the first lighthouse.Other features on the headland summit include the quarry, lookout markers and water tanks. At the rear of the houses and in front of the tower, random stone terracing was constructed. Remnants of a World War 2 concrete searchlight mount adjoin the Trig Station. Other defence related features might be present.
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential: 		Lighthouse and main residence intact. Duplex stable condition. adapted with loss of finishes following fire circa 1940s.
Modifications and dates: Changes:The cottages were heavily damaged by vandals during the 1940s, following unmanning of the station and later leased by residents who have repaired and adapted the houses for their own use. Australian Maritime Safety Authority also undertook basic maintenance. The boat shed was apparently constructed by the Nott family in the 1970s. It is small timber framed structure clad in aesbestos cement sheet with concrete floor and corrugated colorbond roof.In 1972 the light was converted to electric operation from mains power with a backup emergency battery start generator. The original optical lens supplied by Chance Bros. of Birmingham is still in use today with a focal height of 113 metres above sea level and a range of 19 nautical miles.
Further information: Disused 1932 acetylene sun valve and flasher associated with the place are present in a stored condition.
Current use: National Park, Residences and Lighthouse
Former use: Aboriginal land, Lightstation, National Park

History

Historical notes: Aboriginal Heritage
The area was known to be occupied by the Guringai tribe. There has not been a systematic search undertaken on the headland but numerous sites are known including three listed Aboriginal archaeological sites on Barrenjoey Headland, two middens and a cave. None of the known sites are close to the Lighthouse precinct. A number of aboriginal shell middens were exploited in Colonial times as for the burning of lime.

European History
The headland was first named as "Barrenjuee" by Governor Phillip in 1788 from the Aboriginal name for small wallaby. After many interpretations the name is now "Barranjoey" on Admiralty maps and "Barrenjoey" on road maps.

Broken Bay was once, due to the Hawkesbury trade, a thriving port. The River was then navigable to Windsor allowing steamers carrying passengers and produce. The trade was extensively agricultural and also included the valued commodity, rum.

During these early years of the Bay's use as a port, a stone jetty was constructed and a number of buildings erected to house Customs and cargo.

The Customs Station established in 1843 included a wooden hut on top of Barrenjoey from which all vessels entering and leaving the port could be observed. A light was reputedly first displayed at Barrenjoey Head in rough weather in 1855, reputedly a fire basket lit in the hut, however the first official lighthouse began operating in 1868 when two wooden buildings called the Stewart Towers were erected and lanterns shown from them as guides to mariners.

The Stewart Towers, named after the member for East Sydney who lobbied for their erection, were erected as temporary navigation aids. In 1873 it was recommended by Francis Hixson (President of the Marine Board of NSW) that a single permanent lighthouse replace the temporary Stewart Towers.

Plans were subsequently prepared and the present lighthouse and surrounding buildings were completed and the light was first exhibited on 1 August 1881. The need for the navigational aid around Broken Bay was highlighted by the number of wrecks in the area. Among the fist of many wrecks in Broken Bay was the schooner Endeavour in 1825. Three lives were lost in the wreck of the ketch Traveller in 1868 and six died when the brig Minora was wrecked in 1898. Barnet had made a survey of the headland in 1877 and decided on the best location for the light.

The land was then in private ownership and known as Larkfield Farm having been originally granted to James Napper in 1816.After some delay the foundation stone was finally laid in April 1880, by Miss Rosa Barnet.

The buildings are constructed from sandstone quarried on the headland, and were constructed by Mr Isaac Banks as designed by James Barnet. The original light shown from the present tower was fixed red and featured four wick burners with red screens.The tower base is octagonal in plan and features a number of small openings and Victoria Regina 1880 insignia carved in the stone. The circular tower rises above the base three storeys and features large stone brackets which support the gallery around the lantern. An oil room and corridor at the base of the tower provides access to the tower which internally features iron floors and stairs. It is connected to the head keeper's cottage by a covered stair with a windbreak wall.

The Head keepers quarters and assistants quarters are built within a series of sandstone walls which give a compound like environment relatively protected from prevailing winds. The head keepers quarters feature verandah covered by the sweep of the corrugated iron clad roof, the decorative timber fretwork long gone. A large bay breaks the verandah at the north western corner in the Headkeepers quarters. The basement features a kitchen fireplace and courtyard enclosed by a massive rubble wall and with a privy in the south east corner.

The semi-detached cottages essentially consist of four rooms about a central corridor with a service block and privy in the rear courtyard. Verandahs shade the chief rooms and a covered walkway links them with the service block at their rear.

James Johnstone Barnet (1827-1904) was made acting Colonial Architect in 1862 and appointed Colonial Architect from 1865-90. He was born in Scotland and studied in London under Charles Richardson, RIBA and William Dyce, Professor of Fine Arts at King's College, London. He was strongly influenced by Charles Robert Cockerell, leading classical theorist at the time and by the fine arts, particularly works of painters Claude Lorrain and JRM Turner. He arrived in Sydney in 1854 and worked as a self-employed builder. He served as Edmund Blacket's clerk of works on the foundations of the Randwick (Destitute Childrens') Asylum. Blacket then appointed Barnet as clerk-of-works on the Great Hall at Sydney University. By 1859 he was appointed second clerk of works at the Colonial Architect's Office and in 1861 was Acting Colonial Architect. Thus began a long career. He dominated public architecture in NSW, as the longest-serving Colonial Architect in Australian history. Until he resigned in 1890 his office undertook some 12,000 works, Barnet himself designing almost 1000. They included those edifices so vital to promoting communication, the law and safe sea arrivals in colonial Australia. Altogether there were 169 post and telegraph offices, 130 courthouses, 155 police buildings, 110 lockups and 20 lighthouses, including the present Macquarie Lighthouse on South Head, which replaced the earlier one designed by Francis Greenway. Barnet's vision for Sydney is most clearly seen in the Customs House at Circular Quay, the General Post Office in Martin Place and the Lands Department and Colonial Secretary's Office in Bridge Street. There he applied the classicism he had absorbed in London, with a theatricality which came from his knowledge of art (Le Sueur, 2016, 6).

During the 1931 a live bombing range was established at the entrance of Broken Bay. A target consisting of a carley float was towed into position and anchored when required for the excersises. Bombing signals were installed at the Barrenjoey Lighthouse and monitored by the keepers.

The lighthouse boatsheds were used for the storage of the float and equipment.In 1932 the light was converted to group flashing white automatic light, powered by acetylene gas. With automation the lightkeepers were no longer needed and finally withdrawn. This left the area unprotected.

During the 1940s correspondence concerning the lease of the headland and cottages outlined certain conditions. A lease of a portion of the defence reserve including part of the lighthouse property required an agreement that no structures be erected or any other work be carried out that will obstruct view of or from the Lighthouse, Trig Station or Gledhill Lookout Cairn. Also should not interfere in any way with the Mulhall's grave and old Lighthouse monument.A memo to the property officer dated 1944 noted that the cottages at the lighthouse were broken into and one cottage in particular was damaged.

A number of enquiries were made from this time relating the lease of the cottages and surrounding land.

In 1949 approval was given the Warringah Shire Council for a permissive occupancy of an unleased portion of the defence reserve at Barrenjoey.The cottages were finally reoccupied during the 1950s and have since been restored and altered according to the needs of the tenants.

National Park:

For 30 years Mr Sparks lived in one of the assistant lighthouse keepers' cottages at Barrenjoey Head, laterjoined by his future wife, Canadian-born Bridget. Mr Sparks moved into the cottage in 1968 after buying the lease for $2000 and then paid a tiny rent to the Department of the Interior. The cottage was in poor condition, so Sparks put on a new roof, renovated it and installed a septic system, although it never had running water or electricity. Sparks also began researching the history of his new home and wrote two books about Barrenjoey Head : 'Tales From Barrenjoey' and 'The Red Light Of Palm Beach'. Sparks and his wife became involved in the Chase Alive program after Barrenjoey Head was taken over by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and guided visitors around the lighthouse and its cottages. But eventually they were forced to leave Barrenjoey and in 1998 moved to Queensland (Manly Daily, 8/11/17, 4).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Parks-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Regional flora and fauna-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Natural - regenerating native flora valued for conservation purposes-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Park reserve-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Natural landscapes valued by humans-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Cliffs and escarpments influencing human settlement-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural: Conserving and protecting natural features-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Using natural features for human security-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Natural - pre European settlement vegetation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. All nations - sites evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Eora nation - places of contact with the colonisers-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Aboriginal Culture-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. All nations - place of first contact between Aboriginal and European peoples-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Communication-Activities relating to the creation and conveyance of information Communicating by radar-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Building and maintaining public light houses and stations-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Training military personnel-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Involvement with the Second World War-
7. Governing-Governing Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation Defending the nation.-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Sydney's colonial settlement; Shipping-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - customs-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - collecting taxes and fees-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Enjoying picnics-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to the park-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going bushwalking-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting lookouts and places of natural beauty-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups Associations with James Barnet, Colonial (Government) Architect 1862-90-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		Barrenjoey Lightstation is a significant intact example of a late Victorian lightstation designed by James Barnet, the NSW Colonial Architect in the period 1862-90. The complex of buildings at the Barrenjoey Lightstation are the oldest remaining structures in Pittwater and remain as evidence of the earlier coastal shipping use of the Bay and Hawkesbury River.
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		The light tower is perhaps the finest of Barnet’s towers because of its attractive sandstone construction. Barnet can also be said to have reintroduced pavilion entrances to the lighthouse design in NSW.It is a substantial and relatively intact 19th century lightstation of outstanding architectural quality. The headland is a dramatic landform of great natural beauty. The construction of the lightstation provides a counterpoint and human scale. While the vegetation has been modified over the 100 years it contributes to the evocative nature and character of the place.The lantern is a beautiful example of the 19th century industrial technology and is intact apart from some modernisation of the light source.The cast iron stair in the lighthouse is a very good example of its type. Barrenjoey retains it distinctive gunmetal balustrade which is a mark of Barnet towers.The houses are constructed in ashlar stonework of considerable quality, with high stone garden walls and substantial retaining walls which also distinguish them from other comparable designs. However virtually none of the internal finishes have survived.
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		The lightstation is significant as an important element in the establishment of navigational aids along the NSW coast which reflects the economic development of the surrounding region.The various remains, earlier and associated features are significant for the role they played in the early navigation and coastal shipping network, commercial shipping and network and by their association with the functioning and role of the lighthouse complex.The lightstation and the Mulhall Graves are significant for providing evidence of the changing living and working conditions of the lighthouse keepers and their families
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		The lighthouse retains the original Chance Bros. cast iron and copper lantern house. Barrenjoey has an unusual fixed optic, rare in Australia, that is fixed and sits on its original cast iron main pedestal. The place retains its disused 1932 acetylene sun valve and flasher.The tower is of considerable industrial archaeological significance in its ability to demonstrate the evolution of lighthouse technology. The headland itself potentially has great archaeological significance, retaining elements with various associations that demonstrate the former uses and evolution of the place..
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		Chance Brothers lantern house and rare fixed optic, together with disused 1932 acetylene sun valve and flasher.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		Prominent landmark with integrated natural and cultural values, with the tower being a fine example in sandstone of a James Barnet lighthouse design.
Integrity/Intactness: Retains high integrity in tower and head keeper's residence.
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

In accordance with National Parks and Wildlife Service Act and relevant Plan of Mangement, and management recommendations of the “NPWS Lighthouses: Conservation Mangement Plan & Cultural Tourism Plan”.–––––

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementReview a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-CommentConservation Plan submitted for commentCMP endorsed by Exec.Director, Country, Culture & Heritage Division, OEH 4/2/2013 Jan 4 2013
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below. 		Nov 7 2025

PDF Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0097902 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register     

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
National Parks & Wildlife Service Section 170 Register  National Parks & Wildlife Service  No

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
TourismAttraction Homepage2007Barrenjoey Head Lightstation View detail
WrittenLe Sueur, Angela2016Colonial Architects - part 2
WrittenMartens & Associates2015Review of Environmental Factors - Barrenjoey Headland Lightstation
WrittenNSW Government Architect's Office, Heritage Group2012Barrenjoey Headland Conservation Management Plan
TourismTourism NSW2007Barrenjoey Lighthouse View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5014096
File number: EF14/5181; H04/91/1 (ICONS)

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