Sydney Harbour Federation Trust - News and Events

Harbour Trust: Birthday Parties

It's party time at Macquarie Lighthouse, Vaucluse!

Climb to the top of Macquarie Lighthouse for your next birthday party..

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust now offers a unique children’s birthday party experience at Macquarie Lightstation, Vaucluse. Entitled ‘Operation Lighthouse’, this fun program will give kids the chance to climb to the top of the Lighthouse, hear tales of its interesting past and discover how a lighthouse works.

Operation Lighthouse

Play the role of the Lighthouse Keeper as you climb the 100 steps to check the giant lantern and lens, search the sea for ships and learn to send a signal. Discover how the lighthouse works, how it was built and hear tales of its fascinating past.

Ages

Birthday party activities are designed specifically for children aged 6–10 years.

Dates and times

Birthday party activities can be held anytime between 10am and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays or on weekday afternoons. Activities run for 1 hour. The availability of dates and times will be dependent on existing bookings and demand.

Group size

There is maximum of 20 children per booking. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) sets limits on group access to the top of the Lighthouse, so only 10 children are allowed at the top of the Lighthouse at any one time. Groups of 11-20 children will be divided into two groups for this part of the activity.

Supervision

Party organisers must provide one adult for every five children to accompany the activity to assist with group supervision. (Due to AMSA policy, only a limited number of accompanying adults will be able to accompany the children to the top of the Lighthouse).

Cost and payment

Kids climbing the stairs in Macquarie Lighthouse

See inside Australia's first and longest operating navigational light.

Birthday party activities cost $15 per child for up to 10 children; $20 per child for 11 to 20 children and there is a minimum fee of $150. (Due to group size limits set by AMSA, groups of 11 to 20 children require additional staff and therefore incur a higher fee per child). Prices include dedicated staff members to conduct the birthday party activity and all required equipment and materials. Party catering and invitations are not included. Accompanying adults are free of charge. A deposit of $150 is at least required one week prior to your activity to reserve your booking. An invoice will be sent to you after your activity for payment of the balance which will be calculated according to the final number of children attending on the day.

Catering

Party organisers are welcome to use the lawn of Macquarie Lightstation for a picnic. Food and drink are not permitted inside the Lighthouse.

Location

Macquarie Lightstation is located on Old South Head Rd, Vaucluse, at the intersection of Old South Head Rd and Macquarie Rd.

Transport and parking

There is on-street parking on Old South Head Rd. Macquarie Lightstation is also accessible by bus. Please visit www.131500.com or call 131 500 for details.

Facilities

Public toilets are located in nearby Christison Park. Please BYO fold-up tables or picnic rugs and take all rubbish with you.

Wet weather alternatives

Birthday party activities can proceed in wet weather. As food and drink are not permitted inside the Lighthouse, in the event of wet weather, party organisers may need to make alternative catering arrangements.

Health and fitness

The grounds of Macquarie Lighthouse are perfect for picnics.

This program includes a walk to the top of the Lighthouse via 100 narrow, winding steps. AMSA advise that this is suitable for reasonably fit people. Anyone with heart problems and breathing difficulties are warned against climbing the steps.

How to book

To make a booking, please download a birthday party enquiry form from our website. Alternatively you can call (02) 8969 2100 during office hours or email education@harbourtrust.gov.au. Once confirmed, detailed information about your booking will be sent to you, including a map.

Macquarie Lighthouse Birthday Party Booking Form (35kb)

Information

For more information about birthday party activities, Macquarie Lightstation or the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, please call (02) 8969 2100 during office hours.

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