Harbour Trust: The
Sites
Macquarie Lightstation: About the Site
| Facts in Brief |
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| Site Brochure |
- Download
the site brochure
(PDF, 373kb  )
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Location Map
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Macquarie Lightstation
is located in Vaucluse, on Sydney's southern headland. |
 Natural
features
The Peninsula of South Head has been formed
by layers of sandstone being warped and uplifted over millions of years.
This is clearly visible in the cliff faces along South Head.
Macquarie Lightstation sits in a prominent position near the cliff top
at the high point of the ridge.
The area is highly exposed, has very shallow soil and rock outcrops.
The lightstation and adjacent areas have been cleared. Some of the open
heath and open scrub vegetation has been replanted in limited areas.
The open areas are grassed and exotic species, of which the Norfolk Island
pines are the most obvious, have been planted around the residences.
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History of the site
Pre-1788: Indigenous Culture
The Harbour Trust will be undertaking research into the former Aboriginal
occupation of this area.
1791-1818: A Beacon becomes a Lighthouse
As early as 1791 a beacon stood on South Head, first fired by wood and
later by coal, to guide vessels to the harbour entrance at night.
The original Macquarie Lighthouse, the first to be built in Australia,
was designed and supervised by the renowned convict architect Francis
Greenway and Captain John Gill. Work commenced in 1816 and the structure
was completed in 1818.
The lighthouse was constructed of sandstone quarried on site. Governor
Macquarie was so pleased with the lighthouse that he granted Greenway
with a pardon for his work.
The original light was powered by a number of oil lamps set in reflectors
that revolved using a weight system, similar to a pendulum clock.
The first lighthouse keeper was Robert Watson, who had arrived in the
Colony with the First Fleet as Quartermaster on HMS Sirius and later
became harbour master. He died one year after his appointment, and nearby
Watson's Bay was named in his honour.
The stone used in Macquarie Lighthouse soon began to erode and 60 years
later the tower was held together with iron bands.
 The two lighthouses together 1883-1910s: A New Lighthouse
In 1883 a new lighthouse was built, designed by James Barnet, to closely
resemble the original tower. It was built less than four metres away from
the original and illuminated by gas-generated electricity.
Two De Meritens magnetos generators powered the lighthouse.
The original arc lamp and generators are now held at the Powerhouse Museum.
For a short time, the old and new lighthouses stood side-by-side on
South Head.
Semi-detached quarters were built for the Assistant Keepers in 1881
and the Head Keeper's accommodation was upgraded in 1887 (although, quarters
built for the Engineer and his assistant in 1885 were demolished in 1970
and replaced by the four existing town houses).
In 1912 the electric light was converted to less-expensive kerosene and
in 1933 it was converted back to electric operation and connected to the
city's power supply. A smaller lens was installed which was similar to
the lens in use today.
1970s-Today: Full automation and the Harbour Trust
Macquarie Lightstation became fully automated in 1976 and the last lightstation
staff left the site in 1989.
In 2001, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act transferred management
of the lightstation grounds to the Harbour Trust, however the lighthouse
is still fully operational and is under the control of the Australian
Maritime Safety Authority.
Macquarie Lighthouse, the head lighthouse keeper's quarters and semi-detached
assistant keeper's quarters remain on South Head adjoining a public walkway.
Remnants of the colonial 1818 lighthouse, retaining wall and various archaeological
remains can be found on the site.
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Access Information
 Macquarie Lighthouse today The lighthouse is still used for its initially intended purpose - as
a guiding light showing the way to the entrance of Sydney Harbour. The
light is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The lightstation cottages are all privately leased and there is no public
access, however the grounds of the lightstation are always open for public
access.
The Harbour Trust operates guided tours of the lighthouse every two
months.
Click here to learn more about
Macquarie Lighthouse tours.
The Harbour Trust has been undertaking a number of maintenance and preparatory
work for cleaning up the grounds around the lighthouse and uncovering
the remains of the original Greenway lighthouse.
Click here to find out what
projects and activities are being and have been carried out on the site.
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