Plan Your Visit to Macquarie Lightstation
Opening hours and entry
The grounds are open every day of the year.
The lighthouse is open for tours every two months. The light is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
The lightstation cottages are all privately leased and there is no public access.
Getting there
Macquarie Lightstation is located on Old South Head Road, Vaucluse.
Download map of Macquarie Lightstation
By car:
Macquarie Lightstation is located in Sydney's eastern suburbs. Access via Old South Head Road, Vaucluse. Limited parking is available in the surrounding streets.
By bus:
Sydney buses operate a service to Vaucluse every day. The 324 links Circular Quay to Watsons Bay via Vaucluse. Alight at the bus stops located near the lightstation on Old South Head Road.
For further information and timetables check the Transport Infoline Websit.
By ferry:
Sydney Ferries run between Circular Quay and Watsons Bay every day. Once embarking at Watsons Bay there is a walk of approximately 1.5 km up to the lighthouse or you can catch bus 324 from Watsons Bay.
For further information and timetables check the Transport Infoline Websit.
By foot:
Macquarie Lightstation is one of the sites on the popular coast walk that extends from Christison Park immediately south of the lightstation to Gap Park and inner South Head to the north.
For further information see the Harbour Bridge to South Head and Clovelly walk on the Walking Coastal Sydney website.
Visitor facilities
The nearest public toilets are located in Christison Park.
Download map of Macquarie Lightstation [PDF 170kb]
Visitor guide
Download the Macquarie Lightstation brochure [PDF 479kb]
Access
While most areas of the lightstation's grounds are wheelchair accessible, keep in mind that it is a natural environment and some of the surfaces are uneven. When open for tours, the lighthouse interior has a steep climb of 100 steps to reach the top.
Emergency
In case of emergency dial 000 or via mobile 112 if out of range.
Security
A team of rangers patrol Macquarie Lightstation regularly during daylight hours.
Visitor Code
We welcome visitors to Macquarie Lightstation and invite you to wander about the grounds and view the magnificent lighthouse. For the safety and enjoyment of all park users, and to help protect this historic site, please follow the Visitor Code:
- no access to the lighthouse, except on an organised public tour;
- no lighting of fires or portable BBQs;
- no bicycles, skateboards or scooters on footpaths and tracks;
- no model aeroplanes or remote controlled toys;
- do not camp overnight;
- do not erect tents, marquees, or temporary shade structures without a permit;
- do not climb on fences or historic structures;
- keep dogs on a leash at all times;
- do not leave dog waste on the ground;
- no dumping of vegetation, soil or litter;
- take your rubbish with you; and
- respect our neighbours by not making excessive noise.
Our rangers are on duty to answer any questions and ensure these guidelines are followed.
More Information
For further information on regulations see: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Regulations 2001 via the AUSTLII website
Filming and Photography
Dog Walking at Macquarie Lightstation
View the Macquarie Lightstation management plan
