Greenway Wall restoration (Macquarie Lightstation)
Status |
Start date |
Completed |
August 2024 |

Conservation works on the historically significant Greenway Wall at Macquarie Lightstation have concluded. The wall is a remnant of the site’s original lighthouse, which was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway and completed in 1817.
The works restored the integrity of the wall as well as the land terrace it retains. Further, the wall’s original length has been interpreted through a new landscaping design incorporating First Nations concepts. Traditional stone conservation methods were used. This involved the use of materials, colours and finishes sympathetic to the character of the wall and its surroundings. The intention of the conservation works was to restore the Greenway Wall, in part, to a known earlier form including the missing crenelated form. The wall has been previously damaged by the removal of some top course stones, as well as some erosion of the landscape behind it over time. The works commenced in August 2024 and concluded in August 2025.
Restoration of gun emplacements (North Head Sanctuary)
Status |
Start date |
Completed |
December 2023 |

The Harbour Trust has been undertaking work on the gun emplacements at North Head Sanctuary to better communicate their historical purpose and heritage values. This work has involved the removal of lead-based paint, structural repairs and treatment of metal fittings and fixtures.
The work commenced in December 2023 and has now been completed. The ground floor and upper level of gun emplacement 2 is now open to the public. Gun emplacement 1 has been stabilised and will be kept as a historic relic site and can be viewed.
Conservation of buildings 9 and 20 (Cockatoo Island)
Status |
Start date |
Further information |
Completed |
December 2023 |
N/A
|

The Harbour Trust undertook work on Buildings 9 (B9) and 20 (B20) on Cockatoo Island. These heritage houses were extensively repaired to allow the Harbour Trust to use the heritage homes as short-term accommodation for the public.
North Fort tunnel repairs (North Head Sanctuary)
Status |
Start date |
Completed |
May 2025 |
From 19 May 2025, the North Fort tunnels at North Head Sanctuary were closed for approximately 8 weeks while they underwent remediation and conservation works. The minor repairs will optimise the lifecycle of the assets, maintain their heritage value an increase public safety. Work included repairs to sections of concrete in selected areas and the restoration of the steel ceiling in the munitions hoist room.
Restoration of historic sandstone wall (North Head Sanctuary)
Location |
Duration |
Further information |
North Head Sanctuary |
March 2022 to October 2023 |
News item |

Following extreme weather in March 2022, 2 sections of the sandstone wall at North Head Sanctuary collapsed. The Harbour Trust has been undertaking work to ensure that the sections of the wall can be repaired and reinforced to prevent this from occurring in the future.
One section of the wall has been repaired, with each stone replaced in its original position. Work is still underway to work in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to repair the second section.
The first section of the sandstone wall, located near the North Head Sanctuary Visitors Centre has been repaired and reopened to the public. Work is underway to repair the second section of the wall in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Further updates will be provided shortly.
Retort House repairs (Sub Base Platypus)
Location |
Duration |
Further information |
Sub Base Platypus |
March 2024 to August 2024 |
News item
|

The Harbour Trust has finished repairing the Retort House and the space is now ready to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. The works included the preservation of the Retort House’s historic fabric, the removal of hazardous materials and activities to return the building to a watertight condition and prevent further deterioration. Constructed in 1886 using a rare type of prefabricated iron, the Retort House provides visitors with a window into the era when the site of Sub Base Platypus hosted a gasworks (1877 to 1937).
Replacement of timber structure near Camber Wharf (Cockatoo Island)
Status |
Start date |
Further information |
In progress |
17 July 2024 |
Map
|

The Harbour Trust replaced a deteriorated timber wharf, known as the Patrol Boat Wharf, on the southern side of Cockatoo Island (map). The works have enabled us to access and repair a historic crane.
New piles for the wharf have been installed and a new deck has been constructed as part of this project. The works began in July 2024 and were completed in December 2024.