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On Tuesday 5 August, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt joined the Harbour Trust to officially open the Greenway Wall. Minister Watt was joined by Prof Tim Entwisle, Chair, Harbour Trust, Janet Carding, Executive Director, Harbour Trust and Allegra Spender MP, Member for Wentworth.
This project involved the reconstruction of collapsed sections of the Greenway Wall. Further, it led to a remarkable archaeological discovery – the original footings of the corner lodges, once at each end of the wall. The restored Greenway Wall includes a new lookout as well as interpretation that invites visitors to consider the story of First Nations peoples of this area and how a shifting coastline transformed this landscape over 20,000 years.
The lightstation is associated with Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who initiated its construction, and convict architect Francis Greenway who designed and completed the original lighthouse in 1817, within a walled compound – the surviving sections of this compound are now known as the Greenway Wall. This lighthouse became operational on 30 November 1818 when its lantern was lit for the first time. In 1883, a replacement lighthouse designed by colonial architect James Barnett was built and for a time two stood together. This second lighthouse remains and is still in operation today.
The official opening of the Greenway Wall at Macquarie Lightstation marks the start of new regular tours, giving the public the opportunity to experience and understand the lighthouse history and ascend to the balcony for unmatched views of this harbour city.
Want to explore this historic lighthouse in person? Book tickets for our next Discover Macquarie Lightstation Tour here.