Macquarie Lightstation

Macquarie Lightstation covers an area of approximately 2.2 hectares and is in a prominent position. It is set on a raised land terrace, near the cliff top that runs parallel to Old South Head Road. The site is defined by very shallow soil interspersed with rock outcrops and the adjacent areas have been cleared, leaving the site is highly exposed; however, open heath and scrub have been replanted in limited places.

The lighthouse itself is one of a few prominent landmarks on Sydney Harbour that speaks to Australia’s historic dependence on the sea. Meanwhile, the broader site represents more than 200 years of European settlement and occupation as evident in several significant remnant structures. These include the Greenway compound wall (1816), Head Keeper’s Quarters (1836), Assistant Keepers’ Quarters (1881), James Barnet’s iteration of Macquarie Lighthouse (1883) and a searchlight post embedded in the cliff face (WW2). A modern townhouse complex, constructed in 1970, occupies the south-eastern area of the site and is the largest of the residential buildings, consisting of four dwellings.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has a lease over part of the site and is responsible for the operation of the Lighthouse which is still in use as a guiding light for ships.

The Macquarie Lightstation precinct is recognised as being of great heritage importance. Its significance is derived from its:

• Longstanding role as navigational beacon and landmark on Sydney Harbour;

• Historical associations with Governor Lachlan Macquarie and colonial architects Francis Greenway and James Barnet;

• Significant archaeological remains and potential;

• Technical achievement of the construction of the lighthouse and operation of the beacon
  
  

While there are some First Nations sites of significance in the South Head area, none have been identified at Macquarie Lighstation.

• Macquarie Lightstation Group (105365)

• Macquarie Lighthouse (105366)

• Assistant Keepers Quarters (105366)

• Head Keepers Quarters (105404)

• Greenway Retaining Wall (105412)

• Item No 00677 – State Item | Woollahra Council Local Environment Plan

• Item No. 1372 – State Item | State Heritage Register

• Macquarie Lightstation Management Plan (pdf)

• Macquarie Lightstation, Old South Head Vaucluse, Conservation Management Plan, Lucas Stapleton Johnson & Partners Pty Ltd (pdf)