Perched atop the windswept Barrenjoey Headland at Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Lighthouse has been guiding ships along Sydney’s coastline since 1881. Built from locally quarried sandstone, this striking heritage-listed structure is the northernmost lighthouse in Sydney and a remarkable example of 19th-century maritime engineering. Its bold, cylindrical design and rich honey-coloured stone make it a standout feature against the dramatic backdrop of sea and sky.

While the lighthouse no longer requires a keeper, it remains fully operational and continues to play an important role in coastal navigation. Visitors can hike up to the site via the Smugglers Track (steep but short) or the Access Trail (more gradual), each offering spectacular views along the way. At the summit, the lighthouse stands proudly at 113 metres above sea level, offering commanding 360-degree views across Broken Bay, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, and the Pacific Ocean.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse is also part of an internationally recognised Urban Night Sky Place, a rare designation for locations so close to major cities. Due to minimal light pollution, the area offers exceptional conditions for stargazing, making it one of the best spots near Sydney to view the night sky in its natural state.

Guided tours of the lighthouse are available on select Sundays, where you can step inside and learn about the life of the lighthouse keepers, the building’s unique construction, and the area’s Indigenous and European history.

Whether you visit by day for the views and the history, or return at night to witness the stars above the ocean, Barrenjoey Lighthouse is a truly unforgettable destination — where Sydney’s past meets the vast beauty of land, sea, and sky.

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