Macquarie Lightstation

Located along the scenic Federation Cliff Walk at Vaucluse in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Macquarie Lightstation is the site of Australia’s first lighthouse.

Completed in 1818, Macquarie Lighthouse was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway for Lachlan Macquarie, the Governor of NSW. Owing to crumbling foundations, it was reconstructed in the 1880s.

The replacement tower was designed by the state’s Colonial Architect, James Barnet, to closely resemble Greenway’s original. Standing at 26 metres tall, Barnet’s iteration of Macquarie Lighthouse continues to be source of fascination for visitors. Flanked by head keeper’s residence and assistant keeper’s quarters, the iconic building can be explored as part of the Harbour Trust’s Macquarie Lighthouse Tour.