Perched on the clifftops at the entrance of Sydney Harbour, the striking red and white stripes of Hornby Lighthouse are a welcome sight to seafarers and Sydneysiders alike. Australia’s third oldest lighthouse has been an important navigational aid for over 160 years.
Gallery: Hornby Lighthouse past and present
A history of maritime tragedy
In 1857, two maritime tragedies, the deadly wreckings of the Dunbar off South Head and the Catherine Adamson off North Head triggered the need for a lighthouse to guide ships safely through Sydney’s treacherous waters.
Hornby Lighthouse was built the following year and has continued to shine brightly since, helping thousands of commercial vessels and recreational boating enthusiasts avoid the dangerous submerged reefs at the southern entrance to Port Jackson and Sydney Harbour.
In 2023, Hornby Lighthouse was added to the State Heritage Register as a significant element of the South Head Cultural landscape, a fitting marker for the vital ongoing role she plays in Sydney’s working harbour.
Today, Sydney Harbour’s oldest existing navigation aid continues to faithfully serve the modern seafarer, with its striking red and white strips standing out during the day and its bright light a beacon in the dark.
A masterful restoration
In 2024, Hornby Lighthouse was restored to its former glory and now shines brighter than ever! A dedicated team of heritage specialists worked tirelessly over 12 months to bring the lighthouse back to its original splendour.
The restoration took meticulous care to preserve Hornby's historical features and strengthen its structural integrity. This included desalinating the original sandstone blocks to prevent corrosion and repairing the steel lamphouse structure.
A detailed paint analysis carefully chipped away through 10 coats of paint to reveal the original burnt red and cream stripes. Heritage specialists then created a modern version of the paint that almost exactly replicates the colour pattern from 1858!
Exploring Hornby Lighthouse
Hornby Lighthouse is accessible year-round, and the surrounding trails are free for the public to explore.
The trail to this beautifully restored lighthouse at South Head is an easy bushwalk nestled in Sydney Harbour National Park capturing a slice of Sydney’s maritime history. A 1km loop starting from Camp Cove at Watsons Bay is the perfect way to immerse yourself in Sydney’s breathtaking coastline. With sweeping views of the harbour, sandy beaches, and historic gun emplacements, this bushwalk offers both adventure and a history lesson.