Hornby Lighthouse

4.6
2705 reviews
Attraction
A couple enjoying the sunrise, Hornby Lighthouse at South Head, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo:
Hornby Lighthouse, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: John Yurasek © DPIE
Gallery showing 2 of 2 images

Park alerts

Sydney Harbour National Park

9 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 6:05 am

Official alerts
  • Elsewhere in the parkClosed areas

    End of Bradleys Head Wharf closed

    Access restrictions are in place at Bradleys Head Wharf for public safety.

    Engineering inspections have identified significant deterioration of the structure, including movement and deterioration of sandstone blockwork, voiding and scour beneath parts of the jetty.

    NPWS has completed emergency stabilisation works to reduce the immediate risk of further deterioration or collapse. These works did not restore the wharf to a condition suitable for unrestricted public access.

    Bradleys Head Wharf is a heritage structure. Assessment of the wharf requires consideration of:

    • Public safety
    • Heritage values
    • Visitor access and use
    • Environmental considerations
    • Coastal and marine processes
    • Long-term sustainability and maintenance requirements.

    No final decision has been made. Further information will be provided as the assessment progresses. Thank you for your patience.

    Please email us if you have further enquiries.

About

Hornby Lighthouse stands tall at South Head, near Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. The iconic red and white striped tower is surrounded by magnificent views: Sydney Harbour to the west, Middle Head and North Head to the north, and the expansive Pacific Ocean to the east. It's a great spot for whale watching in winter.

The lighthouse was built in 1858 following the wrecking of the Dunbar at the foot of South Head. Designed by colonial architect Alexander Dawson, Hornby Lighthouse was the third lighthouse to be built in NSW.

Hornby Lighthouse is accessible via the South Head heritage trail an easy walk that leaves from Camp Cove at Watsons Bay, taking you past historic gun emplacements before reaching Hornby Lighthouse.

Take a virtual tour of Hornby Lighthouse captured with Google Street View Trekker.

Know before you go

Part of Sydney Harbour National Park

Sydney Harbour National Park · Sydney and surrounds

The historic Hornby Lighthouse is near Watsons Bay in Sydney Harbour National Park. Walk the easy track to the lighthouse for magical views and great whale watching.

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

4 questions

Reviews & Ratings

Tomo and Liz Tomo's

Tomo and Liz Tomo's

Google review

This little gem is worth a visit with a relatively easy walk. There are stairs and no ❌ dogs 🐶 allowed. I have to say this is a great little Lighthouse and the position is great right on the edge of South Head. There is a great view across to North Head and some stunning views back up the harbour to the city. Well worth a visit.

Get in touch

Phone

1300 072 757

Email

parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au

Website

Visit website

Nielsen Park office

02 9337 5511npws.sydneysouth@environment.nsw.gov.au

Greycliffe House, Nielsen Park, 6 Steele Point Road, Vaucluse NSW 2030

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Where you'll be

South Head Heritage Trail

Watsons Bay NSW 2030

Get DirectionsView on map

Hours

Open 24 hours