Barrenjoey Lighthouse

Attraction
Walkers descending the track from Barrenjoey Head in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. Photo: D
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Park alerts

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park

8 current alerts · Checked 13 Oct 2026, 2:05 pm

  • Elsewhere in the parkClosed areasUntil 13 Oct 2026

    Jacombs Trail

    Jacombs Trail within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park is closed due to maintenance works from Friday 25th September to Tuesday 13th October 2026.

    Penalties apply for non-compliance. For more information, contact the local NPWS office on 8448 0400.

About

Barrenjoey Lighthouse sits at Sydney's most northern point Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach. Positioned 91m above sea level, the lighthouse can be reached by a couple of walks and offers outstanding views. It's an easy day trip from Sydney and a great place to bring overseas visitors they may recognise the lighthouse from Home and Away and will find Summer Bay Surf Club nearby.

The lighthouse is one of the most iconic sights on Sydney's northern beaches and boasts a notable cultural heritage. Built in 1881 from sandstone quarried on site, the lighthouse, its oil room and keepers' cottages remain unpainted in the original stone finish.

To get there, take an easy and picturesque walk along Barrenjoey track for 1km. The walk to the top requires moderate fitness and will take about 30 minutes each way from Governor Phillip parking area. You could choose to walk Smugglers track instead for a more challenging hike to the top. The name comes from customs officers who built the track to monitor smugglers bringing contraband into Broken Bay around 1850. Smugglers track offers a steeper and shorter trek up to the lighthouse, but it's well worth the effort.

Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park · Sydney and surrounds

Barrenjoey Lighthouse stands at Barrenjoey Head at Palm Beach on Sydney's northern beaches. Built in 1881, this heritage lighthouse is an iconic Sydney attraction.

Accessibility
Hard

What to bring

  • Drinking water
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Clothes for all weather conditions

Plan your visit

Access, facilities and practical details.

Frequently asked questions

6 questions

Before you go

Park entry

Park entry fees don’t apply at this location but you may need to pay for street parking.

Get in touch

Where you'll be

1199D Barrenjoey Road

Palm Beach NSW 2108

Hours

Open 24 hours