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Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse

Fl (4) W 20s🇦🇺New South Wales, AUOperational

Constructed in 1881, the Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse stands 20 meters tall, with its lamp positioned 113 meters above sea level. This structure, designed by James Barnet, replaced two earlier lights on the headland. It emits four white flashes every 20 seconds, visible for a geographic range of 19 nautical miles. The lighthouse is automated and managed by Transport for NSW, while the surrounding headland and buildings are part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. The property is owned by the Office of Environment and Heritage.

Why it matters: The lightstation is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.

Background
The Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse is a heritage-listed lighthouse at Barrenjoey Headland in the Sydney suburb of Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet, the New South Wales Colonial Architect and built by Isaac Banks. It is also known as Barrenjoey Head Lightstation. The property is owned by Office of Environment and Heritage, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. The lightstation was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. Completed in 1881, the current lighthouse is the third light constructed on the Barrenjoey headland in the Northern Beaches district of Sydney. The light is automated and operated by Transport for NSW; while the buildings and headland are managed by the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service as part of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park.
Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl.(4)W. period 20s
Focal Height
113m
Geographic Range
19NM
Year Built
1881
Heritage Status
Heritage Act — State Heritage Register
Admiralty No.
K2702
NGA No.
6156
Tower Height
20m
City
New South Wales
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-33.5802°
Longitude
151.3299°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse at night?+
Barrenjoey Head displays the characteristic Fl (4) W 20s — 4 white flashes every 20 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is NEWPORT at 4.2 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include BAYVIEW (4.4 NM SSW), MONA VALE (5.2 NM SSW), Brooklyn (5.8 NM WNW), BROOKLYN (6 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.