The Barrenjoey lighthouse stands at the entrance to Broken Bay. The current lighthouse is the third to be built on the headland and was completed in 1881.
A customs station was established at the headland in 1843 to prevent smugglers bringing goods into Sydney through Broken Bay and Pittwater. The bay was also used by ships carrying coal from Newcastle to Sydney as a safe haven during storms, so a beacon to assist mariners during bad weather was established there. In 1868, two wooden lighthouses, known as the Stewart Towers, were built at either end of the headland.
The need for a more permanent light led to the construction of the current lighthouse, which commenced operations in 1881. The unpainted tower is built from stone quarried from the headland.
The first light was kerosene-fuelled. In 1932, acetylene gas apparatus was installed, converting the lighthouse to automatic operation, and in 1972 the light was converted to electric operation.
The trip up to the top isn't too bad and requires moderate fitness and will take about 30 minutes each way from Governor Phillip parking area. The views are spectacular.