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Grotto Point Lighthouse

Sydney Harbour National Park

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Overview

Accessed via Manly Scenic Walkway, historic Grotto Point Lighthouse offers scenic views, birdwatching and walking options in Sydney Harbour National Park.

Type
Historic buildings/places
Where
Sydney Harbour National Park in Sydney and surrounds
Entry fees
Park entry fees apply
What to
bring
Hat, sunscreen

If you’ve ever dreamed of the life of a lighthouse-keeper, why not visit the historic Grotto Point Lighthouse and imagine what it’s been like to live and work there? This active beacon, located on a rocky headland near Dobroyd Head, lights the way across the scenic northern waters of Sydney Harbour National Park, near Manly.

Sometimes referred to as the ‘Disney Castle’, its distinct features were designed by Maurice Festu in 1910. While taking in the marvellous views out to the Tasman Sea, keep an eye to the skies for cormorants and white-breasted sea eagles.

Accessed along a short track, off Manly Scenic Walkway, a well-marked path leads through a stand of smooth pink-barked angophoras. In spring, these iconic trees of the Sydney sandstone shed their bark to reveal a new orange layer. Remember to take your binoculars if you want to birdwatch.

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

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info

Also see

  • A field officer and park visitor walking along the rocks on Manly scenic walkway with a view of Middle Head in the background in Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: Simone Cottrell © OEH

    Manly scenic walkway

    Also known as the Spit Bridge to Manly Walk, Manly Scenic Walkway is among Sydney's best walking tracks. Enjoy bush, beach and beautiful views on this excellent day walk.

  • Signposts point the way to Grotto Point Aboriginal engravings off Manly scenic walkway. Photo: OEH/Natasha Webb

    Grotto Point Aboriginal engraving site

    Sydney Harbour National Park’s rock engravings immerse you in Sydney’s Aboriginal heritage. Head to Grotto Point at Dobroyd Head for historic rock art and scenic views.

 

Google Street View Trekker

Using Google Street View Trekker, we've captured imagery across a range of NSW national parks and attractions. Get a bird's eye view of these incredible landscapes before setting off on your own adventure.

Google Trekker at Cape Byron State Conservation Area. Photo: J Spencer/OEH.

Conservation program:

Fort Denison heritage collection project

Fort Denison is home to a wealth of historic heritage. The Fort Denison heritage collection project invited volunteers to locate, identify, document, conserve, interpret and make accessible the heritage collections in Sydney Harbour National Park. This allowed NPWS to engage with the community and ensure our collections are protected.

Fort Denison, Sydney Harbour National Park. Photo: David Finnegan

General enquiries

Operated by

Park info

  • in Sydney Harbour National Park in the Sydney and surrounds region

  • Sydney Harbour National Park is open sunrise to sunset but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.

  • Park entry fees:

    Bradleys Head: $8 per vehicle per day. North Head: $5 per vehicle per day. Tap and pay card or phone payments accepted at pay machines. Coin payment available at Fairfax carpark machines only. Chowder Bay: Monday-Friday: $3 per hour, to a maximum of $16 per day. Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: $4 per hour, to a maximum of $20 per day. If you hold an NPWS All Parks or Multi Parks Pass, you can park free for up to four hours per day - additional time can be purchased. Car parks operated by Sydney Harbour Federation Trust or Mosman Council are not covered by your pass. Please check signs carefully. Park’nPay: You can also pay for your visit to any area via the Park’nPay app.

    Other fees:

    Landing fees or tour fees apply to visit Sydney Harbour islands. All public visitors to Shark, Clark or Rodd Island, need to pay a $7 per person landing fee. To arrange, please contact 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS). Annual NSW Parks Passes do not cover landing fees.

    Buy annual pass
See more visitor info

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