Steel Point Battery, Coastal artillery site in Vaucluse, Australia.

Steel Point Battery is a coastal fortification in Vaucluse featuring three sandstone gun emplacements linked by underground passages. The installation overlooks Port Jackson and was designed to defend against naval attack from the harbor entrance.

Construction of the battery on resumed land at Shark Point ran from 1871 to 1874 under colonial architect James Barnet, with a barracks added in 1880. Three 80-pounder rifled muzzle-loading guns were installed in 1872, and the fort was later rearmed with three 5-inch breech-loading guns. It formed part of Sydney Harbour's defences, built amid fears of Russian attack and the withdrawal of British garrison troops.

The fortification reflects colonial Australia's concerns about coastal defense and its strategic importance for protecting the growing settlement. It demonstrates how the young nation viewed its harbor as critical to its security.

Access to the site is limited, with only one gun emplacement visible to visitors while the remainder serves operational naval purposes. Check ahead to confirm which areas are open before planning your visit.

The domed metal gun shields often attributed to this battery belonged to a different Shark Point Battery at Little Coogee, now Clovelly, which mounted a 9.2-inch Armstrong disappearing gun. The Vaucluse site was instead rearmed at some point with three 5-inch breech-loading guns.