Fort Denison Light

Fort Denison Light is a lighthouse mounted atop a Martello tower on a small island in Sydney Harbour, with its lantern structure manufactured in Birmingham and installed in 1913. The tower stands as a navigational landmark and guide for vessels entering the harbor.

The lighthouse was first illuminated in 1913 with an acetylene gas carbide lamp, which operated until 1926 when electrical power took over the function. This shift reflects the gradual modernization of maritime safety technology in Sydney Harbour.

The lighthouse forms part of a fortified site that became a significant reference point for maritime traffic and offers visitors insight into Sydney Harbour's past through its presence on the island.

Access to the lighthouse requires taking a boat from Circular Quay, with organized cruises available as the main transportation option. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear as the island terrain can be uneven and weather conditions can change quickly on the water.

A tide gauge station at the island has been recording water levels in the harbor since the mid-1800s and contributes to important scientific data. This continuous measurement makes the location a valuable observation point for maritime research.

Location: New South Wales

Part of: Fort Denison

GPS coordinates: -33.85460,151.22600

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:40