Sydney’s most picturesque lighthouse now shines brighter following an extensive 12-month major restoration by Port Authority of NSW.

Hornby Lighthouse has long been an icon of South Head, signalling the unmatched beauty of Watsons Bay and serving as an important part of Sydney’s working maritime heritage.

The structure has been standing tall since 1858, sticking out with its distinctive colour scheme and delighting both locals and tourists looking for that perfect Instagram shot.

But it’s been closed for a year, its endearing image obscured by development to address the damage caused by the elements over the years.

Thankfully, that 12-month process has finally ended, once again revealing the head-turning red and white strips that have been so crucial to sailors entering Sydney Harbour for more than a century.

“In 1857, two maritime legends, the deadly wrecking of the Dunbar off South Head and the Catherine Adamson off North Head, triggered the need for a lighthouse to safely guide seafarers to shore,” explained Port Authority of NSW CEO Captain Phillip Holliday, whose team have painstakingly resorted Hornby Lighthouse to preserve a structure of significant state heritage value.

To see Hornby Lighthouse you’ll need to head along the 1.7km South Head Heritage Trail in Watsons Bay. The grade-2 hike typically takes 45 minutes to complete and is widely known as one of the best walks in Sydney, right alongside the iconic Bondi to Coogee Walk and the Hermitage Foreshore Walk.

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