Barrenjoey facilities, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Image Credit: DCCEEW
The NSW Government's NPWS announced on Friday February 7 2025 visitors to Sydney's Palm Beach now have access to new public amenities at the top of the iconic Barrenjoey Headland walking trail.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) worked with Aileen Sage Architects to construct the new amenities within Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, which include three unisex toilets, a drinking fountain with a water bottle refill station and baby change facilities.
Many factors were considered during the design of the amenities including heritage and construction constraints, visual and environmental impacts, and visitor and access requirements.
The completed building has been set into the landscape using galvanised wired mesh baskets filled with rocks to provide a strong structure, and to blend into the natural landscape.
Special attention was paid to ensuring that the new building did not impact on the state heritage listed precinct.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service staff from the Sydney North Area sourced and propagated plants that are local to the headland.
Three thousand native plants have now been positioned to revegetate the area, including on the roof, around the building and adjacent to paths.
Timber battened screens have been painted in a range of colours to reference the surrounding scenery and heritage buildings, and screened exterior walls allow for natural light and ventilation.
As part of the project, important maintenance works have also been undertaken to the Barrenjoey access trail to improve public access and safety. These works included the importation of approximately 60 tonnes of crushed sandstone materials to level and fill uneven sections of the trail.
Temporary fencing will remain in place until the revegetation areas are established.
'This investment supports NPWS' ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and safety in national parks, enhancing the visitor experience, managing increased visitation and supporting regional economies.' NPWS stated
Exterior works to the building were complete with landscaping and finishing works to be done: December 18, 2024 NPWS Update. Image Credit: DCCEEW
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Barrenjoey Headland viewed from Palm Beach's southern end on January 4, 2025: fencing will remain in place to protect plants now set into the work site. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON
Timber battens to the building’s exterior provide light and ventilation. Image Credit: DCCEEW
NPWS Director Greater Sydney Deon Rensburg said on Friday:
"The inclusion of the new toilets and water refill station will benefit all who make the journey up the walking trail, including those with health requirements and families with young children.
"The lack of public amenities in the headland has previously impacted the visitor experience and has led to environmental and operational issues, particularly the prevalence of litter and waste.
"These new amenities will help in minimising waste around the headland and will enhance the experience for the more than 200,000 people who visit each year.
"It will ensure both locals and visitors can enjoy the picturesque views and rich history of the area with greater comfort and convenience."
Barrenjoey Head Light station was placed on the NSW State Heritage Register in April 1999. Barrenjoey Lighthouse is also listed on the NPWS section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register.
The lighthouse is open for guided tours. The NSW Government states there are no plans to change the existing use or increase access to the lighthouse or historic buildings on the headland.
Barrenjoey Lighthouse and First Lightkeepers cottage. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON