Built in 1950, Cape Baily Lighthouse was fully-functional by 21 December of the same year. The lighthouse was constructed to aid vessels entering and leaving Botany Bay south of Sydney (New South Wales). Cape Baily Lighthouse contributed to the ongoing development of aids to navigation during the mid-20th century, and its notable for its technical configuration and aesthetic values.
Cape Baily Lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004. As included within its listing, the lighthouse recognised for its association with the ongoing development of aids to navigation during the mid-20th century post-war period. The lighthouse is also notable for its aesthetic value sitting atop the headland with no modern intrusions.
Situated on Cape Baily within the Kamay Botany National Park, the lighthouse stands approximately 17.5km south of Sydney. As a working marine aid to navigation (AtoN), the lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The lighthouse is believed to house a Chance Brothers & Co. 375mm focal radius fixed (non-rotating) lens which is still in service today. The light runs on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of AtoN. The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits as least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
AMSA lease the site from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Authority (NSW NPWS).
This heritage management plan is concerned mainly with the lighthouse, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding land. The plan is intended to guide AMSA’s decisions and actions. AMSA has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lighthouse in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth).
Being well built and generally well maintained, the lighthouse is in relatively good, stable condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape Baily Lighthouse are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.