A masterplan which aims to conserve natural landmarks across Rose Bay, Vaucluse and Watsons Bay has led to the addition of South Head to the State Heritage Register.
South Head, which has been a national park since 1977, is considered as one of the most historic and spectacular places across the city.
Popular among locals and visitors alike for its picture-perfect views of the ocean, the park is home to historically and technically significant buildings and ruins including the Hornby Lighthouse and the archaeological remains of important water policing structures.
Minister for Heritage James Griffin said heritage listing the park will ensure future generations can experience and learn about a place that helped shape NSW.
“With its soaring sandstone cliffs, much loved beaches and green open spaces, South Head is one of the most outstandingly beautiful parts of Sydney,” Mr Griffin said in a media release.
“Listing the South Head Cultural Landscape on the State Heritage Register acknowledges the diverse and important stories of this place, which deserve recognition because they helped shape NSW as we know it today.”
The State Heritage Listing includes the South Head precincts of Sydney Harbour National Park, Hornby Lighthouse, Camp Cove Beach and the rock shelf that surrounds them.
Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said the exceptionally high number of public submissions received in support of the heritage listing shows the importance of the palce and its value to the people of NSW.
“This has been a long journey and worth every bit of effort together with my community. South Head is a place of unique and international cultural, environmental and historical significance. It holds a special place in our hearts for its exceptional natural beauty with deep ties to our local and indigenous history,” Ms Upton said.
“As the heritage gateway to Sydney Harbour, South Head marked the entrance to Port Jackson for ships and served as a landmark for early European settlers’ arrival into the Harbour. Prior to that, it was an important place for Aboriginal people, including for fishing, art and other rituals.
Its addition to the heritage listing comes amidst the ongoing masterplan, which is currently being finalised by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
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The draft masterplan will give more opportunities to enhance cultural and natural attributes and improve accessibility and amenity for locals and visitors alike.