The Macquarie Watchtower is the earliest known surviving, sandstone tower building in Australia, the oldest surviving building on Botany Bay, and has long been recognised as a picturesque landmark on the headland, particularly popular for wedding photographs. The c. 1820 Macquarie Watchtower is thought to have been commissioned by Governor Macquarie. Not only is it the oldest surviving watchtower in Australia but it is the only known tower specifically constructed for colonial border protection and the prevention of smuggling. Duperry makes reference to English soldiers stationed there when he visited in 1824.

It became the first Customs outstation in Australia in 1829 and operated as a Customs Station until 1903. It is also a rare surviving symbol of the vexatious issue of customs barriers between the colonies, which was one of the main factors underlying the push for Federation.

18th December 2010

For the past 6 months the Tower has been receiving a makeover costing more than $220,000. The work included waterproofing and stonework restoration  as well as inserting windows, a new door and stainless steel surround.  The new look tower was unveiled today.

 

   Photos: the new entry; the new door with its stylish stainless steel surround; the back view; Vic Simms giving the Welcome to Country inside along with Alistair Henchman, Director Sydney, National Parks & Wildlife Service; Piper Barry Gray

 

 

 

Bastille Day July 2010

 

We are currently celebrating the Macquarie Bicentennary with major exhibitions, eg. State Library . So why wasn’t this work on the Macquarie Tower done before the Bicentennary celebrations?    Why is there no information displayed for visitors?   Why is there no marketing to attract visitors?   Another case of Fawlty Towers.

Article about the Tower from Sydney Morning Herald 15 November1930, page 11.

The Macquarie Watchtower is the earliest known surviving, sandstone tower building in Australia. The Macquarie Watchtower has long been recognised as a picturesque landmark on the headland, which is much photographed.

The Macquarie Watchtower is the oldest surviving watchtower in Australia, the oldest building in Botany Bay and the only known tower specifically constructed for colonial border protection and the prevention of smuggling. It became the first Customs outstation in Australia in 1829 and operated as a Customs Station until 1903. It is also a rare surviving symbol of the vexatious issue of customs barriers between the colonies, which was one of the main factors underlying the push for Federation.