The Bare Island bridge provides access to Bare Island from the La Perouse headland. Originally constructed in 1887, the bridge is approximately 110 metres long and 4.5 metres wide. The island and bridge are a significant cultural and recreational landmark, attracting high volumes of visitors for tourism, recreation, education and community events.
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Current state of Bare Island bridge -
Bare Island, Kamay Botany Bay National Park
What does the project involve?
Due to its deteriorated condition, the bridge can only support limited pedestrian traffic. The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is delivering a renewal project that aims to protect the heritage significance of the bridge and to:
- improve visitor access and safety
- replace timber piles, substructure, decking kerbs and handrails
- install a new balustrade to meet current Australian Standards
- enable safe access for pedestrians and authorised vehicles.
How will works affect park visitors?
The bridge and access to Bare Island will be closed during these works. A program of delivery will be provided when available. Works are expected to commence in early 2026.
Bare Island Fort guided tours will continue until the bridge closes for repairs in early 2026.
Check this webpage for updated information.
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An artist's impression of completed repairs to Bare Island bridge -
An artist's impression of completed repairs to Bare Island bridge -
An artist's impression of completed repairs to Bare Island bridge -
An artist’s impression of the bridge closure and construction compound
Is the work consistent with the plan of management?
The repairs align with the overall strategy for the management of Kamay Botany Bay National Park, as outlined in the 2020 Plan of Management. The aims of this include:
- provide sustainable and safe facilities for visitors to use and enjoy
- improve accessibility
- promote the public’s appreciation and understanding of the park’s significant sites.
How will we protect park values?
Detailed environmental and heritage assessments will be undertaken. These assessments identify significant elements and outline mitigation measures required to protect the natural, cultural and historic values of the park and surrounding environment.
Project stages and timeframes
- Investigation and assessment of bridge: completed (January 2025)
- Detailed designs and engineering: completed (August 2025)
- Approvals under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) and Heritage Act 1977 (NSW): underway
- Procurement of contractor to undertake the works: pending approvals
- Construction phase: pending procurement
- Project completion: to be confirmed when contractor is engaged
Project updates
Updates will be provided via this webpage as the project progresses.