A major $4.3 million upgrade of Sydney's historic Bare Island Bridge will begin next week, strengthening the 139-year-old structure and improving safety and accessibility for visitors to Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will begin essential repairs on Monday 24 August, including strengthening the bridge's timber structure, replacing timber piles, worn decking and handrails, and installing a new balustrade that meets current Australian standards.
The works will improve safety and ensure it can continue to accommodate pedestrians and authorised vehicles into the future with improvements including smoother, more even surfaces to reduce trip hazards.
Built in 1887, the 110m bridge is the only connection between Bare Island and the La Perouse headland and provides access for thousands of visitors each year for tourism, recreation, education and community events.
To allow works to be carried out safely, the Bare Island precinct will be closed to all visitors from Monday 24 August 2026 until approximately late 2027. NPWS tours of Bare Island will not run during this period.
The construction period reflects the complexity of restoring an old bridge in a challenging coastal environment, while protecting the structure and surrounding site.
The $4.3 million project is funded through the NSW National Parks Visitor Infrastructure Program.
The Bare Island precinct, including Bare Island and Bare Island Fort, forms part of Kamay Botany Bay National Park.
Visitors are encouraged to check the NPWS website for updates on the closure and reopening of the Bare Island precinct.
Quotes attributable to NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Manager, Sydney South Area, Ben Khan
"Bare Island is one of Sydney's much-loved visitor destinations, and this significant investment will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this special place for years to come.
"Working on a bridge of this age requires significant restoration, and the temporary closure is necessary so the project can be carried out safely and as quickly as possible.
"We appreciate the community's patience while these important works are underway and look forward to welcoming visitors back to Bare Island once the works are complete."
