A nearly 170-year-old sandstone kangaroo statue overlooking the seaside suburb of Manly has been badly damaged by vandals, leaving the landmark without its head and much of its upper body and prompting renewed local discussion about protecting heritage items in public spaces.
The damage was discovered over the weekend, 15 February, when locals reported the statue’s head had been pushed or hacked off and parts of its torso broken apart. Fragments of the historic carving were later found scattered along nearby Kangaroo Street.
Community Reaction and Response
The sandstone figure, which stands about two metres tall on a hill overlooking Manly Beach, has been part of the suburb’s landscape since the mid-1800s. The statue was commissioned by property developer Henry Gilbert Smith, often credited with playing a major role in Manly’s early development. Local historical records say the work is credited to photographer Charles Percy Pickering and stonemason Thomas Youll.
A descendant of Mr Pickering was distressed after visiting the site and seeing the damage. Earlier, there were observations that the kangaroo’s head appeared to have been turned in recent months.
Northern Beaches Council staff inspected the site and sought specialist advice on whether it can be repaired. Mayor Sue Heins said they have engaged specialists to advise whether the historic sculpture could be restored. The matter was reported to the police.
A Long-Standing Landmark
Local sources commonly describe the site as a popular lookout used by locals and visitors, offering sweeping views of the coastline. Local reporting has described it as a regular meeting place for people watching sunrises.
The Northern Beaches Council’s Recollect local studies archive records the sculpture as a notable Manly landmark. A council-era public art listing also includes the stone kangaroo among Manly’s outdoor artworks.
The statue’s hilltop position above Manly has made it a familiar part of the area’s views and a well-known spot to take in the coastline.
Published 18-Feb-2026
