Helicopters will transport painters out to the lighthouse in Tomaree National Park every day for about the next three weeks.

Looking a little lacklustre, having not been painted since 1998, the sandstone beacon has been guiding ships into the port since it was built on the headland in 1862.

It has been water blasted to remove salt build-up and will be covered with primer and three coats of brilliant white paint.

To ensure the safety of painters while reaching tricky parts of the tower, National Parks and Wildlife Service Hunter Region manager Robert Quirk said elevated work platforms, scaffolding and ropes with harnesses would be used.

"The bright, new paint work will not only enhance the lighthouse's important navigational function, but will also help to protect the historical integrity of this heritage-listed lighthouse," he said.

Other parts of the conservation program included the design of a new balustrade to match the original railing and maintenance.