Crookhaven Heads
While travelling to Jervis Bay, we decided to stop at Crookhaven Heads, as it would be a good break and let us see an old lighthouse. A small car park near the Marine Rescue Station is the start of a 5 minute walk to the lighthouse.
Crookhaven Heads Lighthouse
The walk to the headland with the lighthouse passes a rock platform and through some coastal scrub. A short but interesting walk and worth stopping along the way to admire the coastline.
Unfortunately the lighthouse is in disrepair and the target of vandals, making it a disappointing destination. A local heritage group lobbies for its repair, so hopefully they will be successful. The walk to the lighthouse was a good one, with much to see.
Indigenous Totem Poles
Nowra Indigenous artist Noel Wellington carved a series of totems with help from members of the Jerrinja Local Aboriginal Land Council. Carved from blackbutt, woolybutt or ironbark logs the totems are beautiful works of art. They represent the stories, elders and culture of the local Aboriginal people who have long had a strong connection with the sea.
Positioned near the mouth of the Crookhaven River, the totems have views of landscapes sacred to the local Aboriginal people.
After the disappointment of the lighthouse, these totems were a great find and are worth stopping to see.
Rock Platform on Walking Track 
Walking Track to Crookhaven Lighthouse 
Crookhaven Lighthouse 
Sculptured Indigenous Totem Poles by Jerrinja Artist Noel Wellington
What Did We Think?
Although the lighthouse was not what we expected, the totems made up for it. Hopefully the lighthouse will be restored, but in the meantime, the indigenous totem poles are a great attraction.
Our photos are available for purchase on
To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.