Destination's Journey

Tag: norah head

  • Norah Head Lighthouse

    Norah Head Lighthouse

    Norah Head Lighthouse

    Located at Norah Head on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia, Norah Head Lighthouse is still active after 120 years of operation. Built in 1903 it was the last lighthouse of the James Barnet style constructed. The lighthouse is 27 metres (89 ft) high and has a light characteristic of two white flashes every 15 seconds. This distinguishes it from other nearby lighthouses which will have a different number of flashed or separations.

    Getting There

    Parking is available onsite but is quite small and during busy periods fills quickly. Once the car park is full, visitors can park on the access road, or walk in from town which is a 10-minute walk.

    Norah Head Lighthouse
    Norah Head Lighthouse

    Opening Times

    The lighthouse is open to the public for guided tours every day (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day) between 10 am and 3 pm. Arriving early we were the only customers for the 10 am tour. This was great because we had the undivided attention of the guide. Our guide was great and being a volunteer, very passionate about the lighthouse. He kept up a running commentary for the whole tour, even while climbing the steps (there are 96 of them).

    Ground Floor

    On the ground floor we saw the weights that used to turn the light. Wound up and then released, they slowly moved down, with their movement turning the light. Not surprisingly, this was a laborious job and has been replaced by an electric motor.

    Weight system to turn the light
    Weight system to turn the light
    Spiral staircase Norah Head Lighthouse
    Spiral staircase

    Balcony

    At the balcony level, we saw the unique markings used by the lighthouse. Each lighthouse had its own unique design, so that during the day, if the light couldn’t be seen, sailors could still determine their location.

    Norah Head Identification Shape Norah Head Lighthouse
    Norah Head Identification Shape
    Red navigation light
    Red navigation light

    The Light

    At the light deck, our guide explained how airflow to the original kerosene that fuelled the lamp was controlled. Incorrect airflow would result in black soot deposits on the glass lens, restricting it’s visibility. Brass air inlets could be opened or shut depending on wind speed and direction, ensuring the light burned correctly.

    Air vent used to control light brightness
    Air vent used to control light brightness

    Climbing the 96 steps was not difficult as there were many breaks for explanations. One was about the stairs themselves which are made is slate with brass fittings, so that sparks are not generated. Although not significant now, it was a vital consideration when the lighthouse burned kerosene.

    The view from the top was spectacular, with views up and down the coast. This also gave us a bird’s eye view of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages, which are now used as guest houses.

    The light Norah Head Lighthouse
    The light
    View from the top of the lighthouse looking south
    View from the top of the lighthouse looking south
    Lighthouse keepers' cottages
    Lighthouse keepers’ cottages

    Following the tour, we walked over the rock platform below the cliff that the lighthouse is built on. On returning, we saw a long queue waiting to do the tour, making us very pleased that we had come early.

    Looking up at the lighthouse from the beach Norah Head Lighthouse
    Looking up at the lighthouse from the beach

    To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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  • Norah Head Lighthouse and Beaches

    Norah Head Lighthouse and Beaches

    Norah Head

    Norah Head is home to beautiful beaches and a historic lighthouse, as well as the Merchant Mariners’ Memorial, making it a great place to visit.

    Merchant Mariners’ Memorial

    The memorial commemorates merchant mariners who have died in service or have been killed in action in times of conflict. Located in a beautiful setting overlooking the ocean, the main memorial is surrounded by plaques commemorating ships lost locally.

    • Merchant Mariners' Memorial
      Merchant Mariners’ Memorial
    • The Nimbin Memorial Plaque
      The Nimbin Memorial Plaque
    • The Age Memorial Plaque
      The Age Memorial Plaque
    • Iron Chieftain Memorial Plaque
      Iron Chieftain Memorial Plaque

    Norah Head Lighthouse

    Norah Head Light is an active lighthouse located at Norah Head, a headland on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia, close to Toukley. It is the last lighthouse of the James Barnet style to be built, and the last staffed lighthouse constructed in New South Wales.

    Officially displayed for the first time in 1903, the original vaporized kerosene burner was upgraded in 1923, electrified in 1961 and automated and de-manned in 1994, after more than 90 years of being staffed. It celebrated its centenary in 2003.

    The concrete block tower is 27.5 metres (90 ft) high, topped by a bluestone gallery. On top of the gallery is the original Chance Bros. lantern. This lantern holds the original housing of the Chance Bros. 1st order bivalve dioptric Fresnel lens.

    Tours of the lighthouse are not currently available, however these may resume in the future, so you should check to see if they are running.

    Norah Head Lighthouse
    Norah Head Lighthouse

    Norah Head Beaches

    From the lighthouse, steps lead down to the rock platform and beach, making access easy. However, because of the uneven rock surface, the area is not suitable for prams and wheelchairs. Popular for fishing, the rock platform also offers some interesting geological formations to look at. Weathering has left some interesting patterns on rocks and the waves have cut channels in the platform.

    Following the shoreline south, you will find a nice sandy beach. However, to get there means climbing over some rocks, which we enjoyed, but others may not, as they are slippery, high and uneven. If the tide is fully out you maybe able to access the beach to get around them. At the edge of the beach are several small caves which were fun to sit in and watch the surf crashing on the beach.

    Further along the coast is Pebbly Beach, which has another rock platform and great views over the ocean.

    • Wooden Steps Down to Norah Head Rock Platform
      Wooden Steps Down to Norah Head Rock Platform
    • Caves on the Beach
      Caves on the Beach
    • Looking Towards Soldiers Point and Pebbly Beach
      Looking Towards Soldiers Point and Pebbly Beach
    • Fallen Boulders
      Fallen Boulders Below the Lighthouse

    Soldiers Beach

    Located south of Pebbly Beach and the lighthouse, Soldiers Beach is a popular swimming spot. Easy access from the carpark means that more people visit here than the beaches to the north of Soldiers Point.

    In addition to the excellent beach, walk over the point itself at low tide, there are some great rock pools to explore. A kiosk at the carpark serves snacks and drinks, which is great on a hot day.

    The amenities block has a beautiful whale painting on it, turning an otherwise boring building into something beautiful.

    • Soldiers Point Norah Head
      Soldiers Point Norah Head
    • Soldiers Beach Norah Head
      Soldiers Beach Norah Head
    • Whale Artwork at Soldiers Beach
      Whale Artwork at Soldiers Beach
    • Norah Head Lighthouse
      Norah Head Lighthouse

    Food and Drinks

    If the cafe at the lighthouse is not open, another great option is the General Store on Bush street. It has plenty of parking nearby and seating available outside, so that you can enjoy the relaxed surroundings.