In the late 18th century, sailing between Sydney and Newcastle was dangerous due to thick fog, strong gales, sharp rocks, and poor visibility along the coast. Many sailors lost their lives.

Edward Hammond Hargraves, a famous resident of Noraville, pushed for a lighthouse after seeing numerous shipwrecks, including the coal carrier Esperanza in 1868. The loss of the steamer Gwydir in 1884 made maritime officials even more determined to build a light at Norah Head.

The lightstation was officially designed by Charles Assinder Harding, but the architectural style was credited to James Barnet, known as the father of colonial architecture in NSW. Barnet designed over 1400 public buildings in the Colony, including the Sydney GPO, and Norah Head was the last to be built in his classical style.

The building was the third to be built using new standardized building techniques for remote lightstations, which paved the way for the construction of other remote lights in Australia. Barnet modeled the lightstation on the Macquarie Lighthouse at South Head, Sydney, using pre-cast concrete blocks made on-site and local aggregate. His design can be seen in the tiled floors, bluestone balcony, and gunmetal railings.

Construction started on February 26th, 1901, under the direction of C.W. Darley and C.A. Harding and was completed in 1903 at a cost of about 24,000 pounds. The lighthouse was opened on November 15th, 1903 and illuminated for the first time at 7:10 PM.

The lighthouse used a vaporized kerosene burner and mantle to emit 118,000 candlepower, visible 18 nautical miles away in clear weather. In 1910, the light was upgraded to 438,000 candle-power. In 1923, modifications were made to the burner and increased the light to 700,000 candlepower. In 1928, the light was slowed down to revolve every 30 seconds with 2 flashes.

In 1961, the kerosene burner was replaced by electricity and the power of the light increased to 1 million candlepower. In 1995, the lighthouse became fully automated and now uses a 1000 watt, 120 volt tungsten halogen light. The light can be seen 28 nautical miles, or 40 kilometers, away.

Three ships have been lost along this section of the coastline since the construction of the lighthouse: the Nerong in 1917, the Nimbin in 1940, and the Iron Chieftain in 1942.

The Norah Head Lighthouse is considered a significant historical landmark in Australia and is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

In recent years, the lighthouse has undergone extensive restoration and preservation efforts to maintain its historical character and ensure it remains standing for future generations.

The lighthouse's original Fresnel lens, which was manufactured by Chance Brothers, is still in place and is one of only a few such lenses still in use in the world.

The lighthouse tower is around 31 meters tall, and visitors can climb the staircase inside to reach the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The lighthouse's distinct design and location make it a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to explore its history, take in the views, and take pictures of the picturesque building.

Norah Head Lighthouse Tours

Lighthouse Tours – Open Everyday (except Christmas Day & Anzac Day)
Hours of Operation – between 10am and 3pm
Last tour 2:30pm
We are open extended hours on Sunday
No bookings required
Tours are weather dependent (can close due to rain and windy conditions)
Group Bookings of 10 or more – please call Tracy Reserve Manager on 0452564102

Step back in time to feel what it was like to be a Lighthouse Keeper at Norah Head Lighthouse. Climb the 96 stairs and enjoy the 360 degree views from the tower balcony. Marvel at the optics prism and imagine polishing the 700 lenses of the prism. Learn about the duties of a Lighthouse Keeper. Learn how the light was originally operated, compared to how it works today. Hear the stories of shipwrecks in days gone by.

Prices

Adults = $10
Children 6 – 17 years = $5
Family (2 Adults and 2 Children) = $28