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This Is Why the Norah Head Lighthouse Is So Famous!-Central Coast

Norah Head Lighthouse is found on the Central Coast in New South Wales, Australia. Its 90ft or 27.5m tall. And right next to it are the head lightkeeper’s cottage, the assistant keeper’s duplex, and a flag house. The lighthouse is still active but also serves as a tourist attraction where guided tours are organised. You can also use the site as a wedding venue and the cottages are available for overnight staying. Currently, the light is operated by Transport for New South Wales. The Norah Head Lighthouse Trust manages the tours and accommodations.

A bit of history

Because of the many wrecks happening in the area, recommendations were made to have a lighthouse built. Its construction began in 1901. Materials had to be brought by boat and unloaded at Cabbage Tree Harbour before being sent to the site. Norah Head Lighthouse was officially lit in 1903. 

The light source used was a vaporized kerosene burner and mantle which generated a light visible from 21 miles or 33 km away. In 1923, the light source was upgraded to a Ford-Schmidt kerosene burner to finally be automated in 1994. The current light is visible from 30 miles or 48 km away.

Inside the Norah Head Lighthouse

Inside the lighthouse, 96 stairs lead to the tower balcony. Those stairs are divided into 4 stages. The first three are the same but the last stage is narrower and steeper. 

The bi-valve lens used to emit light creates 700 prisms and weighs 5 tonnes.

The ground floor comprises an entrance hallway and two rooms. One of them is used as a radio room. The second room houses the electrical controls, the sensors responsible for starting the light, the backup batteries, fuel tank and a small workshop.

What can I do at the Norah Head Lighthouse?

Guided Tours

Guided tours are normally available throughout the week. Most tours are organised during the day while night tours, on the other hand, are only organised once a month at specific times. However, the lighthouse is closed on ANZAC Day and Christmas Day.

During the tours, you’ll learn what the job of a lighthouse keeper consists of and the history of the lighthouse. You’ll hear about the Aboriginal culture in the area and the local shipwrecks that have happened in the past. You’ll climb the lighthouse and enjoy a 360-degree view from the tower balcony. You’ll also be able to admire the optics prism and its 700 lenses. 

Day Tours

If you visit during the day, you’ll have a much cheaper tour and there won’t be any restriction when it comes to group size. For groups under 10 people, no booking is needed. But for groups of 10 people and above, the Group Tour Booking is required. 

Night Tours

In 2020, the Norah Head Lighthouse is celebrating its 117th birthday. Due to this, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the lighthouse at night. But these tours will only be once a month, with 3 tours per night and a maximum of 20 people per tour. The fee is also 4 times higher than for a day-tour.

Accommodations

Experience the life of a lighthouse keeper and spend a minimum of 2 or 5 nights in either the Head LightKeepers Quarters or the Assistant LightKeepers Quarters. Each Quarter can accommodate up to 8 people although the base rate only covers 6 people. A range of facilities is available to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

Wedding

Celebrate and capture your wedding day at the Norah Head Lighthouse. Hire the lighthouse and the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve grounds for your wedding ceremony, reception and photos. Get in contact by first filling in the enquiry form on their website.

 

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