Parriwi Head Light, lighthouse in New South Wales, Australia
Parriwi Head Light is a slim white concrete tower with a dome on top, built in 1911 and sitting on a headland south of Middle Harbour in Mosman. The structure stands about 50 feet (15 meters) tall, with the light itself positioned about 142 feet (43 meters) above water, emitting green flashes that return every three seconds.
Built in 1911 to help ships enter Sydney Harbour, especially from the south, the light originally used a carbide lamp fueled by acetylene gas made on site. Later, gas cylinders were delivered by boat, and eventually electricity from the local power grid became the primary energy source.
The name Parriwi comes from the language of the Eora, the original inhabitants of this area. The lighthouse now shapes how the coast looks and is recognized as a landmark by locals and visitors alike.
The site is accessible from Parriwi Road in Mosman, where walking paths and lookout points offer good views of the water. The tower itself is not open for climbing, but the area around the lighthouse is open to foot traffic and makes for a quiet walk.
Designed by architect Maurice Festu, the lighthouse has a playful aesthetic sometimes compared to a Disney castle. It is one of four similarly styled lighthouses along the coast, sharing this unusual architectural hint.
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