Nobbys Head Light

Nobbys Head Light is a white cylindrical tower with a lantern room and viewing platform situated at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour. The structure rises about 10 meters and features a simple, functional design typical of 19th-century lighthouse architecture.

The site started as a coal-fired beacon on Signal Head before becoming a permanent structure in 1854 to assist maritime traffic during the region's mining boom. This transition marked Newcastle's evolution from a small settlement into a major port.

The Awabakal and Worimi peoples have deep roots here, having used this headland as a navigation point for centuries before European arrival. Today, locals and visitors recognize this connection through the Aboriginal name Whibayganba, which acknowledges the original custodians of the land.

The lighthouse is open to visitors on Sundays between 10 AM and 4 PM and involves a walk of roughly 770 meters from Nobbys Beach carpark. The path is relatively flat with good views of the harbor and coastline along the way.

The tower emits three white flashes every 20 seconds, visible for up to 44 kilometers across the Tasman Sea. This light pattern has remained a consistent landmark for fishing crews and maritime workers across generations.

Location: New South Wales

Inception: 1821

Address: Nobbys Rd, Newcastle East NSW

GPS coordinates: -32.91860,151.79800

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24