Nelson Head Light, Lighthouse on Nelson Head, Nelson Bay, Australia
Nelson Head Light is a cement-rendered brick cottage sitting directly on the southern shore of Port Stephens, combining living quarters with a working lighthouse station. An octagonal lantern room with a 3-meter window sits atop the roof and once held the light source that guided ships into the harbor.
The site began in 1872 with four kerosene lamps installed in a simple wooden structure that could be quickly adapted as needs changed. The brick cottage was built in 1875 to provide a more stable and permanent solution for guiding ships safely into port.
The cottage reflects the daily lives of keepers who lived and worked here with their families, maintaining constant watch over the harbor. Visitors can see how closely living spaces and work duties were intertwined in this isolated location.
The site is open daily to visitors with marked walking paths and information signs throughout the grounds. You can also visit the small Maritime Museum housed in the former cottage, which explains how maritime navigation worked and why this location was important for harbor safety.
Unlike typical lighthouses with tall towers, this design integrated the light directly into the keeper's home, allowing the person on duty to move between living and working areas without leaving the building. This practical arrangement shows how lighthouse work was more intimate than visitors might expect.
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