Central Coast Archives - Destination's Journey

4 July 202320 June 2023

Norah Head Lighthouse

Located at Norah Head on the Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia, Norah Head Lighthouse is still active after 120 years of operation. Built in 1903 it was the last lighthouse of the James Barnet style constructed. The lighthouse is 27 metres (89 ft) high and has a light characteristic of two white flashes every 15 seconds. This distinguishes it from other nearby lighthouses which will have a different number of flashed or separations.

Getting There

Parking is available onsite but is quite small and during busy periods fills quickly. Once the car park is full, visitors can park on the access road, or walk in from town which is a 10-minute walk.

Opening Times

The lighthouse is open to the public for guided tours every day (except Christmas Day and Anzac Day) between 10 am and 3 pm. Arriving early we were the only customers for the 10 am tour. This was great because we had the undivided attention of the guide. Our guide was great and being a volunteer, very passionate about the lighthouse. He kept up a running commentary for the whole tour, even while climbing the steps (there are 96 of them).

Ground Floor

On the ground floor we saw the weights that used to turn the light. Wound up and then released, they slowly moved down, with their movement turning the light. Not surprisingly, this was a laborious job and has been replaced by an electric motor.

Spiral staircase Norah Head Lighthouse — Weight system to turn the light

Balcony

At the balcony level, we saw the unique markings used by the lighthouse. Each lighthouse had its own unique design, so that during the day, if the light couldn’t be seen, sailors could still determine their location.

Norah Head Identification Shape Norah Head Lighthouse — Norah Head Identification Shape

The Light

At the light deck, our guide explained how airflow to the original kerosene that fuelled the lamp was controlled. Incorrect airflow would result in black soot deposits on the glass lens, restricting it’s visibility. Brass air inlets could be opened or shut depending on wind speed and direction, ensuring the light burned correctly.

Air vent used to control light brightness

Climbing the 96 steps was not difficult as there were many breaks for explanations. One was about the stairs themselves which are made is slate with brass fittings, so that sparks are not generated. Although not significant now, it was a vital consideration when the lighthouse burned kerosene.

The view from the top was spectacular, with views up and down the coast. This also gave us a bird’s eye view of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages, which are now used as guest houses.

The light Norah Head Lighthouse — The light

View from the top of the lighthouse looking south — The light

Following the tour, we walked over the rock platform below the cliff that the lighthouse is built on. On returning, we saw a long queue waiting to do the tour, making us very pleased that we had come early.

Looking up at the lighthouse from the beach Norah Head Lighthouse — Looking up at the lighthouse from the beach

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

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29 June 202320 June 2023

Elephant Rock Central Coast

Located on the New South Wales Central Coast in Brisbane Water National Park, Elephant Rock is less than five-minutes drive from Patonga, 25 minutes from Gosford or 1 Hour 20 minutes from Sydney by car.

There are several ways to reach Elephant Rock, depending on how far you want to walk, or what other tracks you want to take. Having walked the Pearl Beach to Patonga Track before, we chose a short path off Patonga Drive.

Apparently, the rock looks like an elephant from some directions, but a drone view seems to be the best way to see it. It also gives great views over Brisbane Water and the surrounding forest.

After parking in a small siding only big enough for two cars we followed a narrow track into the bush. Although only a short walk, the track was very narrow, often requiring climbing over boulders. If you are not stable on your feet, this is not a track for you.

Lichen cover rock on the track — The narrow bush track

Arriving at elephant rock not long after sunrise, we found the views over Brisbane Water covered in fog. Although disappointed not to see the view, the atmosphere was great with the fog rolled in, slowly covering the forest and then the rock.

Mist rolling over Elephant Rock — Mist rolling over the forest

Wild Flowers

Many native species were in flower when we walked here in June 2023. This was a great bonus and very colourful, with the trail surrounded by colour the whole way.

Banksia in flower Elephant Rock — Grass tree on Elephant Rock

After returning to our car, we continued on to Patonga where we bought coffee and relaxed on the beach before returning home.

Fishing boat moored off Patonga — Patonga Beach

To see what else there is to do in New South Wales, please see some of our other stories.

Our photos are available for purchase on

27 June 202320 June 2023

Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk

Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk

Located in the Kuring-gai Chase National Park, access to the Bobbin Head Mangrove Boardwalk will cost $12.00 per car for a day. This will cover you for any other parts of the National Park you visit on that day too. The fee allows you to use the picnic areas and walking tracks in the area, which are well maintained by NSW Parks and Wildlife. Payment can be made at the entry gate as you drive in.

Our first stop was Empire Marina, where the still morning are provided amazing reflections on the water of the boats and surrounding forest. After this we drove to the southern end of the Bobbin Head picnic area, where the boardwalk starts.

View from Empire Marina to the picnic grounds

Boats at Empire Marina Bobbin Head — View from Empire Marina to the picnic grounds

The Boardwalk

The boardwalk meanders through the mangroves and there are information signs to help you learn more about the environment and plenty of opportunities to see the mangroves and crabs up close. Because it was low tide when we went, we didn’t see any crabs, only the openings to their burrows.

The boardwalk is 552 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. Along the way we had more amazing reflections in Cockle Creek as well as views of the mangroves.

The track continues into the forest as Gibberagong Track, which we followed for a short distance to get more views over the creek.

This was a great little walk with amazing views. We were the only ones there during our visit early on a winter morning, but in summer it is very busy.