Lighthouse Archives - Destination's Journey

16 November 20237 November 2023

Seal Rocks New South Wales

Seal Rocks New South Wales Australia

With a population of under 100, the small village of Seal Rocks on the NSW mid-north coast is a wonderfully relaxed beach and surfing paradise. At a little under 2 hours’ drive from Newcastle, it’s a popular holiday spot and can become crowded, during summer and school holidays. Part of the charm has been the residents’ opposition to commercial development, leaving the area untouched.

Surrounded by the Myall Lakes National Park and beaches, it’s an excellent place for camping, bush walking and surfing. If you have a boat, the appropriately named Boat Beach has boat-ramps onto the sand.

Looking along Boat Beach Seal Rocks — Looking down on Boat Beach

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse stands on a headland east of Seal Rocks village. Designed by colonial architect James Barnet as his first lighthouse, it was completed in 1875. It is one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. Although built to guide ships along the rocky coastline, there were still 20 wrecks after its completion.

The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.

The Walk

Starting at the locked gate, a bitumen road leads up through the coastal forest, making it an easy walk. An information board near the gate provides details about the lighthouse and the wider Myall Lakes Area. Although the walk is easy underfoot, it can still be a bit of a challenge, because it is all uphill.

If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.

Sea Cave

Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.

Path to the Lighthouse

On reaching the lighthouse area, the patch becomes much steeper, but this section is also short. So, take your time and enjoy the views over the coastline. The old lighthouse keeper’s cottage is now used for guests, which would be a great way to experience the area.

The Lighthouse

Set at the top of the headland, the lighthouse overlooks some rocky cliffs and a spectacular beach to the west. With the stairs on the outside instead of inside, it looks different to others we have seen. We spent quite some time here, looking at the scenery and lighthouse, before returning to our car.

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

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.

Our photos are available for purchase on

2 June 202227 May 2022

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Seal Rocks

Besides amazing beaches, Seal Rocks has a lighthouse at Sugarloaf Point overlooking the ocean and more beaches.

The refurbished Lighthouse Keepers’ quarters and outbuildings are available as holiday accommodation for visitors. This would be a great way to experience the area.

Getting There

With a three and a half hour drive, 280km drive north of Sydney, Seal Rocks is too far for a day trip from Sydney, but excellent for a long weekend. From our home in the Hunter Valley, it took us a little over two hours to drive the 180kms.

A carpark at the base of the headland provides spaces for those walking to the lighthouse. A fee applies, as the area is managed by New South Wales Parks and Wildlife.

The Walk

If you need a break, about halfway there is a toilet block.

Sea Cave

Not long before reaching the lighthouse a break in the trees lets you see a rocky inlet. This is great because it also has a sea cave, with the waves crashing through it.

Path to the Lighthouse

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Keepers Cottage — Walk Up to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage

The Lighthouse

What Did We Think of Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse?

This was a fun visit, with the sea caves adding something a little extra. the lighthouse was well maintain and in pristine condition. Parking may be an issue in school holidays and peak season because it is quite small.

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

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Category: Lighthouse

Seal Rocks New South Wales

Seal Rocks New South Wales Australia