Norah Head Lighthouse
Central Coast & Hunter - NSW
Central Coast
The lighthouse
The lighthouse
Path to the lighthouse
The lighthouse
Click to see full image.
A spectacular ocean-side walk packed with features, including scenic coastal views, stunning sandstone cliffs and beautiful beaches, with shorter options available.
This heavily trafficked walk is located at the car park at the end of Bush Street in Norah Head.
From the car park it is a short stroll along a concrete path to the historic, and still working, Norah Head Lighthouse, built in 1903 to protect ships travelling between Sydney and Newcastle.
Perched atop the headland, the lighthouse offers stunning views to the ocean and is a great spot for whale watching from June to November.
Those wishing to stretch their legs further can descend the steps to the beach and explore the rock platforms by the edge of the ocean or walk around the headland to Lighthouse Beach.
A large anchor marks a war memorial at the start of the track.
Tours of the lighthouse can be booked, while the renovated and furnished heritage lightkeeper cottages are also available to be booked as accommodation.
The lighthouse is located on the Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve, which is rich in Aboriginal cultural significance and Australian maritime history, and environmental and cultural protection projects.
The lighthouse is a great site to visit as a day-trip to the area, taking in other sites such as The Entrance Ocean Baths and Long Jetty, as well as the Terrigal Boardwalk and The Skillion further south down the coast.
Track: The track involves concrete paths and is relatively flat. There is a set of wooden steps down to the beach from the headland.
Difficulty: The track to the lighthouse is easy, flat, suitable for all fitness levels, and wheelchair accessible (some assistance may be required). Access to the beach is via a set of wooden steps. The track is well-signed and easy to follow.
If swimming at the beach, be aware they are unpatrolled, so swim with caution. Young children should be supervised at all times.
Direction: This is an out-and-back track that returns the way it came.
getting there
The walk starts from the car park at the end of Bush Street in Norah Head, 8.5 hours drive south of Brisbane, or 1.5 hours drive north of Sydney.
Parking is relatively ample, however the location can become very busy during peak times.
best time to go
The walk can be completed year-round.
Remember, whenever venturing into the outdoors, practice the Leave No Trace principles and be considerate of others. This means: dispose of your waste properly, don't remove things or move things from their natural position and respect all wildlife. Also be sure to plan ahead and adequately prepare for any adventure.
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I respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which all activities listed on this website are found, as well as Elders past, present and emerging. I strive to not promote sites where requests have been made for people not to explore due to the cultural significance of the site to Indigenous peoples, or note how to respectfully visit a site. If I have a promoted a site with cultural significance, please send me a message and let me know.