Tacking Point Lighthouse

In 1879 a fixed catadioptric light of less than 1000 candelas was erected on Tacking Point.

History

In the early to mid 19th Century the main contact for the coastal towns of the north coast of New South Wales was sea transport. There were no roads and the railways were only just beginning.

There were few lights and in the Tacking Point area more than 20 wrecks occurred, the first being the schooner Black Joe in 1823, and the steamer Sumatra in the same year.

In 1879 a fixed catadioptric light of less than 1000 candelas was erected on Tacking Point. The structure is built of cement-rendered bricks and because of the elevation only needed to be 8 metres high.

The apparatus was converted from wick oil light in 1919 to automatic acetylene operation. The light was then converted to mains electricity in 1974. As a result of automation the keepers were withdrawn after 40 years of service.

The foundations of the keeper’s cottage can still be seen.

continued below …

© All images are copyright of their respective photographers and are not to be used without permission.

Smoky Cape

Smoky Cape
Lighthouse Rd, Arakoon NSW 2431, Australia
Direction

Tacking Point

Tacking Point

Tacking Point
Lighthouse Rd, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, Australia

Tacking Point

Direction

Crowdy Head

Crowdy Head

Crowdy Head
1 Elizabeth St, Crowdy Head NSW 2427, Australia

Crowdy Head

Direction

continued from above …

Keepers

We need your help in compiling a list of keepers for this lighthouse. If you have any information then send it to keeper@lighthouses.org.au.

Please include this lighthouse’s name, the keepers full name and what years they were keepers. Also include the same information for any other lights they were on.

Technical Details

First Exhibited1879
Permanent Tower
Current Tower
StatusActive
LocationLat. 31° 28.7 S. Longitude 152° 56.2 E.
Original OpticFixed catadioptric
Current Optic
Automated1919
Demanned1920
ConstructionCement-rendered Bricks
Height8 m
Elevation34 m
Range16 NM
CharacterGrp. Fl. (4) W 20 secs
Intensity12,800 cd
Light Source12 Volt 75 Watt Quartz Halogen Lamp, FA 251 Beacon
Power SourceMains Electricity, battery backup
OperatorNSW Roads and Maritime Services
Custodian
Notes

  NB: Information is historical data and is not for navigational purposes.

Access

The lighthouse reserve is open all year. Access via Lighthouse Road just south of Port Macquarie. The tower is closed to the public.

Tours

No

Accommodation

No

Museum

The Mid North Coast Maritime Museum has some lighthouse artifacts.
6 William Street, Port Macquarie NSW

Associated Lighthouses

Crowdy Head Lighthouse

Fingal Head Lighthouse

Richmond River Lighthouse

Clarence River Lighthouse (old tower demolished)

Sources

  • Annette Flotwell for Photograph
  • Brian Lord for Photographs
  • Cyril Curtain for Photographs
  • Ian Clifford for Photographs
  • Winsome Bonham for Photograph
  • Averil Legg
  • Dept of Transport
  • From Dusk Till Dawn by Gordon Reid
  • Mary Shelley Clark and Jack Clark
  • Sydney AFLOAT
  • W. Lippingwell, Coastal Lighthouses of NSW, 1938