Flagstaff Point (Wollongong Head) Lighthouse
Wollongong Harbour is the only point on the eastern coast of Australia which has two lighthouses.
Located on Flagstaff Point the newer lighthouse on Wollongong Head assists the passage of vessels into Port Kembla.
History
Completed in 1936, by the Department of Shipping and Transport, it was the first new lighthouse in New South Wales since 1903. The tower is constructed of reinforced concrete and replaced several earlier lights.
The structure cost £6,800 ($13,600) with plant and equipment £2,607 ($5,214).
It was the first fully automatic flashing light to be installed in New South Wales.
The original light apparatus was found to be faulty so a temporary acetylene gas light was employed until the replacement arrived in October 1938.
continued below …
Title | Address | Description |
---|---|---|
Cape Baily | Cape Baily Track, Kurnell NSW 2231, Australia | Cape Baily |
Flagstaff Point (Wollongong Head) | lot 2500, LOT 2 Endeavour Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia | Flagstaff Point (Wollongong Head) |
Wollongong Harbour | 2 Endeavour Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia | Wollongong Harbour |
Kiama | Blowhole Point Road, Kiama NSW 2533, Australia | Kiama |
continued from above …
The light is bi-coloured. A white light of 4.5 second duration visible through 100 degrees, and a red Light visible through 80 degrees. This latter indicating reefs and headlands.
It was built to serve as a coastal light and particularly for ships entering Port Kembla, to the south of Flagstaff Point. Up until now the only aid had been the old Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse situated on the Belmore Basin to the north. The Breakwater light was discontinued in 1974.
Keepers
This light was never manned. When necessary it was attended to by the Harbour Master.
Technical Details
First Exhibited | 23rd July 1936 |
Current Tower | 1936 |
Status | Active |
Location | Lat. 34 25.3172' S Long. 150 54.5829' E |
Original Optic | Chance Bros fixed 920mm Relocated from Gabo Island, still in use |
Automated | Designed as automatic |
Demanned | Never manned |
Construction | Concrete |
Height | 25 m |
Elevation | 40 m |
Range | 17 NM |
Character | Occulting 6s, Flash 4.5s, Eclipse 1.5s |
Intensity | White 61,000 cd, Red: 12,800 cd |
Light Source | Sealite SL324 LED array |
Power Source | Mains Power with battery back up |
Operator | Australian Maritime Safety Authority |
Custodian | Australian Maritime Safety Authority |
Notes | Light has two red sectors to indicate offshore hazards: True Bearings: Red: 188 - 213 (025) White: 213 - 312 (099) From Seaward Red: 312 - 358 (046) White: 358 - 008 (010) |
NB: Information is historical data and is not for navigational purposes.
Access
The lighthouse grounds are open at all times. There is no access to the tower.
Tours
No
Accommodation
No
Associated Lighthouses
Sources
- Annette Flotwell for Photograph
- Ian Clifford for Photographs
- Rod Cairns for Photograph
- Winsome Bonham for Photograph
- AMSA
- Brian Lord
- White Towers – The Illawarra Lighthouses, A P Fleming, Illawarra Historical Society