Bradleys Head Light facts for kids
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| Bradleys Head Light in 2008 | |
 Bradleys Head Light
Location in Sydney
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| Location | Bradleys Head, Port Jackson, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°51′13″S 151°14′48″E / 33.853487°S 151.246664°E |
| Year first constructed | 1905 |
| Foundation | Rock |
| Construction | Concrete tower |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | White tower and lantern |
| Height | 6.1 metres (20 ft) |
| Focal height | 6.7 metres (22 ft) |
| Range | 11 kilometres (6 nmi) |
| Characteristic | Oc. G 3s. |
| Fog signal | blast every 30s (bl. 10s, si. 4s, bl. 4s, si. 4s, bl. 4s, si. 4s) |
| Admiralty number | K2662 |
| NGA number | 111-6216 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-243 |
The Bradleys Head Light is an important lighthouse located at Bradleys Head. This headland sticks out from the north shore of Sydney Harbour in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It helps guide ships safely. This lighthouse is like a twin to the Robertson Point Light because they look similar.
The land around the lighthouse is looked after by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. The light itself is managed by the Sydney Ports Corporation. Because of its history and importance, the lighthouse was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 April 2000.
Contents
A Glimpse into History
The Bradleys Head Light started guiding ships in 1905. Its main job was to act as a navigation marker. It also served as a warning light for ships entering and leaving Sydney Harbour.
In 1906, a fog siren was added to the lighthouse. This siren would sound to warn ships during foggy weather. It was updated again in 1936 to improve its function. The current concrete structure of the lighthouse was built in 1949.
What Does It Look Like?
The Bradleys Head Light Tower stands on the very tip of the Bradleys Head Peninsula. It is built from a mix of timber and concrete. The lighthouse has a design that is quite similar to the Robertson Point Light, which was built in 1934.
This lighthouse shows a special green light that turns on and off in a pattern. This pattern is called an "occulting green light." It has a cycle of three seconds (Oc.G. 3s). This is the same light pattern used by the Robertson Point Light.
The lighthouse is built on a rock. A small footbridge connects it to the land. This makes it easy to reach from the shore.
Who Manages the Lighthouse?
The light itself, which helps ships navigate, is operated by the Sydney Ports Corporation. They make sure the light is working correctly.
The area where the lighthouse stands is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. This site is managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. They look after the natural beauty and heritage of the area.
Visiting Bradleys Head Light
You can visit the area around the Bradleys Head Light. It is open and easy for the public to access. However, the lighthouse tower itself is closed to visitors.
If you want to visit, you can find parking at the end of Bradleys Head Road. Near the lighthouse, there is a special monument. It is the foremast (the front mast) of the old cruiser HMAS Sydney. This monument honors all Australian sailors who lost their lives in wars.
Gallery
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Bradleys Head Light at low-tide, showing the foundation
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Historic view of Bradleys Head Lighthouse showing the Sydney Harbour Trust workboat Aurora in the background. Note the different light source and the bell
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Bradleys Head Light on the right. Foremast of HMAS Sydney on left
