Nelson Head Light facts for kids
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| Nelson Head Light, 2008 | |
 Nelson Head Light
Location in New South Wales
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| Location | Nelson Bay New South Wales Australia |
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| Coordinates | 32°42′37.24″S 152°9′41″E / 32.7103444°S 152.16139°E |
| Year first constructed | 1872 (first) |
| Year first lit | 1876 (current) |
| Automated | 1984 |
| Deactivated | 2003 |
| Tower shape | one-story building and no tower |
| Markings / pattern | yellow building |
| Height | 10 feet (3.0 m) |
| Focal height | 128 feet (39 m) |
| Characteristic | occulting white and red sector |
| Admiralty number | K2771 |
| NGA number | 111-6056 (currently unlisted) |
| ARLHS number | AUS-116 |
The Nelson Head Light, also known as the Nelson Head Inner Light, is a special old lighthouse on Nelson Head. This is a piece of land that sticks out into the ocean, near the town of Nelson Bay in New South Wales, Australia. It's close to Halifax Park, on the southern side of Port Stephens. This light helped guide ships safely into the port. What makes it unusual is that it doesn't have a tall tower like most lighthouses. Instead, its light shone from a window in a small building, and later, from outside the building.
History of the Nelson Head Light
The first light station here was set up in 1872. It used four kerosene lamps that shone from a wooden tower.
The building you see today was built three years later, in 1875. The light started shining from this new building in 1876. The light was placed in a special eight-sided room, called a lantern room, which was attached to the house. It shone through a large window, about 3 meters (10 feet) wide.
Fourteen different light keepers lived in the house and looked after the light. The Maritime Service Board also managed it until 1985.
In 1946, the light was changed to use electricity. Then, in 1984, it became automated, meaning it could run by itself without a keeper. Since 1986, the Nelson Head Lighthouse and Rescue Station Trust has worked to keep the house in good condition. In 1990, the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol became the main group looking after it. Today, Marine Rescue NSW manages the house. It is now a museum about the sea.
In 1995, the light was updated again. A new solar-powered light was put outside the old lantern room. However, in early 2003, the light was no longer needed for ships. So, it was turned off.
Visiting the Lighthouse
You can easily reach the Nelson Head Light by road from Nelson Bay. The house is open every day for visitors to explore.
