Norah Head Lightstation Precinct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norah Head Lightstation Precinct |
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The Norah Head Lightstation and Precinct, pictured in 2011
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| Location | Bush Street, Norah Head, Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Cecil W. Darley |
| Official name: Norah Head Lightstation Precinct | |
| Type | State heritage (landscape) |
| Designated | 13 April 2007 |
| Reference no. | 1753 |
| Type | Other - Landscape - Cultural |
| Category | Landscape - Cultural |
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The Norah Head Lightstation Precinct is a special heritage-listed site in Norah Head, New South Wales, Australia. It includes the famous Norah Head lighthouse and other old buildings. These structures were designed by Cecil W. Darley and finished in 1903. This important place was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 13, 2007, because of its history and unique features.
Contents
Why Lighthouses Are Important
In the early days of European settlement in Australia, ships often struggled to find their way safely to Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). The very first light used to guide a ship was in 1793. It was just a flare near a signal station. Later, the first real lighthouse, Macquarie Lighthouse, was built in 1818 on South Head.
More lighthouses were built as settlements grew. They appeared in places like Tasmania and Victoria. Lighthouses became much better in the 1800s. This was thanks to new optical systems and better lights using oil or electricity.
Working Together for Safety
By the mid-1800s, different Australian colonies had their own governments. They started to think about working together to make shipping safer. In 1856, the Governor of New South Wales, Sir William Denison, suggested creating a board to build and look after lighthouses.
However, this first attempt didn't work out. Each colony wanted to keep its own rules. They couldn't agree on a shared plan. This situation continued until 1901, when the Australian colonies joined together to form a nation (Federation).
Lighthouses After Federation
After Federation in 1901, the new Australian government was supposed to take over all lighthouses. But they didn't have enough money right away. The states also didn't want to spend money on lighthouses that the federal government would soon control.
Despite this, New South Wales finished the Norah Head lighthouse in 1903. Other states also built a few more. Finally, in 1913, the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service was created. By 1915, the federal government officially took charge of all major lighthouses in Australia.
Norah Head Lighthouse Story
People had been asking for a lighthouse at "Bungaree Noragh Point" (Norah Head) since 1861. Many ships crashed in this area between 1894 and 1903. One sad event was the sinking of the steamer Gwydir in 1894, where three lives were lost.
Edward Hargraves, famous for the gold rush, also pushed for a lighthouse. He lived nearby and saw how many wrecks were happening. Even with many people asking, it took a long time for the lighthouse to be approved.
How Norah Head Lighthouse Was Built
The Newcastle Marine Board finally recommended building the lighthouse. Then, the Public Works Department took over. The plans for Norah Head were approved by Cecil Darley, the chief engineer.
Construction started in 1901. Workers brought materials by boat into Cabbage Tree Harbour. They used a special wharf built just for this purpose. The lighthouse was finished in 1903. It was the very last lighthouse in New South Wales to have staff living there.
The Norah Head lighthouse was built using a special method. It used large, precast concrete blocks made right on site. This method was first used for the Point Perpendicular lighthouse in 1899.
What Else Was Built?
Along with the lighthouse, several other buildings were constructed in 1902-1903:
- A lightkeeper's cottage with a garden.
- A small building for fuel, a workshop, and paint storage.
- A duplex (two homes joined together) for assistant keepers.
- A signal house for the flagstaff.
- A timber flagstaff.
- Stables, which were later turned into a garage in 1960.
- Two small fuel stores.
All these buildings were made from the same precast concrete blocks. Many had terracotta tiles on their roofs. The design of the Norah Head buildings is very similar to those at Cape Byron, built two years earlier.
The Light Itself
The lighthouse was fitted with a powerful light system. It was made by a company called Chance Bros from England. The light was 46 metres (151 ft) above the water. It could be seen from about 29 kilometres (18 mi) away.
The light first shone on November 15, 1903. It started with 438,000 candle power. In 1923, the light was upgraded to 700,000 candle power. Then, in 1961, it was changed to run on electricity. Its power increased to 1,000,000 candelas! At that time, fewer lightkeepers were needed.
A Tourist Spot
The Norah Head Lightstation has always been a popular place to visit. In 1994, the lighthouse became automated, meaning it no longer needed people to operate it. The lightkeepers moved out.
Today, the Norah Head Lighthouse Trust manages the site. It's a popular tourist spot. You can even stay overnight in some of the old keeper's cottages!
What Does Norah Head Lightstation Look Like?
The Norah Head lighthouse is a tall tower, about 27.5-metre (90 ft) high. It's made of precast concrete blocks. The outside walls are smooth with lines that look like stone blocks. The top part of the lighthouse, where the light is, is made of metal and glass. It has a decorative iron walkway for cleaning.
Inside the lighthouse, there's a spiral staircase made of concrete with slate steps. It has a beautiful cast-iron and brass railing. The lamp room has an old cast-iron floor. The main light is protected by clear panels.
The lighthouse still has its original 3,700-millimetre-diameter (150 in) lantern house from Chance Bros. This is a great example of early 20th-century technology. The light also still uses its original revolving mercury float bearing system. This helps the light turn smoothly.
Other Buildings at the Site
The lightstation complex includes:
- The signal house.
- The lighthouse tower and its base.
- A workshop.
- The head keeper's house with its fuel shed, toilet, workshop, and paint store.
- The assistant keeper's duplex with its fuel stores.
- The stables (now a garage).
All these buildings are made from the large concrete blocks created on site. The lighthouse and signal house have a smooth, painted finish. The living quarters and stables have kept their original unpainted concrete look.
The keeper's cottage is a large house with a veranda around three sides. It has a hipped roof with terracotta tiles. Many of the original fences and gates are still there. There's even an old quarry nearby. It's believed this quarry provided the gravel for the concrete blocks used to build the lighthouse and other buildings.
Nature Around Norah Head
Norah Head is a beautiful place with low eucalyptus trees and banksia plants. This type of woodland is considered an endangered ecological community. It's only found in this local area.
You can find many different plants here, like red bloodwood, broad-leaved paperbark, and Camfield's gum. There are also lots of shrubs and grasses.
Amazing Animals
Many animals live in or near Norah Head. Scientists have recorded 49 different species! These include:
- Five marine mammals, like the southern right whale and the hump-backed whale.
- One frog species, the eastern banjo frog.
- The common ringtail possum.
- Thirty-five bird species, such as the striped honeyeater and spangled drongo.
Some of these animals are very rare or vulnerable. This makes the Norah Head area very important for nature conservation.
Why Norah Head Lightstation Is Special
The Norah Head Lightstation Precinct is very important for many reasons:
- Historic Importance: It was the last major lighthouse built in New South Wales during a big period of lighthouse construction (1858-1904). It completed a chain of lighthouses along the coast, making shipping much safer.
- Cultural Significance: The site is very important to the Darkinjung Aboriginal people. They used this area as a camp, burial ground, and for important ceremonies for a very long time. There are ancient sites here, including middens (old shell heaps), engravings, and a scarred tree.
- Architectural Design: The lighthouse is a great example of the "Barnet style" of colonial architecture. It shows how lighthouses were designed back then. It's also one of only three lighthouses in Australia built using the unique precast concrete block method.
- Technical Achievement: The lighthouse still has its original Chance Bros. lens and mercury float bearing system. These are rare and show the advanced technology of the early 1900s.
- Community Value: The lightstation is loved by local people, sailors, and tourists. Its long history, beautiful design, and good condition make it a special place for everyone.
The Norah Head Lightstation Precinct was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 13, 2007. It continues to be a vital landmark and a window into Australia's maritime past.
