Warden Head Light facts for kids
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| Warden Head Light, 2007 | |
 Warden Head Light
Ulladulla Location in New South Wales
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| Location | Ulladulla New South Wales Australia |
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| Coordinates | 35°21′55.86″S 150°29′27.35″E / 35.3655167°S 150.4909306°E |
| Year first constructed | 1873 |
| Year first lit | 1889 (relocates) |
| Automated | 1920 |
| Foundation | concrete |
| Construction | wrought iron tower |
| Tower shape | tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern |
| Height | 40 feet (12 m) |
| Focal height | 112 feet (34 m) |
| Original lens | Chance Brothers optical apparatus |
| Intensity | 28,000 cd |
| Range | 14 nautical miles (26 km) |
| Characteristic | Fl (2) W 10s. |
| Admiralty number | K2584 |
| NGA number | 111-6520 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-166 |
The Warden Head Light, also called the Ulladulla Lighthouse, is a working lighthouse. It stands on Warden Head, a piece of land that sticks out into the sea. This headland is just south of Ulladulla, in New South Wales, Australia. Its job is to guide ships safely into the Port of Ulladulla.
This lighthouse is special because it's one of only two wrought iron lighthouses in New South Wales. The other one is the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse. The Warden Head Light has also been moved twice! It was first built in 1873 on the Ulladulla Breakwater. Then, in 1889, it was moved to where it stands today. Even its keeper's house was moved to a different spot in the 1920s.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
People first suggested building a lighthouse at Ulladulla Harbour in 1868. This would allow ships to come and go at night. The building of this lighthouse began with another one at Wollongong. Both lighthouses were designed by the New South Wales Government Architect's Office. This office was led by James Barnet at the time.
The lighthouses were built by Joseph Mather. The Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse was finished in 1872. The Warden Head Lighthouse was completed in 1873.
When it was first built, the lighthouse used an oil wick for its light. It had a brightness of 800 cd. It used a special lens from Chance Brothers, which is still there today! The light was a steady white beam.
In 1889, the lighthouse was moved to its current spot on Warden Head. James Barnet, who was still the Colonial Architect, oversaw this big move.
In 1920, the light source was changed to a carbide lamp. This made the lighthouse automatic, so it no longer needed a keeper living there. The light also changed from a steady beam to a flashing one. In 1922, the keeper's house was moved to Milton. It was then used as a doctor's office.
In 1964, the lighthouse became electric. Today, it uses a 110-volt DC battery. This battery is charged from the main power supply. The light is now a 120-volt, 1,000-watt quartz halogen lamp. It shines with a brightness of 28,000 cd. This light can be seen from about 14 nautical miles (26 km; 16 mi) away. The light flashes twice every 10 seconds.
In the 1940s, a car park was built at Warden Head. This was done to help more visitors come and see the lighthouse.
The lighthouse was repaired and updated in 2008. Old paint was removed, and the tower was repainted. Other important repairs were also made to its structure.
Lighthouse Keepers
The first person to be the lighthouse keeper was William Gambell. School records show he had five children who went to the Ulladulla public school.
Later records from 1904 mention other keepers. These include "Hansen J." and "Brassington A."
How the Lighthouse is Built
The tower is made from strong wrought iron plates. These plates were joined together on the original site at the Ulladulla Breakwater. The tower is 40 feet (12 m) tall. An extra 7 feet 7 inches (2.3 m) of the structure is buried in the concrete foundation.
Inside, the tower has three wooden floors. Iron ladders connect these floors. At the top of the iron tower, there's a small balcony. This balcony has a simple iron handrail.
About Warden Head
Warden Head is named after two brothers, David and James Warden. They were shipwrights, meaning they built and repaired ships. Before it was called Warden Head, this area was known as Long Nose Point.
Visiting the Lighthouse
The Warden Head Light and its tower are managed by Roads and Maritime Services. You can drive to the lighthouse, and there is parking available. However, you cannot go inside the tower itself.
