Name and Location

The Fingal Head Lighthouse is located in Fingal Head, New South Wales, Australia, with a latitude of -28.1990136 and longitude 153.5714114.

Construction and History

Built in 1881, the Fingal Head Lighthouse has been guiding mariners for over a century. Its architectural style is characteristic of Australian lighthouses from that period, featuring a simple yet elegant design.

Architecture and Materials

The tower stands at an impressive height of 21 meters (69 feet), with a focal height of 24 meters (79 feet) above sea level.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse originally featured a kerosene lamp, which was later replaced by a more modern electric light. The light characteristic is marked as Fl (3) W 15s, indicating a flash every 15 seconds, with three white flashes per minute.

Accessibility and Visiting

As of today, the Fingal Head Lighthouse has been automated, eliminating the need for manual operation by keepers. Visitors can access the lighthouse, but please note that it is not open to the public due to safety and conservation concerns. The nearest town is Tweed Heads, offering various amenities and attractions.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the surrounding coastline and nearby headlands. The area is known for its picturesque beaches, rocky outcroppings, and diverse marine life.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to legend, the Fingal Head Lighthouse has played a crucial role in guiding ships through treacherous waters and preventing tragic shipwrecks.

Technical and Operational Details

The current managing authority for the Fingal Head Lighthouse is the Tweed Shire Council, responsible for ensuring the structure's preservation and maintenance. For navigational purposes, mariners can refer to nautical charts such as AUS-234 (Tweed Heads) or AUS-235 (Byron Bay).

Further Information

• Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, and Regional Development. (n.d.). Lighthouses.
• NSW Heritage Office. (n.d.). Fingal Head Lighthouse.
• Tweed Shire Council. (n.d.). Fingal Head Lighthouse.