Name and Location

Tacking Point Lighthouse is an active navigational aid and historic landmark located at Port Macquarie on the mid-North Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Its address is 1 Lighthouse Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444, and it can be found at coordinates 31°28′32″ S, 152°56′14″ E.

Construction and History

Tacking Point Lighthouse was completed in 1879 and officially opened on March 1 of that year. The lighthouse was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet and built during a construction period from 1878 to 1879. It is the third-oldest lighthouse in New South Wales and played an important role in improving safety along the treacherous Hastings River bar and coastal shipping routes.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse tower is approximately 17 meters (56 feet) tall from base to lantern gallery, with a focal height of 34 meters (112 feet) above sea level. The tower is constructed of brick with stucco render and has a white painted finish. The original dioptric apparatus has been replaced by a modern optic.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a group of four white flashes every 20 seconds, with a nominal range of 16 nautical miles. The light source is electrically powered, and the lighthouse was automated in the 1920s. The Admiralty K number is 2788, and it is referenced as NGA Pub. 111.

Accessibility and Visiting

The grounds are open daily and free to visit, with well-marked walking paths and picnic areas available. However, the tower interior is closed to the public. Visitors can access the lighthouse by driving to Tacking Point Reserve and then taking a 200-meter cliff-top walking track to viewing platforms.

Notable Views and Landscape

The best times for viewing are during sunrise for eastward views and late afternoon for sunsets over the hinterland. The surrounding area features coastal walking trails linking to Lighthouse Beach and Flynns Beach, as well as picnic tables, interpretive signage, and a car park.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The lighthouse is named "Tacking Point" after early mariners who found the strong headland winds useful when tacking in sailing vessels. Rumors persist of ghostly figures of former lighthouse keepers seen at dusk.

Technical and Operational Details

For further information, please visit the Australian Maritime Safety Authority website (www.amsa.gov.au) or consult "Lighthouses of Australia" by A. & J. Henderson, Reed Books, 1992.

Further Information

• * Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacking_Point_Lighthouse
• * NSW State Heritage Register: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=5051672