Name and Location

The Wollongong Head Lighthouse, also known as Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse or Flagstaff Point Light, is a historic landmark located in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built to address the need for a reliable navigational aid in the area. Prior to its construction, mariners faced numerous hazards while navigating the coast, including rocky outcrops, reefs, and strong currents. The lighthouse was designed by the Commonwealth Department of Navigation and Aeronautics and constructed by the NSW Government Railways.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by a sturdy concrete foundation, with a tapered steel tower supporting the lantern room. The structure is topped with a distinctive red-and-white striped lantern room, which houses two powerful light sources that rotate every 6 seconds to provide a 360-degree beam of light.

Light and Navigation

The Wollongong Head Lighthouse serves as a vital aid to navigation for mariners traveling along the South Coast of New South Wales. Its powerful light can be seen from a distance of up to 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers), making it an essential reference point for ships, yachts, and fishing vessels.

Accessibility and Visiting

No information available.

Notable Views and Landscape

No information available.

Anecdotes and Folklore

The original light source was powered by a diesel engine-driven generator, replaced in 1987 with an electric beacon. The Wollongong Head Lighthouse is one of the few lighthouses in Australia to have been recognized as a national historic landmark.

Technical and Operational Details

The original optic was a rotating Fresnel lens, replaced in 1987 by an electric beacon. The lighthouse stands at an impressive 40 meters (131 feet) tall.

Further Information

• US NGA Pub. 111 (2010-09-02)
• Local knowledge and surveys
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wollongong_Head_Lighthouse">Wikipedia: en:Wollongong Head Lighthouse