Historical Sites and Heritage Locations

Nobbys Lighthouse is an active lighthouse established on Nobbys Head in Newcastle in 1854 to guide vessels into the Hunter River.

The small tower is surrounded by three cottages which are significant as a record of the defence of Newcastle as it provided accommodation for defence staff during WWII (1942). In addition they are significant in their continued association with the signal station until 2001.

Nobbys Head, is a prominent physical landmark with the Nobbys Breakwall providing a popular spot for visitor recreation.

The headland is open to visitors on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 8am – 4pm. The Lighthouse precinct including the Lighthouse Arts Store and Gallery is open weekends only 10am – 4pm featuring artwork by local artists and Residents, Hunter Writers’ Centre publications and more.

To visit Nobbys Lighthouse, please note there is no car access along the Macquarie Pier; you may walk or bicycle only. From the Nobbys Beach car park, it is a 550 metre (10 minutes approximately) walk to the gate, and from there, a 220 metre up-hill walk to the Signal Master’s Cottage. The site is by nature isolated and exposed, it is likely to be breezy depending on the time of day you visit and is therefore advised you wear comfortable shoes for the walk and bring a jacket if it gets cold.