Book shines light on Central Coast icon

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The new book traces the history of the lighthouse

April 15, 2023

One of the Central Coast’s most iconic Crown land reserves, Norah Head Lighthouse, has been immortalised in a new book tracing its 120-year history.

Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris joined reserve volunteers to launch the Norah Head Lighthouse book at Sydney Maritime Museum on Friday, April 14.

The front cover of the book

“Norah Head Lighthouse, built for 24,000 English pounds in 1903, has had a distinguished life as a working lighthouse protecting coastal shipping, as a tourist drawcard, and today also a popular wedding venue,” Harris said.

“This 96-page coffee table book beautifully presents the lighthouse’s fascinating history while ensuring the reserve’s important role is preserved for future generations.”

Norah Head Lighthouse Land Manager Chairman Neil Rose said the book, created by reserve volunteer Tony James, detailed the site’s history.

“When the lighthouse was built there were no satellites, GPS or radios so coastal navigation was guided by the stars, geographical landmarks and tools such as maps, compasses and sextants,” Rose said.

“Since 1800, there were about 260 shipwrecks between Newcastle and Sydney which are listed in the book, with the construction of the lighthouse helping avert many more and no doubt saving many lives.”

The book also covers details of the lighthouse construction, its various light sources and communication methods over time, and its lighthouse keepers.

Book launch: Assistant Curator Sydney Maritime Museum Inger Sheil (from left), Editor of the lighthouse book Meredith McGown, Chris Richardson, Neil Rose, Minister for Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris, Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch and Mark Sheriff OAM who travels around Australia maintaining lighthouses Photo: Chris Richardson

Harris said the lighthouse reserve attracted more than 100,000 people each year.

“Crown reserves support communities with everything from lighthouses to green open space, parks, walking tracks, showgrounds, sporting ovals and public halls,” he said.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will assist volunteers maintain Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve and preserve the heritage of the still working lighthouse.

Lighthouse Reserve Chairman Neil Rose acknowledged the financial support provided by both Central Coast Council and the Sydney Maritime Museum.

“Without this support the Norah Head Lighthouse book would not have been published,” he said.

Source:
Norah Head Lighthouse Land Manager Board

2 Comments on "Book shines light on Central Coast icon"

  1. lewis smith | April 19, 2023 at 12:11 pm |

    Hi,where can i purchase this book from ?,,thank you.

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