Nelson Head Light

Nelson Head Light

Nelson Head Light, 2008
Location	Nelson Bay New South Wales Australia
Coordinates	32°42′37.24″S 152°9′41″E / 32.7103444°S 152.16139°E / -32.7103444; 152.16139Coordinates: 32°42′37.24″S 152°9′41″E / 32.7103444°S 152.16139°E / -32.7103444; 152.16139
Year first constructed	1872 (first)
Year first lit	1876 (current)
Automated	1984
Deactivated	2003
Tower shape	one-story building and no tower
Markings / pattern	yellow building
Height	10 feet (3.0 m)
Focal height	128 feet (39 m)
Characteristic	occulting white and red sector
Admiralty number	K2771
NGA number	111-6056 (currently unlisted)
ARLHS number	AUS-116
Managing agent	Coastal Patrol Port Stephens

Nelson Head Light, also known as Nelson Head Inner Light, is an inactive unusual lighthouse located on Nelson Head, a headland northeast of the town of Nelson Bay, New South Wales, Australia, near Halifax Park, on the southern shore of Port Stephens. The light served guiding ships into the port. Unlike other lighthouses the Nelson Head Light has no tower. Instead, the light was shown through the window of the lantern room, and later mounted outside.

The station was established in 1872, four kerosene lamps shown from a wooden tower.

The current cottage was built three years later and the light was first shown from the house in 1876. The light was installed in an octagonal lantern room attached to the house and shown through a 3 metres (9.8 ft) window. The house was occupied by 14 resident keepers and the Maritime Service Board until 1985.

In 1946 the light was electrified and in 1984 it was automated. Since 1986 the Nelson Head Lighthouse and Rescue Station Trust has supported the preservation of the house. In 1990 the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol was appointed as trustee, and the house is now managed by Marine Rescue NSW under the Royal Volunteer Coastal Patrol was unified. The house currently serves as a maritime museum.

In 1995 the light was replaced with a solar powered lantern which was attached outside the previous lantern room. In early 2003 it was deemed unnecessary and the light was shut down.

The house is accessible by road from Nelson Bay. It is open daily for visits.