Point Stephens Light

The Point Stephens Light is a heritage-listed active lighthouse located on Point Stephens, a headland at the east of Fingal Bay, in New South Wales, Australia. The lighthouse, built in 1862, serves to assist vessels entering Port Stephens and is managed as part of the Tomaree National Park. Designed by Alexander Dawson, the lighthouse features a unique cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern, and was originally powered by kerosene lamps before being upgraded to electric light in 1960 and converted to solar power in 1990.

The Point Stephens Light is considered an endangered lighthouse due to its remote location and old age. The lighthouse's history dates back to 1857, when the need for a lighthouse on Point Stephens was identified due to the proximity to the entrance of Port Stephens and the dangers of the local coastline to ships. At least 24 vessels are known to have been wrecked in the area, with the most serious being the Dove in 1828 and the Pandora in 1836. The lighthouse was finally built in 1862 and first lit officially on 1 May 1862.

Access to the lighthouse is difficult, either through a narrow spit of sand at low tide or by boat. The lighthouse's keeper's cottages were vandalised and burned in 1991, and other structures such as a privy and workshop still stand at the location. The Point Stephens Light is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and is considered an important part of Australia's maritime history.

Light and tower

It has a cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern tower. The light has a focal height of 38 metres. The light has a range of 17 nautical miles. It was automated in 1989.