Nelson Head Lighthouse Cottage


Built in 1875, this restored lighthouse now hosts a small maritime museum with displays on the history of the building and the area's coast guard patrol. You can also visit the working Coastal Patrol radio base, staffed by volunteers; be sure to plan to visit in time for a light lunch or cuppa at the wonderful cafe with sweeping views.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Jimmy's Beach

2.33 MILES

Blinding white sand and glassy water faces out to Nelson Bay at this tranquil sheltered beach. Great for kids.

2. Tomaree National Park

2.71 MILES

This wonderfully wild expanse offers beautiful hiking in an area that can feel far more remote than it actually is. The park harbours angophora forests…

3. Bennett's Beach

2.88 MILES

This beautiful long and secluded stretch of beach is perfect for romantic walks and dolphin spotting.

4. Dark Point Aboriginal Place

9.78 MILES

On a rocky headland in the southern part of Myall Lakes National Park near Hawks Nest, Dark Point was an important gathering place for the Worimi people…

5. Worimi Conservation Lands

10.17 MILES

Located at Stockton Bight, these are the longest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere, stretching more than 35km. Thanks to the generosity of the…

6. Broughton Island

11.12 MILES

This island is uninhabited except for muttonbirds and little penguins, and its surrounding waters are home to an enormous diversity of fish. The diving is…

7. Oakvale Wildlife Park

15.69 MILES

What began its life as a humble petting zoo with a handful of farm animals in 1979 has grown into one of Australia's finest family-owned-and-operated…

8. Nobby's Head

25.54 MILES

Originally an island, this headland at the entrance to Newcastle Harbour was joined to the mainland by a stone breakwater built by convicts between 1818…