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Hornby Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇦🇺New South Wales, AUOperational

Completed in 1858, Hornby Lighthouse stands 27 meters tall at South Head, New South Wales. Its white tower houses a light with a geographic range of 15 nautical miles. The light emits a long white flash on a continuous cycle. The structure is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This lighthouse marks the southern entry to Port Jackson and illuminates the submerged South Reef.

Why it matters: As the third oldest lighthouse in New South Wales, it has guided vessels into Port Jackson since the 1840s.

Background
Hornby Lighthouse, also known as South Head Lower Light or South Head Signal Station, is a heritage-listed active lighthouse located on the tip of South Head, New South Wales, Australia, a headland to the north of the suburb Watsons Bay. It marks the southern entrance to Port Jackson, as well as lighting the South Reef, a ledge of submerged rocks. It is the third oldest lighthouse in New South Wales. Designed by Mortimer Lewis and listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate and on the New South Wales State Heritage Register since 2 April 1999, with the following statement of significance: A dominant Sydney landmark which appears to have been in continuous use since the 1840s as a controlling point for shipping entering and leaving Port Jackson. The building complex, designed by the Colonial Architect Mortimer Lewis in the early 1840s, is an architectural important example of an early Victorian public work associated with port activities.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
LFl
Focal Height
27m
Geographic Range
15NM
Year Built
1858
Heritage Status
Heritage Act — State Heritage Register
Admiralty No.
K2636
NGA No.
K 2636
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Tower Height
27m
Tower Color
white
City
New South Wales
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-33.8336°
Longitude
151.2810°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How do mariners identify Hornby Lighthouse at night?+
Hornby displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Hornby Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Hornby Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Balmain at 0.1 NM to the E. Other ports served include WATSONS BAY (0.9 NM SSW), Port Jackson (1.2 NM SW), MANLY (1.9 NM N), BALGOWLAH (2 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Hornby Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Hornby Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Hornby Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Hornby Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.