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Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Fl W 7s🇦🇺New South Wales, AUInactive

Completed in 1875, this lighthouse stands 79 meters tall with a focal height of 79 meters. Its white tower displays a single white flash on a cycle of 18 seconds, visible for 25 nautical miles. The structure features an external stairway, a design element shared by only one other lighthouse in Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and constructed by John McLeod. The lighthouse is no longer operational.

Why it matters: Listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, this structure guards the Seal Rocks, a known hazard to navigation.

Background
Sugarloaf Point Light, also known as Seal Rocks Lighthouse, is an active lighthouse located on Sugarloaf Point, a point about 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) southeast of Seal Rocks, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. It guards Seal Rocks, a treacherous rock formation to the south. It is the first lighthouse designed by James Barnet, and built from 1874 to 1875 by John McLeod. It is also one of only two towers in Australia with an external stairway. It is also known as Sugarloaf Point Lightstation Group, Seal Rocks Lightstation Complex and Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse. The property is owned by National Parks and Wildlife Service. It was added to the Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 June 2004; on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 February 2019; and on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate on 10 April 1989. The light is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, while the structures are maintained and operated by the Land and Property Management Authority. Sugarloaf Point is part of Myall Lakes National Park, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. An unpaved road leads to the location and parking is provided. Although the tower is closed to the public, a nearby lookout provides good views.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 7s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
7s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
79m
Light Range
25NM (46.3 km)
Geographic Range
25NM
Year Built
1875
Heritage Status
listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List
Admiralty No.
K2776
NGA No.
K 2776
Wikidata
Q7635018
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
Tower Height
79m
Tower Color
white
City
New South Wales
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-32.4411°
Longitude
152.5393°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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How far offshore can Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 79 meters and a nominal range of 25 nautical miles (approximately 46.3 km), Sugarloaf Point is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse at night?+
Sugarloaf Point displays the characteristic Fl W 7s — 1 white flash every 7 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 Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is FORSTER at 14.8 NM to the N. Other ports served include Tea Gardens (23.9 NM SW), Port stephens (27.5 NM SW), Wingham (35.6 NM NNW), Bobin (45.4 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sugarloaf Point 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.