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Tacking Point Lighthouse

Fl (4) W 20s🇦🇺New South Wales, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tacking Point Lighthouse

This masonry lighthouse stands 34 meters tall with a focal height of 34 meters. Completed in 1879, it features a white tower topped with a lantern room, with a dwelling also on site. The lighthouse emits a white light with a flashing characteristic. Its geographic range is 16 nautical miles. It is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and is accessible as an attraction. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority operates the light.

Why it matters: Explorer Matthew Flinders named the point in 1802, and the lighthouse is Australia's thirteenth oldest.

Background
Tacking Point Lighthouse is Australia's thirteenth oldest lighthouse. It was built on a rocky headland about 8 kilometres south of Port Macquarie in 1879 by Shepherd and Joseph William Mortley, to a design by the New South Wales Colonial Architect, James Barnet. It is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). Tacking Point was named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his 1802–1803 circumnavigation of Australia. Its nearest lighthouses are Smoky Cape Lighthouse at South West Rocks, to the north, and Crowdy Head Light, to the south.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) W 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
34m
Geographic Range
16NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1879

Visiting

Open to public
attraction

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
34m
Tower Shape
lantern
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: White masonry tower, dwelling, white lantern

Location

City
New South Wales
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-31.4757°
Longitude
152.9373°

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K2788
NGA No.
K 2788
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q3378422 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tacking Point Lighthouse at night?+
Tacking Point displays the characteristic Fl (4) W 20s — 4 white flashes every 20 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 Tacking Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tacking Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Port Macquarie at 4 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Laurieton (12.6 NM SW), Bobin (36.4 NM WSW), Wingham (37.4 NM SW), FORSTER (48.5 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tacking Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tacking Point 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 Tacking Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tacking 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.