Norah Head is a secluded, laid-back coastal town with breathtaking views, a historic landmark, and stunning beaches. You instantly want to breathe in the salty air and slow down your mind. However, it’s the Norah Head Lighthouse that steals the limelight, towering over the headland in all its glory.
Directions to the lighthouse
Only 30-45min from Lake Mac, it’s the perfect spot to visit with your family. Plan a morning out, or stay for the weekend. Experience a guided tour of the lighthouse, explore the rock pools, build sandcastles, or visit one of the local cafes.
Norah Head Lighthouse
Standing 27m high with 96 stairs, it’s a great place to take the kids. The lighthouse has been providing ships with safe passage for 120 years. Completed in 1903 the lighthouse was built after a considerable number of ships foundered on the coast. Originally sporting a kerosene lamp, the lighthouse was converted to electricity in 1961. This lighthouse continues to operate, providing safe passage along our coast.
Rock pools & exploring
From the lighthouse headland, follow the steps to the beach and the sprawling rock shelf. You’ll find plenty of rock pools for the kids to check out. They’ll have fun being ‘seaside detectives’ spotting fish, sea snails, and crabs. The beach is littered with beautiful shells, perfect for the kids to create art in the sand.
2.5km loop walk
You can walk a 2.5 km loop from here, along the shoreline, to Soldiers Beach. This is a great adventure that isn’t too difficult and takes about an hour. With a set of steps at each end, this walk isn’t for strollers or prams. When you reach Soldiers Beach, head up the stairs and walk along the path, enjoying the ocean views before following the trail back to your car.
Soldiers Beach Headland & Surf Life Saving
The view from the car park is spectacular! This headland is a great place to stop for photos and take a few more deep breaths of fresh coastal air. There’s a cafe on the headland to stop for a rest, or if you want to head down to Soldiers Beach, simply walk around to the Surf Life Saving Club.
In summer, Norah Head is a beach-goers paradise, where kids can swim safely in a much-loved tidal rock pool. In winter, it’s a chance to appreciate the pristine coastline, fresh air, and scenic natural beauty.
Want to explore more of Lake Macquarie? Head to our Out & About section.
