Flagstaff Point Lighthouse, located on Wollongong Head in Australia, stands as a beacon of maritime history and navigation assistance. Constructed in 1936 by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service, this lighthouse holds the distinction of being the first new lighthouse in New South Wales in over three decades. With its reinforced concrete tower housing a historic Chance Brothers fixed lens, the lighthouse serves as a vital aid for vessels entering Port Kembla, featuring an occulting light with red sectors to indicate navigation hazards.
Embodying a blend of tradition and modernity, Flagstaff Point Lighthouse showcases the evolution of lighthouse technology, from its initial acetylene gas light to the installation of a diesel generator in the 1960s. As a fully automatic and unattended structure, this lighthouse symbolizes the advancement in maritime safety measures. Its historical significance is further underscored by the transition from the old Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse, marking the shift of commercial port activities to Port Kembla in the Illawarra region.
Open to visitors at all times, the grounds of Flagstaff Point Lighthouse offer a glimpse into the maritime heritage of Wollongong Harbour. While access to the tower is restricted, the lighthouse stands as a testament to the dedication of the Wollongong Harbour Master in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime traffic. With its rich history, distinctive features, and strategic location, Flagstaff Point Lighthouse remains a vital landmark in the coastal landscape of eastern Australia.
