Tacking Point Lighthouse

Perched on a dramatic headland just south of Port Macquarie, Tacking Point Lighthouse has been guiding ships since 1879. This compact, whitewashed lighthouse is one of Australia's oldest, and its setting is pure coastal magic: rugged rock platforms, swirling seas, and panoramic views that stretch from the town beaches to the distant mountains. It's a must-visit for history buffs, photographers, and anyone craving a bracing dose of ocean air.

Highlights & What to See

• Historic lighthouse: Climb the short path to the base of this beautifully restored 8-metre tower, built from local stone and still active. Interpretive signs tell stories of shipwrecks and keepers' lives.
• Whale watching: From June to November, the headland is one of the best land-based spots on the NSW coast to see humpback whales on their annual migration. Bring binoculars.
• Coastal walks: The 9-km Tacking Point to Lighthouse Beach walk follows clifftops and sandy stretches, passing sea caves and tidal pools. It's an easy half-day ramble with constant ocean views.
• Rock pools and fishing: At low tide, explore the platforms around the lighthouse for colourful marine life. Anglers cast lines from the rocks for bream and tailor.
• Sunset and sunrise: The lighthouse faces east, so sunrise is spectacular, but sunset paints the sky behind the tower in soft pinks and oranges. Both are crowd-free and magical.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to an hour to explore the lighthouse and its immediate surrounds, read the information boards, and take photos. If you plan to walk the coastal track or settle in for whale watching, budget 2–3 hours. Combine it with a visit to nearby Lighthouse Beach for a swim or picnic, and you can easily fill a half-day. The site is accessible year-round, but the best light for photography is early morning or late afternoon.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Port Macquarie: Just 10 minutes north, the town offers the Koala Hospital, historic sites, and a lively café strip along the Hastings River.
• Lighthouse Beach: A patrolled surf beach directly below the lighthouse – perfect for swimming, surfing, or a relaxed lunch at the kiosk.
• Sea Acres National Park: A 20-minute drive south, this coastal rainforest has a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through towering palms and ancient ferns.
• Camden Haven: The string of villages around Camden Haven Inlet – Laurieton, North Haven, and Dunbogan – offer quiet waterways, oyster farms, and excellent kayaking.
• Crowdy Bay National Park: About 40 minutes south, this park protects dramatic sea cliffs, heathlands, and the historic Diamond Head camping area.

Please check official sources for current details.