Norah Head - Central Coast NSW

 

Norah Head NSW

Norah Head is a small quiet town on the Central Coast of NSW that should definitely not be overlooked when visiting the area as it has so much to offer if you love to take advantage of the coastline and all that comes with it.

You should start your visit at the local heritage listed lighthouse that began operating in 1903. This lighthouse is still in operation today, lighting the skies and coastline at night for the safety of fisherman and the like to guide them along. 

The lighthouse is open everyday 10am - 3pm (last tour is taken at 2.30pm) except Christmas day and Anzac day for tours although if there is windy and/or rainy conditions it may not be open to the public. You don't need to book if you would like to tour the lighthouse except if you have a group of 10 or more, there is a website norahheadlighthouse and it has the information you will require if you need to contact or wish to find out more information. The pricing is very reasonable and the view from the top is just breathtaking! You will learn all about the local history regarding the workings of the lighthouse as well as stories of local shipwrecks etc. Remember it is a lighthouse and therefore has stairs, 96 of them, so keep this in mind if you need wheelchair/pram access as this will not be an option for you.

You can even stay in accommodation at the lighthouse, these used to be the lighthouse keepers quarters but are now available for holiday rental. A great place to have a quick break away from the busy lifestyle we all lead today!

The rocky headland below is an added bonus when you are there and so after visiting the lighthouse I would definitely take the time to stroll down to the stairs that lead you down. There is the beach as well as the rocky headland and it is beautiful to walk around and see the landscape as well as watch the ocean crash against the rocks as well as explore the rockpools around.

After visiting the lighthouse and exploring the rocky headland and beach you can make your way to the neighbouring beach with surf life saving club at Soldiers Beach. Not only is it a beautifully maintained and patrolled beach but it has the surf life saving club with restaurant above with beautiful views of the beach and ocean beyond that you can enjoy while having some lunch and drinks. Please be sure to check their facebook page Dunes by Dish before you go to avoid disappointment as they sometimes close the restaurant for private events like weddings etc. They have a decent range of tapas, mains, kids meals and drinks to suit every palate and the pricing is reasonable, especially considering the view!

It is only approx. 1hour and 30min from the centre of Sydney to get to Norah Head so it is certainly somewhere you can go for a day visit from Sydney and get to really enjoy the coastline of NSW without the hustle and bustle of the city or some of the more well known places to visit on the Central Coast. I hope you take the time to visit Norah Head and please come back to my pages to see some other great places to visit!