Wollongong lighthouses

Wollongong is unique on Australia's east coast in having two historic lighthouses standing within sight of one another. Set against the sweeping backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and the Illawarra Escarpment, they create one of the country's most picturesque coastal scenes. I was very excited to spend a couple of hours here photographing the lighthouses and enjoying the town.

Flagstaff Point Lighthouse

Flagstaff Point Lighthouse is the best-known landmark in Wollongong and one of the most recognisable lighthouses on the New South Wales coast. Standing on Flagstaff Hill at the entrance to Wollongong Harbour, it was completed in 1936 to improve navigation into the increasingly important industrial port of Port Kembla. The lighthouse was one of the first in New South Wales to be fully automated, reflecting advances in lighthouse technology during the early twentieth century. Today it continues to operate as an active navigational aid while also attracting thousands of visitors each year. Its commanding position offers panoramic views of the coastline, the harbour, and the Illawarra Escarpment, making it one of the region's most photographed locations.

Breakwater Lighthouse

The Breakwater Lighthouse is Wollongong's oldest lighthouse and one of the city's most treasured heritage landmarks. Completed in 1872, it was built at the end of the harbour breakwater to guide ships safely into Wollongong Harbour during a period of rapid growth in coastal shipping. For more than a century it served as a vital navigational aid before being superseded by the larger Flagstaff Point Lighthouse in 1936 and decommissioned in 1974.

By the 1970s, years of neglect had left the lighthouse in such poor condition that demolition was seriously considered. The proposal prompted a strong public response, with the Wollongong community rallying to save the landmark. Local organisations campaigned for its preservation and contributed to its restoration in 1978–79, with further restoration work completed in the early 2000s. Thanks to those efforts, the Breakwater Lighthouse remains a beautifully restored reminder of Wollongong's maritime heritage and an enduring symbol of the community's commitment to preserving its history.

I was especially excited to discover that Wollongong is one of the few places where you can photograph two historic lighthouses in a single frame. Standing on Flagstaff Hill and seeing both the Flagstaff Point Lighthouse and the Breakwater Lighthouse together was a real treat. As someone who loves photographing lighthouses, it felt like capturing two chapters of Australia's maritime history in a single image.

Illawarra Walk: Thirroul to Wollongong

We did a 15 km hike from Thirroul to Wollongong along the coast. It was a bit too built up for me to rate it as a favourite, but the company was wonderful, although we missed Gavin who was sick with flu.  Srini, as always, set up some great photo opportunities and is becoming quite the consummate leaper and leaping photographer.

Some highlights:

• A lovely swim about half way to give us new energy. Plus a nice coffee.
• The colour of the ocean - a beautiful emerald green in places.
• Perfect weather - lots of sunshine with a bit of wind to ensure we didn't get to hot.
• Losing our leader and venturing forth on our own.  Great that Srini knew Wollongong having lived here when he first arrived in Sydney.
• Meeting the lovely Janice who joined our little group.
• The great lighthouse in Wollongong with secret access to a gorgeous sea pool where we had another swim.
• A great ice-cream in Wollongong to celebrate the end of the hike.

The cottage in Thirroul where D.H Lawrence stayed towards the end of his life.

The Spring flowers were still out.

Views along the way

A refreshing swim and some fun.

The Wollongong Lighthouse in the distance.

Lots of people having picnics and making the most of the weather.

This gull was attracted by a lady's ice-cream!

The beautiful sea pool below the lighthouse

Some final leaps for the day.

Srini, who, unlike me, is unphased by heights

Time for an ice-cream before we caught the train.

I liked this wall painting on a building in Wolongong.  Not sure if it's an advertisement or just a bit of fun.