"A small clump of an island.."

This less than complimentary description of Nobbys Head was given by Captain James Cook in his private log on the 10th May 1770.

At that time, Nobbys was indeed an island, not being joined to the mainland until 1846. Also at that time, Nobbys was approximately twice its present height. It was reduced to its current height of approximately 28 metres above sea level in 1855.

With its prominent position at the entrance to the Port, a lighthouse was built and just after midnight on the 1st January 1858, the light came into operation. At that time, the light burnt China Tea Oil, which gave a more brilliant light than kerosene and was less dangerous.

It was later replaced by a fixed, incandescent kerosene vapour lamp. In 1935 the 100,000 candle power light was changed to 580,000 candlepower, visible at a height of 35 metres above sea level.  

 The Perfect Weather Station... 

Because of Nobbys positioning it has been selected by the Bureau of Meteorology as an ideal weather monitoring station. Nobbys meteorological activity includes automated reporting to the Bureau, of temperatures, wind speed and direction and rainfall.

Then and Now

Various bicentenary projects funded by the Newcastle Port Corporation in 1997 focused on the vivid history surrounding Nobbys and the breakwater, including a series of sculptures displayed along the breakwater and a viewing platform overlooking a set of convict steps.

 

Full-time staff last worked at Nobbys in 2001 when the Vessel Traffic Information Centre was transferred to the current Pilot Station of the Newcastle Foreshore.

 

Do You Know?

Do you know how far you walk or jog when you go out along the southern breakwater past Nobbys?

 

The breakwater is a popular site these days for early morning walkers or joggers as they try to keep fit while trying to take in the stunning views of Newcastle Harbour. The Nobbys Breakwater is approximately 1400m long, measured from the vehicle turning circle.