Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve

Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve

Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve
4.5
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles526 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
205
Average
32
Poor
4
Terrible
2

Mairwen1
United Kingdom12,096 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
The lighthouse museum was an unexpectedly great activity. Nelson Bay is mainly all about the beaches and the Marina but if you want a short break from the sand and sea, I’d recommend a detour to this 19th century lighthouse.
It’s not a conventional looking lighthouse. Instead the beacons are contained within the front room of this lighthouse keeper’s cottage. The room is now maintained as a small museum. Entry is by gold coin donation.
Unfortunately the morning we went it closed early because they were short on volunteers to man it so we missed out. Even with this small disappointment, it was still worth visiting because the views are so good from here.
From the headland, the view extends across Port Stephens and beyond. It really is a magical lookout point. On a bright, sunny blue-sky day we could see Shoal Bay, Boondelbah Island, Tomaree Point, and Mt Yaccaba very clearly.
The cafe (also housed within the cottage) is lovely and has the same beautiful views. We sat outside under a shady tree and had a very nice brunch, followed by scones and tea (the large, fluffy scones are their specialty).
The lighthouse is easy to get to. Its very close to central Nelson Bay and even walking all the way from the marina, its only a 20 - 25 min. The walk ]is a nice way to see a lot of Nelson Bay. Starting at the marina, we walked along Nelson Bay Beach, stopped briefly at Fly Point Bay and continued on to Little Beach. From here a short, narrow road leads from Halifax Holiday Park up to the lighthouse. You can drive up and park at the top but it’s not difficult to walk. It’s only a short uphill stretch and the slope is fairly gentle.
Written 24 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charmaine Y
Sydney, Australia126 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
A lovely light house. The museum was very interesting and only needed a gold coin donation. The car park is small, we were lucky to get a park. The tearoom was busy but the scones and drink didn’t take too long. Really nice scones. The gift shop had some interesting things to buy.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BPinOz
Port Macquarie, Australia327 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Thank goodness we'd booked! The cafe was full. Two of us chose the salmon and two the toastie, and we weren't disappointed. The wait staff were courteous and efficient. The view from the balcony across the waters of Port Stephens was memorable. I'd be back here in a flash, given the opportunity.
One word of caution. Parking at the restaurant itself is limited, and since we'd arrived in 3 cars from different directions, we parked two in the street at the foot of the hill and drove up in one - to find the last vacant space in captivity as another diner drove away. It's quite a climb if there's no vacant space.
Written 24 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tamara A
Glenmore Park, Australia102 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
Fabulous view, but you can get that other places in the area. An interesting "lighthouse" as it is different to most with excellent and friendly volunteers. Unfortunately parking can be tricky as there is not much of it and it shares with the cafe, also the WWII bunker etc is not able to be viewed.
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pandy D
Sydney, Australia1,560 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Couples
Nelson Head Lighthouse Reserve & Inner Light Tea Rooms Cafe, Nelson Bay
Here you will find the LightRoom not the Lighthouse. The lighthouse is actually on Shark Island. The Lightroom would shine a light so ships could navigate through the bay. There is an interesting museum, worth a visit. As was the adjacent Cafe Inner Light Tea Rooms, nice food with stunning views.
#NelsonHeadLighthouseReserve
#InnerLightTeaRooms
#NelsonBay
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

allann879
Wagga Wagga, Australia151 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021
Spectacular location, very busy, staff seemed a bit frazzled but that’s an occupational hazard. Coffees only warm despite our request for hotter. Paying became an IQ test as the staff member had no idea how to use cash register. Could have been a great experience watching the annual regatta parade below us in the pristine waters, so a bit disappointing.
Written 19 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

reins76
Scone, Australia2,113 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
A lovely outlook over Port Stephens. Not much more to say. I would rate it behind views from Gan Gan, from the South Head and Fingal bay, so if you are short on time this may be one to skip.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mb1
North Wollongong, Australia7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021
Excellent cafe/restaurant atop former lighthouse. Very good menu and food to match. Excellent service by super efficient commando like staff.
Spectacular location and views.
Booking prior to visit is advisable. Car parking can be tricky.
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yazitravels
Bordeaux, France550 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Couples
The most spectacular view I have seen since I left brisbane. The view is just breathing, the Crystal water, sand ,ocean and the two islands at the back. Mamma Mia! The lighthouse museum is interesting to walk through. We had a coffee at the tea room, staff friendly and view spectacular.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cheryl M
Sydney, Australia161 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
The whole area was bathing in sunshine when we went and the ocean was sparling blue. We ate morning tea at the cafe and it was delicious. The scones on our Devonshire tea were huge, fluffy and fresh. Don't leave Port Stephens without coming here.
Written 5 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Nelson Head Heritage Lighthouse and Reserve - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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