Abstract

This is the first of several articles on photographic opportunities on the Mid-North Coast of New South Wales, from Sugarloaf Point (Seal Rocks) in the south up to Port Macquarie in the north. I was based in Old Bar (near Taree), a short drive from the Pacific Highway.

Introduction

The Doc set out to photograph parts of the Mid-North Coast of NSW basing myself at Old Bar, near Taree. The Doc started his trip at Sugarloaf Point (Seal Rocks) just before dawn, to photograph Sugarloaf Lighthouse on my way through. But this trip offered much more than just the Lighthouse.

As the Lighthouse is located in the Myall Lakes National Park all native flora and fauna are protected. The feeding of any native animals is prohibited.

Special photographic features or notes

Rocks Formations

After a 10 minute along the track and about 100 metres before the entrance to the Lighthouse the bushland clears so you can see some spectacular rocks formations on your left. These have been created by extensive weathering over the centuries, on the right side the water has completely weathered away the rock, but on the left side the water has carved a hole through the rock.

There was no evident track down to the water level but this is possible with care. Walking along another 30 metres you get a different perspective.

Keeper’s Cottages

After walking through the gate you have the Lighthouse Keepers Cottages, being the Head keepers Cottage, Assistant Keepers Cottage (North & South) and associated buildings.

Lighthouse

Between the cottages there is a steep path up to the Lighthouse complex. Exercise sensible precautions if taking photos on the steep incline (The Doc leant against the hand rail).

Once up the top there are several ways to photograph the Lighthouse.

Further along is a weather station that gives a good perspective of the Lighthouse.

If you climb the stairs of the Lighthouse, it gives you a good vista looking north including the weather station.

Looking north from Lighthouse

Other photographic locations include the beaches on the north and south side of Sugarloaf Point.

Night Photography

Torch.

Special equipment

• Wide angle lenses for landscape shots. Sea eagles, dingos and dolphins are also in the area.
• Graduated neutral density filter if capturing sunrise or sunset.
• Torch, if walking to or from Sugarloaf Point in the dark.Sand shoes or runners.

Best time of day

Being on the NSW coast dawn is a good time to visit. Sunsets can be spectacular when taking shots of the Lighthouse looking south.

Getting there

Sugarloaf Point is approximately 3 hours north of Sydney and 2 hours south of Port Macquarie.

Exit the Pacific Highway 2 kilometres north of Bulahdelah on to The Lakes Way. At Bungwahl, take Seal Rocks Road and drive to Kinka Road. At the end of Kinka Road there is a small a car park with a guide to Sugarloaf Point, including the Lighthouse.

Sugarloaf Lighthouse is an easy 10-15 minute walk along the gravel track. The track is safe to walk at night with a torch if you keep to the trail.

There is holiday accommodation now at the Lighthouse, so minimise noise early in the morning.

Google Map.