Tacking Point Lighthouse is Australia's third oldest lighthouse. It was built on a rocky headland about 8 kilometres south of Port Macquarie in 1879 by Shepherd and Mortley, to a design by the New South Wales Colonial Architect, James Barnet. It is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and is classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
Tacking Point was named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 during his 1802–1803 circumnavigation of Australia. Its nearest lighthouses are Smoky Cape Lighthouse at South West Rocks, to the north, and Crowdy Head Light, to the south.
Famous quotes containing the words point and/or lighthouse:
“I look upon it as a Point of Morality, to be obliged by those who endeavour to oblige me.”
—Richard Steele (1672–1729)
“This lighthouse was the cynosure of all eyes.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)