Yamba’s lighthouse — the perfect spot to stretch, stroll or picnic
The perfect spot for a morning stretch or afternoon picnic, a visit to Yamba’s iconic lighthouse provides panoramic views up and down the coast. Image courtesy Destination NSW
Image courtesy TLC FM — Yamba’s much-loved community radio station.
Clarence River Lighthouse is one of five designed by Colonial Architect James Barnett and built on the NSW coast. The others include Fingal Head, Ballina Head, Tacking Point and Crowdy Head.
Here are a few fun facts provided by Yamba’s community radio station, TLC FM:
1878 — tenders were called in April with Grafton building contractor, William Kinnear, awarded the contract for £1097
1879 — the structure was completed and operated by its first lighthouse keeper, William Walker, a position he held for 40 years. Quarters were constructed for William adjacent to the lighthouse in 1905. The keeper’s job was a demanding one as lives depended on the correct functioning of the light
1920 — the lighthouse was automated and unmanned
1934 — the Pacific Hotel was built in Yamba, partially obscuring the light
1955 — a new lighthouse was built and the old lighthouse demolished a year later