Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island - Fingal Bay, New South Wales

Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island are located in Fingal Bay, New South Wales, Australia, and are a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse, which was built in 1862, stands at a height of 24 meters and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and Fingal Island. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by following the Lighthouse Trail, which starts at the end of Lighthouse Road in Fingal Bay.

One of the main features of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island is the historic lighthouse itself. The lighthouse is still in use today and is an important navigational aid for ships in the area. Visitors can take a guided tour of the lighthouse and learn about its history and the role it has played in the local community.

Fingal Island is another major point of interest and can be reached by a short ferry ride from Fingal Bay. The island is home to a large colony of seals and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can explore the island's rugged coastline and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.

The location of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island makes it an ideal destination for a day trip. The area is easily accessible by car and there is a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance for visitors with mobility issues. The lighthouse and island are also suitable for children, making it a great option for families.

In terms of reviews, Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island have a strong reputation, with an average rating of 4.5/5 on Google My Business based on 66 reviews. Visitors have praised the stunning views, the historic significance of the lighthouse, and the abundance of wildlife on Fingal Island.

Reviews of Point Stephens Lighthouse and Fingal Island

Andrew R

5/5

If you want desolation, eerie charm and a good walk from Fingal Beach, this is just for you! I ventured up here on an overcast, stormy morning and was rewarded by old heritage listed abandoned lighthouse keeper cottages, and of course, a lighthouse.
It’s walkable in bare feet - there are no facilities here apart from a small shelter and information board.
It’s well worth the trek.
Steep climb in one part (plus beach approach) excludes access for wheelchairs and those with mobility difficulties.
BUT REMEMBER access is by way of Fingal Spit, which is treacherous at high tide. It’s essential you do the walk approaching low tide, and be off before high tide. Do not try to swim across, the currents are strong. Unfortunately lives have been lost here.

Dereta Lennon

5/5

Well worth plotting your timing around the tides as you have to walk across the notoriously treacherous Fingal Bay Spit to reach this magic spot. We enjoyed not just the views and the history but an amazing display from several groups of whales directly in front of the 1862 lighthouse, some leaping clean out of the water accompanied by lots of blowing, splashing and rolling around. Truly amazing experience on all fronts.

Pauline Barker

4/5

We didn't get to see the lighthouse because it's on an island and can only be accessed at low tide. We didn't enquire whether boats are available, though.
We did visit the marine rescue facility there with the museum, cafe, and giftshop.
The cafe had the freshest, biggest, and most delicious scones that I have ever eaten. Yum!
Well worth the visit.
There is no cost to go and look around. They only ask for a gold coin donation for the museum.

Drifta Camping and 4WD

5/5

awesome place. tricky to get to but that's part of the appeal, usually not many people around. u can walk across the spit at low tide but need to be very careful. u can easily get to the spit on the south side by kayak from fingle bay, or easiest way is by boat from port stephens. it's not far and u can tuck in and anchor on the north side of the spit. the anchorage is fine in a south easter and ok on a calm nor'easter. it's pretty shallow but good sand bottom so easy to swim to shore. it's about 20 min walk to the lighthouse, bare feet is ok if u used to it. great spot for photos at the lighthouse, u could easily spend an hour there, looking at the old lighthouse keepers ruins, the lighthouse itself or the beautiful coastline. be a great spot to watch the whales in whale season too. i've been there many times it's a great place to take friends or visitors, and we normally stop for a charcoal cookup on the beach. well worth a visit 🙂

Laura C

5/5

Safely make your way out to the lighthouse for beautiful views and to see the old cottage ruins and lighthouse. Be sure the tide is low and it is safe to cross the spit and that you allow enough time to get back before it covers over. The path is fairly soft so can walk barefoot if you choose.

greg pucci

5/5

wonderful walk with the wife and kids, starting on the beach and crossing over to the island. As you ventured into the forest, encountering animals ready to pounce, we even spotted a massive hawk. With friendly neighborhood spiders above us at all times, we eventually made it past the forest to see the wonderful lighthouse. Its beauty was breathtaking, but not as beautiful as my wife

Stefan Jones

5/5

Brilliant walk up to see the sites, well worth going. The sandstone ruins what a site.
But the views of shark bay are brilliant a little d behind fingle bay, a well worth 4km walk.

Deen Hameed

3/5

a beautiful part of the world.. walking across the spit at Fingal over to Shark Island and then through the bush in an easy level walk to the lighthouse is quite pleasant. The sandstone remnants of the lighthouse-keeper's house makes for some nice framing opportunities for the lighthouse. It's just such a shame that the place seems mostly abandoned and the keeper's accommodation has been left to rot. It could have easily have been renovated and used as a retreat. As it is, it's a way to spend a few hours, but beyond that, there's not much else you could do there.. Have a look at what they've been able to do at Palm Beach to make it an actual tourist attraction...