This Mid North Coast lighthouse has been guiding vessels for 135 years

A brief history of the highest lighthouse in NSW.

Author

Ellie Chamberlain
April 22, 2026

Smoky Cape Lighthouse in Arakoon, on Dunghutti country, celebrates 135 years of light this month.

Operational since 1891, the lighthouse continues to guide vessels off the Mid North Coast today. Standing at 128 metres above sea level, it’s the highest lighthouse in New South Wales.

  • An official opening ceremony was held on April 29, 1891.

Where is it: Located in Hat Head National Park, the lighthouse sits on Smoky Cape headland, which was named by Captain Cook after he spotted fires there, lit by Indigenous people, in 1770.

The build: The heritage-listed lighthouse, with its distinctive octagonal concrete tower, is one of the last designed by the colonial architect James Barnet. 

  • According to the Macleay River Historical Society (MRHS), Barnett had a major part in designing lighthouses at South Solitary Island, Sugarloaf Point, Point Perpendicular, Montagu Island and Green Cape.  

The erection of a lighthouse at Smoky Cape was approved in 1886 and construction began in 1880 by Messrs Oaks and Company with most material hauled from Trial Bay.

The MRHS reports the site was difficult and steep – and it was nicknamed "Heart Attack Hill" after the contractor, Mr Oakes, died from a stroke there. 

View of North Smoky from the lighthouse.

Views and whale watching: Today, people continue to walk the steep hill to Smoky Cape Lighthouse to enjoy the views of the pacific ocean, North Smoky beach and South Smoky beach with Hat Head in the distance. It’s a popular spot for whale watching during migration.