Rewind Series 4 Episode 18 – Port Stephens Lighthouse & Nobbys Signal Station

May 1970, NBN joined the crew on the weekly launch that delivered supplies to the Outer Lighthouse at Port Stephens.

Mail and groceries were packed into baskets at Shoal Bay, to be shipped to Fingal Island and unloaded at the Lighthouse Jetty. The building and maintenance of maritime infrastructure was crucial for safe navigation.

Our history of shipwrecks, a reminder of the perils of the sea. The break walls at Stockton and Nobbys provide a safe channel to Newcastle harbour, protecting ships from the sometimes violent waves beyond.

While up on the headland, Nobbys Weather Station, recorded crucial atmospheric data, During a visit, our cameras captured the day to day activities of the station official. This semaphore light was used to communicate messages via morse code. And a system of instruments was used to forecast local climate patterns.

It was a rare view of Newcastle Harbour for NBN viewers that night in 1971