ATTRACTION NORAH HEAD

Soldiers Beach, on the south side of the head, faces southeast and, with a well protected north end, is a favourite with board-riders when the summer northeaster is up. Sweetly-curved one kilometre in length, the beach features clusters of rocks that build nice sand-covered reefs but demand due care when falling off your board. There are reliable waves year-round, best when the swell comes in from the south or east. The left-hand point-break is beloved of long-boarders, although as soon as it gets over two metres the short-boarders take an interest in it too. The beach break can be world-class on its day, notably a spot down the south end called Sunset which can generate big rights and lefts with a heavy hold-down section.

Norah Head Lighthouse was built from 1901 to 1903. Perched on a headland, the lighthouse takes in magnificent ocean vistas and is the Central Coast's most spectacular icon. A walking track skirts around the side of the lighthouse and leads to stairs which climb down to the rock platform below and to Lighthouse Beach. Norah Head Lighthouse celebrated its Centenary on 15 November 2003. Apart from the electrification of the light, few changes have been made to the lighthouse since it was established. Buildings on the headland comprise the Lighthouse, Flag Locker, Head Keepers Quarters and the first and second assistant lightkeeper's quarters as well as stables. Two of the cottages are available to rent for tourist accommodation. Tours of the lighthouse are available from 10am to 1pm seven days per week. There is a fee for the tours. The views from the top of the lighthouse are magnificent.