We live in a lighthouse-keeper’s cottage

Built in 1861, Smoky Cape Lighthouse sits high on the headland of Hat Head National Park in NSW and was one of the most important lighthouses operating from this section of coastline.

Pat and Wendy Halverson, who live in the head lighthouse-keeper’s cottage, might not be saving ships at peril on the sea, but they do work hard at welcoming guests to enjoy the beautiful views and rich maritime history of Smoky Cape.

After years of experience in the intense hospitality industry, the Halversons took over operation of the Smoky Cape Lighthouse accommodation on behalf of the National Parks and Wildlife Service in June 2005.

This unique secluded property comprising the original lighthouse, the head keeper’s cottage and another two self-catering cottages, presented something a little different for the couple.

“Wendy and I both come from rural backgrounds and while some people might find the isolated location a challenge, we really love it. New guests arrive almost daily from all over the world, so there are always plenty of interesting people to chat to. The location may be remote but the job is a very sociable one!”

While Wendy and Pat look after a constant stream of guests, Pat also acts as the official tour guide, running visitors up and down the lighthouse to give them an insight into what life would have been like for lighthouse-keepers and their families in days gone by.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse attracts a constant stream of visitors curious to find out what life was like in the days it operated as a warning beacon.

“For close to 100 years Smoky Cape was a hugely important lighthouse. Lit by kerosene in 1890, it required three full-time lighthouse-keepers to keep it operating on a rotating four-hour shift system every night.

“One of the things guests find really interesting is that while the lighthouse keeper had to be handy and unafraid of heights, the wives were also interviewed for the job to see how they would cope with home-schooling their children as well as living in relative isolation from nearby towns.”

When electricity arrived at Hat Head in 1962, the three families on site became two, then in 1987 when Smoky Cape became fully automated and no longer required generators, the role of lighthouse-keeper was essentially redundant. A caretaker stayed on to monitor the weather and keep the buildings in good order until National Parks and Wildlife took over in 1997.

Pat and Wendy are the second couple to live on site and welcome paying guests. In 2011, they revamped the accommodation sympathetically to honour its original 1890s heritage style, while installing en suite bathrooms and modern fixtures and fittings throughout.

The accommodation pays tribute to its original 1890s heritage style while featuring en suite bathrooms and modern fixtures and fittings throughout.

“Every morning we make a fresh hot breakfast for our guests, so there are not a lot of sleep-ins, then we clean up any vacated rooms and get them ready for the next visitors,” says Pat.

“We do all of our paperwork during the day and then collect the next visitors from the foot of the hill in our special buggy, as no cars are allowed up to the lighthouse. We show our guests around and then let them settle in. Every day is a big day for Wendy and me, but it is such a special place to live and a spectacular part of the world.”

The panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding national park are stunning. Pat believes that the location, coupled with the fascinating historical nature of the property, is what keeps guests coming back time and time again.

“Wendy and I are both quite used to the views now,” he says. “But I have made the most of living so close to the ocean, as I am sure many of the past lighthouse-keepers did. I used to surf frequently but now as I get a little older, I mostly love to fish or watch the dolphins and whales travel past.”

Together for 27 years, Wendy and Pat have four adult children and six grandchildren, all of whom enjoy coming to visit them in their unique home.

“One of our granddaughters lives in the nearby town of South West Rocks and loves coming to have some fun with us here.”

When Pat and Wendy decide to move on and travel in their newly purchased caravan it will be a sad day for them, their extended family and regular guests.

“The spectacular views that allow us to see for miles on clear and calm days or watch the rough weather rolling in, the peaceful nights and national park location will be difficult to replicate, but we will always have many years of wonderful memories to treasure.”

For more information on Smoky Cape Lighthouse and the accommodation go to:

www.smokycapelighthouse.com or visit their Facebook page.