Point Danger Lighthouse re-opens after extensive upgrade

POINT Danger’s heritage-listed lighthouse is now open to the public after an extensive $6.5 million upgrade.

The refurbished 53-year-old Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse was officially re-opened in a ceremony on Tuesday.

The improvements feature a new deck and facilities for the NSW Marine Rescue Point Danger unit, First Nations artwork, the new Black Dingo café, improved access for people with disability and extra car parking.

The project commissioned local Bundjalung/Yugambeh artist Christine Slabb to create artworks telling the tale of Ngagambi – Black Dingo, the traditional name of Point Danger, now embedded in the stone floors and walls of the lighthouse and new aptly named Black Dingo café.

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the lighthouse was a popular tourism drawcard for the area.

“It is fantastic to see it bustling with visitors following the devastating impact on the border region during COVID,” he said.

“The project has delivered substantial economic benefits, with more than 100 jobs created and more than 20 residents already employed by the new Black Dingo Café.”

The Mayor of Tweed Shire, Chris Cherry, expressed gratitude for the collaboration among all stakeholders, which resulted in a positive outcome for the community.

“The lighthouse at Point Danger stands as an iconic marker to warn of the dangers around the coastline and as the border between NSW and Queensland,” she said.

“It is important we preserve this heritage site for the safety of mariners and to make it more accessible for all to use and enjoy.

Between January 2023 and June 2024, Marine Rescue NSW’s Point Danger Unit monitored 27,763 crossings of the Tweed River bar and undertook 176 rescues, saving the lives of 318 people on the water.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell said the upgraded facility was vital for Marine Rescue NSW operations in the area.

“The equipment is crucial for saving lives on the water, and the designated search and rescue room provides an area to coordinate multi-agency responses,” Barrell said.

“The Tweed River Bar is an extremely busy waterway, and we encourage all boaters to log on with Marine Rescue NSW so our volunteers can keep watch for their safe return.”

The lighthouse and café are open to visitors. Boaters can log their trips using the free Marine Rescue NSW app or VHF Channel 16.