Fingal Head Lighthouse
Fingal Head is on the southern side of the Tweed River, only a short drive from Tweed Heads. This charming Tweed village was named after the mythical Celtic giant Fingal who reportedly built the famous Giant’s Causeway in Ireland.
The Fingal Lighthouse was built in 1872, due to its easterly location on the coastline on a low headland. The lighthouse can be reached by a short scenic walk through remnant coastal rainforest to the headland but the tower itself is closed to the public.
Fingal Head Walking Path
Only a short distance from the carpark at Fingal Headland are walking tracks around the headland south to Dreamtime Beach or north along Leticia Spit. These two beaches are both virtually untouched and pristine.
Dreamtime Beach, Fingal Head
The unique rock formation of Giant’s Causeway sits just below Fingal Lighthouse on Fingal Headland. Giant’s Causeway – a crescent-shaped mass of hexagonal columns formed when the lava flowed from the ancient Tweed volcano, rapidly cooling in the ocean currents.
Giant’s Causeway, Fingal Head
The gorgeous sandy stretch of Fingal Beach to the north of Fingal Headland looking towards Tweed Heads.
Fingal Beach
600m Offshore from Fingal Head is Cook Island that is a small volcanic outcrop. It provides a permanent home for green and loggerhead turtles, as well as a stunning variety of tropical and sub-tropical marine species such as the leopard sharks, spotted eagle rays, bull rays, cuttlefish and wobbygongs. Snorkelling and scuba diving trips to Cook Island operate from the Tweed River and Kingscliff.
Cook Island
Stunning views out to sea from Fingal Headland. The colour of the water is amazing!
Views out to sea from Fingal Head
More of the pristine Dreamtime Beach and those volcanic rocks.
Dreamtime Beach, Fingal Head
The Tweed River at Fingal is an angler’s paradise with foreshore parks where you can sit under a tree while you dangle a line in the river.
Tweed River, Fingal Head
After you have explored the headland and beaches have a delicious lunch or a snack at the Sheoak Shack, which is located on the banks of the river, under the shade of a Sheoak tree. You can also browse through the excellent art gallery next door.
Accommodation in Fingal Head consists of the caravan park near the headland or there are beach houses and luxury boutique homes available for holiday rentals.
Another beautiful part of the world for a relaxing and laid-back holiday, but with enough things to do to keep you and the kids entertained. I could easily see myself holidaying here!
Relevant to this post is this beautiful watercolour painting of Fingal Lighthouse by the very talented Artist, Alyson Baker. See more of Alyson’s artwork HERE
For more posts on The Tweed area see In My Backyard: Coolangatta & Tweed or In My Backyard: The Tweed Coast.
Linking up with Travel Photo Thursday
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Life Images by Jill
February 13, 2015I love lighthouses. There is something romantic about them, although I know the actually living there wouldn’t be so in the old days. I would love to stay at a lighthouse for a weekend. hmm…another thing to add to my list of must dos! wouldn’t it be wonderful in winter!
Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by my blog Kathy.
Kathy
February 13, 2015You and I have that in common Jill as I love lighthouses as well. There weren’t too many that I didn’t photograph during our trek around Australia. I know that you can stay at the lighthouse in the lighthouse keepers cottage at Byron Bay. It is the most easterly point in Australia and has magnificent coastal views. :)
Michelle Weaver (@pinkypoinker)
February 13, 2015I always thought it was a funny name and wasn’t aware it was named after the Irish legend or that we had a Giant’s Causeway in Qld. Very interesting.
Kathy
February 13, 2015That was something that I learnt as well Pinky. That is the good thing about researching places – you find out all types of interesting facts about place name meanings. I thought you may have visited Fingal Head on your recent trip as it is just across the border into NSW. :)
Marisol@TravelingSolemates
February 15, 2015Hi Kathy, I love your backyard!!! How many times I have I said that you’re so lucky. I’m saying it again. You’re so lucky! Such a paradise. I love the lighthouse, the beach and the mesmerizing color of the water. We’re seriously freezing in New York City and thank you for bringing me some place warm and beautiful to virtually escape to.
Kathy
February 15, 2015Fingal Head is a special place and the beach here is so pristine and unspoilt. I feel for you in the cold, but sometimes we get sick of being too hot! We are heading your way in May this year for a cruise down south and then a few days in Boston and New York. I’m looking forward to it immensely.
Red Nomad OZ
February 15, 2015So THIS is what we missed when we visited Fingal Head and didn’t stick around because the weather wasn’t so good! The Giant’s Causeway is SO on my list for next time!! It would have been good in my post about the best Rock Sites in OZ – maybe I’ll just have to do a follow up!
Kathy
February 15, 2015It would definitely be an intriguing rock site. I have lived here for 30+ years and never knew Giant’s Causeway existed! I really need to get out more! :)
bettyl - NZ
February 16, 2015What a great back yard you have! I had to search a bit to find out where you are.
Kathy
February 16, 2015Well I’m glad you found me! Yes there is an abundance of beautiful places around the Gold Coast in Queensland. Thank you for dropping by my blog. :)
Nancie
February 17, 2015Hi Kathy. What a gorgeous area. I’d love to stroll along Dreamtime Beach. I’d be dreaming about never leaving! :) Thanks for linking up this week. #TPThursday
Kathy
February 17, 2015Dreamtime Beach is absolutely gorgeous. It is a very apt name for such a lovely spot. :)
Susan Moore
February 18, 2015Looks like a beautiful place to spend some time with nature – I would love to visit Fingal Head.
Kathy
February 18, 2015Fingal Head is a very pristine and unspoilt part of The Tweed. It is not too far away that you have to travel a long distance, but just far enough away to be removed from the hustle and bustle. Thank you for visiting my blog. :)