Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and navigation tower stand atop sheer layered sandstone cliffs rising above the ocean at the entrance to Jervis Bay.

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse above the towering sea cliffs of Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia.

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    Point Perpendicular

    Landmark

    Point Perpendicular is a high sandstone headland at the northern entrance to Jervis Bay, where sheer sea cliffs rise above the Pacific Ocean. The historic lighthouse and surrounding coastal heath overlook both the bay and open sea. The combination of exposed cliffs, maritime architecture and elevated viewpoints provides varied opportunities for coastal and landscape photography.

    -35.09391, 150.80530

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    Gallery

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and navigation tower stand atop sheer layered sandstone cliffs rising above the ocean at the entrance to Jervis Bay.

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse above the towering sea cliffs of Jervis Bay, New …

    Towering layered sandstone cliffs at Point Perpendicular rise above the ocean, with the lighthouse visible on the clifftop beneath a partly cloudy sky.

    Point Perpendicular cliffs and lighthouse above Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Aus…

    White Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and adjoining keeper’s buildings beneath dark storm clouds with warm light along the horizon.

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse beneath dramatic clouds, Jervis Bay, New South Wa…

    Shallow rock pools reflect breaks in dramatic storm clouds on the clifftop at Point Perpendicular, overlooking the ocean and Jervis Bay.

    Rock pools beneath dramatic skies at Point Perpendicular, Jervis Bay, New South …

    Distant view across deep blue ocean toward the long sandstone cliffs of Point Perpendicular, with the lighthouse visible on the clifftop.

    Point Perpendicular and its sea cliffs at the entrance to Jervis Bay, New South …

    Sailing boat on the waters near Currambene Creek with the sheer cliffs and lighthouse of Point Perpendicular visible in the distance.

    Point Perpendicular beyond a sailing boat at the entrance to Jervis Bay, New Sou…

    White Point Perpendicular Lighthouse beside the historic keeper’s quarters beneath dramatic purple-grey clouds at dusk.

    Point Perpendicular Lighthouse and keeper’s quarters at dusk, Jervis Bay, New So…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Roadside / Step-out

    0–5 min

    Elevation Gain

    5 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Golden Hour
    Overcast

    Low-angle light reveals texture and scale in the sandstone cliffs, while the open headland handles strong contrast between ocean, rock and sky.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Wide DR OK

    Season

    Seasonally Distinct

    Summer brings warmer conditions and long daylight, while winter often produces clearer air, stronger seas and migrating whales offshore. Spring adds flowering coastal heath, while autumn can bring mild weather and good visibility.

    Crowds

    Usually Quiet

    Restrictions

    Seasonal Access Risk

    Point Perpendicular is reached through the Beecroft Weapons Range from Currarong, with roads leading close to the lighthouse and principal cliff-top viewpoints. Defence activities can temporarily close access to the area, so current range-opening information should be checked before travelling. The cliffs are extremely high and exposed, and visitors should remain well back from unprotected edges.

    Photography Notes

    Point Perpendicular is defined photographically by the scale of its sandstone cliffs and their relationship with the open Pacific. Wide lenses can combine cliff edges, coastal heath, lighthouse and ocean, while telephoto lenses isolate rock faces, breaking waves and distant headlands across Jervis Bay. Low-angle light strengthens the relief and texture of the cliffs, while rough seas provide scale far below. The lighthouse adds a strong architectural subject, and clear conditions reveal the geography of the bay and surrounding coastline particularly well.
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