Beautiful by day, haunted by night

Is the Wollongong Breakwater Lighthouse really haunted? Wollongong City Library staff looked at information about two potential ghosts.

William Edwards, the first harbour pilot at Wollongong, guided thousands of ships in and out of the port without harm. However, in 1867, as he battled in wild weather to save the crew of the wrecked ketch Margaret Edwards, he drowned. It is claimed that in stormy weather he can still be seen on the observation deck of the lighthouse watching out for ships in distress.

George Smith was the lighthouse keeper in the 1920s and 30s. For many years, he climbed the stairs at dusk to light the lantern. Some claim that his footsteps are still heard on these stairs at night and that, although the lighthouse door is kept locked, wet footprints can sometimes be found on the stairs.

If you want to find out more about this or other ghostly phenomenon in our city, email localhistory@wollongong.nsw.gov.au