Sunrise from Quarry Hill

This morning the alarm went off at 4:30am, with hopes that the rain would hold off long enough to catch what looked like a promising sunrise. Three hours sleep will have to do today.

Quarry Hill was the destination this time. I wanted an uninterrupted view across to the lighthouse, and knowing its familiar light pattern makes it a little easier to time the shots — 30 seconds, then 6, 6, 6 — as that tiny beam faithfully sweeps across the coast.

Spring is certainly starting to make itself known too. On the climb I came across a sizeable orb spider who had built his web directly across my path. He knew the routine. As I stood there ready to clear a way through, he seemed to accept defeat and quietly made his way up the web to an overhanging branch. A little bit of mutual respect to start the day off.

The cloud forecast was spot on, with a beautiful mix of cirrus and altocumulus stretching across the sky. As first light arrived, the clouds began to glow and before long the whole sky came alive with brilliant colour.

For a few minutes, the lighthouse beam still shone clearly against the morning sky, but as the sun climbed higher its light was eventually overwhelmed by the new day. By then, it had done its job for another night — quietly guiding passing ships safely along the coast.

The rain stayed away, the sunrise delivered, and I came home with a few shots that made the early alarm more than worthwhile.

Sunrise from Quarry Hill - Port Stephens NSW Australia

Fingal Island and lighthouse at sunrise 21 August 2026 Port Stephens Australia