Race Rocks

The dangerous sea conditions around Race Rocks lighthouse are best illustrated in a story of tragedy soon after the lighthouse was established. The keeper was called George Davies and he lived there with his wife and three children. They had come from England in December 1860 to be the first guardians of this light. On Christmas Day 1865 they were expecting a visit from their family back home. As the boat containing their relatives and other friends arrived, just 6 m from the shore it got caught in a riptide and overturned with the loss of all on board. In 1866, again at Christmas, George Davies became very ill And although his wife flew a distressed flag for two weeks, no one came to help. George died on December 14.

Today, Race Rocks are part of a nature reserve that is managed by Pearson College.