Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse
Location	Wilsons Promontory Victoria Australia
Coordinates	39°07′46.6″S 146°25′27.3″E
Tower
Constructed	1859
Construction	granite tower
Automated	1993
Height	19 metres (62 ft)
Shape	cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markings	unpainted grey tower, white balcony and lantern
Power source	solar power
Operator	Parks Victoria
Heritage	Victorian War Heritage Inventory listing, National Trust of Australia (Victoria) listing, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List
Light
First lit	1859
Focal height	117 metres (384 ft)
Intensity	51,000 cd
Range	18 nautical miles (33 km; 21 mi)
Characteristic	Fl W 7.5s

Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse is situated on South East Point, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia. From its point on the peninsula, it commands almost 360° views of Bass Strait. The Wilson's Promontory lighthouse is the southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia, and is approximately 18 kilometres (11 mi) from the nearest town, Tidal River. Dormitory-style accommodation is available in the lighthouse.

The lighthouse protects shipping travelling through Bass Strait. The Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse is the main part of the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation.

History

The lighthouse was constructed with the use of convict labour over a period of approximately seven years starting in 1853 through to completion in 1859. The lighthouse stands 19 metres (62 ft) tall and along with the keeper's cottage is constructed from local granite. From 1869 to 1878 the lighthouse keeper was Captain Thomas Musgrave.

See also

• List of lighthouses in Australia

External links

• Parks Victoria: Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse Archived 5 January 2002 at the Wayback Machine
• "Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse". Lighthouses of Victoria. Lighthouses of Australia Inc.