Cape Banks Lighthouse

The Cape Banks Lighthouse is situated on an unnamed headland in the gazetted locality of Carpenter Rocks, approximately 2.5 kilometres north-west of the locality's town centre, in the Australian state of South Australia.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in March 1882, with a proposal involving the reuse of optical apparatus from the Cape Northumberland Lighthouse. The project was announced with a budget of £3,770 and was completed by Goss & Lambert of Mount Gambier for approximately £3,000.
• The light was first used on January 1, 1883.
• In May 1928, an automated light was commissioned, leading to the departure of the keeper and their family. Offers were made for either the removal of the keepers' cottages or for the lease of the cottages and associated land for periods of five or ten years.
• The cottages and store were subsequently demolished.

Architecture

The lighthouse is 9.1 metres high, with its light's focal plane being approximately 18 metres above the high water mark. The lantern house is a re-used Deville and Company design, one of only three remaining in Australia. It features a distinctive fourteen-sided design.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 15 kilometres and a period of 10 seconds. The light pattern consists of a flash-flash sequence, with the first flash occurring every 0.1 seconds and the second flash every 3.3 seconds, followed by another flash at 6.5 seconds.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since May 1928. The surrounding area is now part of Canunda National Park.

Heritage Status

The Cape Banks Lighthouse was listed as a state heritage place on the South Australian Heritage Register on November 11, 1999. Its significance lies in its importance in maritime history and the establishment of navigation aids during the late 19th century.

Notable Historical Events

• 1882: Construction of the lighthouse began.
• January 1, 1883: The light was first used.
• May 1928: An automated light was commissioned.
• August 1928: Offers were made for either the removal or lease of the keepers' cottages and associated land.