Cape Donington Lighthouse

The Cape Donington Lighthouse was constructed to serve as a navigation aid for mariners approaching Port Lincoln Harbour.

History

• The lighthouse was installed in 1905, replacing an earlier navigation aid, and has since played a crucial role in guiding vessels safely into the harbour.
• The site has also been used for agricultural purposes since 1875, and a navigation aid consisting of a light was installed in 1905 before the lighthouse was built.

Architecture

The Cape Donington Lighthouse is a tall, imposing structure that stands at approximately 53 metres (174 feet) above sea level. Its focal height is believed to be around 120 metres (394 feet), allowing it to illuminate the surrounding waters with great clarity.

The lighthouse's architecture is typical of its era, featuring a cylindrical tower supported by a square base.

Light Characteristics

The Cape Donington Lighthouse emits a fixed white light that can be seen from a distance of several miles. The light pattern is not specified, but it is believed to be a standard rotating beam.

The lighthouse's range is reportedly sufficient to guide vessels safely into Port Lincoln Harbour at night.

Current Status

The Cape Donington Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been automated since the 1970s.

A parcel of land surrounding the lighthouse was leased to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in 1972, and the site is now managed as part of the Lincoln National Park.

Location and Accessibility

The Cape Donington Lighthouse is situated at Fisherman Point to Cape Donington, approximately 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) east of Port Lincoln in South Australia.

The site is accessible by road, although visitors may need to park in a designated area before proceeding on foot to the lighthouse.

Heritage Status

The Cape Donington Lighthouse has been recognized as an important part of Australian maritime heritage.

Its construction and operation have played a significant role in the safe navigation of vessels into Port Lincoln Harbour.

Notable Historical Events

The Cape Donington Lighthouse was named by Royal Navy officer Matthew Flinders on 25 February 1802, reportedly after his native village in Lincolnshire.

The site has been used for agricultural purposes since 1875.