Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was constructed by a company led by M. C. Davies, with George Temple Poole supervising the construction of the light and designing the keepers' quarters.

1. The lighthouse tower which is built of local stone was originally designed to show two lights – a higher white light and a lower red light.
2. Although the foundations were completed, the lower light was never installed.
3. It was opened with great ceremony in 1895 by John Forrest, the Premier of Western Australia.

Until June 1982 the lens was rotated by a counter weight driving clockwork mechanism, and the beacon was a pressure kerosene mantle type.

1. A radio navigation beacon was commissioned in 1955 and operated until 1992.
2. The lighthouse was automated in 1982.

The lighthouse, besides being a navigational aid, serves as an important automatic weather station.

Architecture

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is built of local stone and features a distinctive tower design.

1. The light tower stands at a height of 39 meters (128 feet) above the ground level, while the focal height is 56 meters (184 feet).

The lighthouse has two main lights: a higher white light and a lower red light (although the latter was never installed).

Location

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is located on the headland of Cape Leeuwin, which is the most south-westerly point on the mainland of the Australian Continent.

1. The address of the lighthouse is Leeuwin Road, in the Shire Of Augusta Margaret River, Western Australia.

Visitors can access the lighthouse by climbing 176 steps to the viewing deck.

The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the Indian Ocean.

Current Status

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is currently an automated navigational aid, no longer requiring human keepers.

1. The lighthouse's buildings and grounds are now vested in the local tourism body.

Heritage Status

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse has been recognized for its historical significance and is listed as a heritage site.

Notable Historical Events

1. In 2004, International Lighthouse Day was celebrated at the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse for the first time.
2. The lighthouse also played host to young Felix von Luckner, later a German World War I war hero, who briefly served as assistant lighthouse keeper before being discovered with the lightkeeper's daughter by her father.