Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

The Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is situated on Cape Willoughby, an island located off the coast of Tasmania, Australia.

Location and Accessibility

• Visitors can access the site via a short walk from the nearby Cape Willoughby Road.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is listed as part of the Tasmanian Heritage Register and is also protected under the Australian Government's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Notable Historical Events

1. The construction of the lighthouse began in 1858, with the tower being completed in 1860. The original light was a fixed white light, but it was later replaced by an optical lantern system. In 1906, the light was upgraded to an electric lamp, and in 1925, it was equipped with a rotating beam.
2. The lighthouse played a significant role during World War II, serving as a navigational aid for Allied ships.

Architecture

The Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is a 25-meter-tall (82 ft) square tower constructed from local granite. The structure features a distinctive octagonal shape and a prominent lantern room at the top.

The lighthouse was designed by the Tasmanian Public Works Department, with construction overseen by the Colonial Engineer.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a fixed white light, visible to mariners up to 11 nautical miles (20 km) away.

The light is powered by an electric lamp and operates for 15 seconds on each cycle of its 60-second period.

Current Status

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse remains in operation as an active aid to navigation.

However, it has been automated since the 1980s, with a modern electronic system replacing traditional optical lanterns.

The lighthouse is now managed by Parks Australia and offers guided tours for visitors.

Construction Year and History

The construction of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse began in 1858, with completion taking place in 1860.

Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several upgrades and modifications to its lighting system, including the installation of an optical lantern in 1906 and an electric lamp in 1925.

Tower Height and Focal Height

The tower height of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is 25 meters (82 ft), with a focal height of approximately 75 meters (246 ft) above sea level.