Cooktown Lighthouse

The Cooktown Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Grassy Hill in Cooktown, Queensland, Australia.

History

• The Cooktown Lighthouse was built in 1885 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners entering the coastal waters of Cape York Peninsula.
• The lighthouse played a crucial role in the early history of European settlement in the region, particularly during the period of British colonization.

Architecture

The Cooktown Lighthouse is a tall, cylindrical structure with a distinctive red and white striped tower.

• The lighthouse stands at 162 meters (531 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 270 meters (886 feet).
• The light source is a first-order Fresnel lens, which emits a beam of light that can be seen for up to 9 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Cooktown Lighthouse emits a Fl (flash) pattern every six seconds, with a characteristic sector angle of 192°.

The light is white in color and has a range of approximately 9 nautical miles.

Current Status

The Cooktown Lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since the mid-20th century.

While still operational, the lighthouse no longer serves as a manned navigational aid, and its primary function is now limited to providing a visual reference point for mariners.

Location and Accessibility

The Cooktown Lighthouse is located on Grassy Hill in Cooktown, Queensland, Australia.

The address is Hope Street, Cooktown.

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the town center.

A small parking area is available nearby.

Heritage Status

The Cooktown Lighthouse was listed as a heritage-listed place under the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

This recognition acknowledges the lighthouse's historical significance and its contribution to the region's cultural heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Cooktown Lighthouse played an important role during the early years of European settlement in the region, particularly during the period of British colonization.
• The lighthouse was also used as a reference point for navigation during World War II, when the area was used as a military base.