Lighthouse Cape Sorell

The Lighthouse Cape Sorell is situated on the headland of Cape Sorell, located outside Macquarie Harbour on the West Coast of Tasmania, Australia.

• The lighthouse can be accessed via a short walk from the nearby town of Macquarie Heads.

History

Cape Sorell and the surrounding area have been an important orientation point for vessels entering Macquarie Harbour since its establishment as a port in the early 19th century.

• The lighthouse was built to aid navigation through the treacherous waters of Hells Gates, which separate the harbour from the Southern Ocean.

Architecture

The Lighthouse Cape Sorell is a 37-metre-tall (121 ft) tower constructed using local stone and mortar.

• It features a distinctive octagonal shape with a lantern room at its top.

Light Characteristics

The Lighthouse Cape Sorell is equipped with a fixed red light that can be seen from up to 20 nautical miles (37 km) away.

• The light's pattern is a steady flash every two seconds.

Current Status

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its installation in the late 19th century.

• Today, the lighthouse is managed by the Tasmanian Maritime Unit and is open to visitors for guided tours.

Heritage Status

Cape Sorell and the Lighthouse Cape Sorell are both listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register, recognizing their cultural and historical significance as important orientation points for vessels entering Macquarie Harbour.

• The lighthouse played a significant role in the early history of Tasmania's ports.

Notable Historical Events

In 1824, Lieutenant-Governor William Sorell, who the cape is named after, oversaw the construction and installation of the lighthouse to aid navigation through Hells Gates.