North Reef Light

The North Reef Light is situated on North Reef, a 5.6 square kilometres planar reef, approximately 120 kilometres northeast of Gladstone, Queensland, Australia, within the Capricorn and Bunker Group.

The lighthouse can be accessed via a small boat or by air, with nearby Gladstone Regional Airport offering regular flights.

History

The North Reef Light was constructed in 1888 on a migratory patch of sand inside a fringing coral reef. Over time, the sandbar has shifted and reappeared, resulting in the lighthouse being built on a vegetated sandy island.

The unique hollow concrete base not only provides resistance to the shifting sand but also serves as a freshwater tank.

Architecture

The North Reef Light stands at 24 metres tall, making it the tallest of Queensland's timber-framed iron-clad lighthouses.

Its construction is notable for its innovative design, featuring a hollow concrete base that has enabled it to withstand the harsh conditions of the reef environment.

The lighthouse was designed by an unknown architect and constructed using local materials.

Light Characteristics

The North Reef Light emits a characteristic pattern of three red flashes every 10 seconds, visible from approximately 20 nautical miles away.

The light's range is limited due to its location on a small island in the middle of the coral reef.

Current Status

The North Reef Light remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction.

The lighthouse is currently not open to the public for visits, but its unique design and history make it a notable landmark in Australian maritime heritage.

Heritage Status

The North Reef Light was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 2001 due to its significant contribution to Australia's maritime history and its innovative design.