Name and Location

The Charles Point Lighthouse, also known locally as "Charles Point Light," sits on the northern coast of the Cox Peninsula, overlooking the Beagle Gulf in Australia. Its exact location is at Cox Peninsula NT 0822, with a latitude of -12.3893382° and longitude of 130.6309251°.

Construction and History

The Charles Point Lighthouse was first illuminated, although the exact date is unknown, possibly during the mid-20th century. It likely dates back to the post-WWII era when Darwin's approaches were upgraded. The tower appears to be a functional, utilitarian reinforced-concrete structure with no documented architect or style.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a cylindrical (conical) reinforced-concrete tower rising from a concrete base, painted white. The lantern and gallery are small octagonal housing units atop a short rail.

Light and Navigation

The light source is presumed to be a modern sealed-beam LED or metal-halide lamp, with an exact characteristic not published. The range is likely between 10 and 15 nautical miles. The lighthouse is fully automated and has no permanent keeper's quarters. It does not have AIS/Radar installed on the tower, but the site is monitored remotely by Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Accessibility and Visiting

The site lies on freehold land leased for navigational purposes and the tower is not open to the public. The nearest public access point is a small car-park at the end of Charles Point Light Road; 4WD is advisable in the wet season. There is no visitor centre or guided tours.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surroundings offer unspoiled coastal bush environment, low eucalyptus woodland, and spinifex. The site provides panoramic views of Beagle Gulf, Groote Eylandt in the distance, and occasional passing cargo or fishing boats.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local anglers sometimes refer to the point as a good barramundi-fishing spot at dusk. There are no well-documented shipwrecks directly associated with the point.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is not listed on the Northern Territory Heritage Register (no record). It is managed by Australia Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).

Further Information

For more information, refer to the Australia Maritime Safety Authority (www.amsa.gov.au) – Notices to Mariners, Australian Hydrographic Service Chart AUS 824 "Darwin to Port Keats," and Geoscience Australia Place Name Search: Charles Point Light House.