Name and Location

The Cape Don Lighthouse is located at the tip of Cape Don, in the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory, Australia. Its official name is Cape Don Lighthouse, while locals refer to it as "Cape Don".

2. Construction and History

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1892, with the tower being completed in 1893. It was built during the late 19th century, a time marked by significant advancements in maritime technology and the establishment of Australia as an independent nation.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Cape Don Lighthouse is an excellent example of Victorian-era architecture, featuring a 15-meter-tall tower with a distinctive red-and-white striped exterior. The structure is built from brick and stone, with a cast-iron lattice tower. It stands at a height of 18 meters (59 feet) above sea level.

4. Light and Navigation

The original light had a range of approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers). The lighthouse originally displayed a fixed white light, with no characteristic pattern. The focal height is 53.5 meters (176 feet), providing excellent visibility for mariners approaching the coast.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although no longer serving as an active aid to navigation, the Cape Don Lighthouse has been converted into a heritage-listed site and offers limited public access. Visitors can access the lighthouse's grounds, but the tower itself remains closed to the public due to safety concerns. Guided tours can be arranged in advance by contacting local authorities or heritage organizations.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Cobourg Peninsula and the Arafura Sea. The lighthouse is situated amidst a unique and diverse ecosystem, featuring mangrove forests, saltwater wetlands, and coastal dunes.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local folklore, the Cape Don Lighthouse was built as a response to the numerous shipwrecks that occurred along the Cobourg Peninsula in the late 19th century. It played a crucial role during World War II, serving as an important navigation aid for Allied forces patrolling the waters off the northern coast of Australia.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in 1989, replacing manual operation with an automated system. No information is available on any AIS (Automatic Identification System) or radar installations at the lighthouse. The lighthouse is referenced on various nautical charts, including those produced by the Australian Hydrographic Office.

9. Further Information

The Cape Don Lighthouse is listed as a heritage site by the Australian Government's Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. For more information, please refer to the Wikipedia article: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Don_Lighthouse>