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Cape Moreton Lighthouse

Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Moreton Island QLD 4025, Australia

Name and Location

Cape Moreton Lighthouse is located on the easternmost tip of Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia.

Construction and History

The Cape Moreton Lighthouse was constructed in 1857 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of the Brisbane River. It has been serving as an important aid to navigation for ships traveling through the region since its construction.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a brick tower with a tapered shape, designed by architects R. D. Eliason and G. F. Strahan. The structure was built using local materials, including sandstone and limestone, to withstand the harsh marine environment.

Light and Navigation

The Cape Moreton Lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 15 nautical miles (27.8 kilometers). Its light characteristic is a sequence of three flashes every 20 seconds, followed by a period of darkness and then another three flashes. The lighthouse was originally manually operated until it was automated in 1989.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds, which offer breathtaking views of the coastline and the sea. However, due to safety concerns, the tower itself is not open to the public. A self-guided walking track surrounds the lighthouse, providing a scenic experience for those interested in exploring the area.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands at the edge of a rugged coastline, offering spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. The surrounding landscape is characterized by sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and scrubby vegetation.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals have shared stories about the lighthouse's past, including tales of shipwrecks and daring rescues. These stories add to the rich cultural heritage surrounding this iconic Australian landmark.

Technical and Operational Details

The Cape Moreton Lighthouse is recognized as a heritage-listed site by the Australian government and has been listed on the National Trust of Queensland's Heritage Register. The lighthouse remains functional, serving as an important aid to navigation for ships traveling through the region.

Further Information

For further reading, please visit the Cape Moreton Light Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Moreton_Light

Details

NameCape Moreton Lighthouse
City
CountryAustralia
Coordinates-27.0318302, 153.4658831
Year of construction1857
Eventslocally shared stories
Storiesshipwrecks and daring rescues
ArchitectR. D. Eliason and G. F. Strahan
Construction materialbrick, sandstone, and limestone
Focal height122
Tower height23
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionself-guided walking track
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
Guided toursfalse
Nearby attractionsAustralian Hydrographic Office chart numbers K 2854.1 and K 2855.1
AIS Radarfalse
Light characteristicFl(3)W.20s
Light range15
Automatedtrue