Name and Location

The Cape Wickham Light is a historic lighthouse located at 687 Cape Wickham Rd, Wickham TAS 7256, Australia, situated within the Cape Wickham State Reserve on King Island, Tasmania.

Construction and History

The Cape Wickham Light was constructed in 1861 during the reign of Queen Victoria. It has been guiding mariners for over 150 years.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 48 meters (157 feet), with a focal height of 85 meters (279 feet) above sea level. Its architectural style is characterized by a cylindrical tower with a square base, topped with a lantern room. The structure's exterior is constructed from local stone, while the interior features a spiral staircase and a keeper's quarters.

Light and Navigation

The Cape Wickham Light emits a Fl (3) W 15s light characteristic, which means it displays three flashes of white light every 15 seconds. This unique pattern helps to distinguish the lighthouse from others in the region.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a sealed road from Currie, King Island's main town. The site offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean. Guided tours are available, providing insight into the lighthouse's history, architecture, and significance in maritime navigation.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is surrounded by stunning views of the coastline and ocean.

Technical and Operational Details

Initially, the lighthouse was operated manually by keepers who were responsible for maintaining the light, fog signals, and other aids to navigation. In 1982, automation replaced manual operation, ensuring a constant display of light without human intervention.

Further Information

The Cape Wickham Light has been listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register as an important part of Australia's maritime heritage. For further reading, consult the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, and Regional Development's publication "Lighthouses of Tasmania" or visit the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery's website for more information. The lighthouse's coordinates are -39.5885467° S, 143.9429811° E, which can be used in conjunction with a mapping application like Google Maps to locate the site.