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Cape Wickham Lighthouse

687 Cape Wickham Rd, Wickham TAS 7256, Australia

Name and Location

The Cape Wickham Lighthouse is located on King Island, Tasmania, Australia. It stands at an elevation of approximately 37 meters (121 feet) above sea level.

Construction and History

The Cape Wickham Lighthouse was built in 1861 as part of a series of beacons erected to improve navigation in Australian waters during the reign of Queen Victoria. The tower was designed by architect James Barnet and features a distinctive Gothic Revival style.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from local stone and ironwork, with a striking lantern room featuring a Fresnel lens that once guided mariners through treacherous coastal waters.

Light and Navigation

Although the Cape Wickham Lighthouse is no longer actively guiding mariners, its Fresnel lens remains an important part of maritime history.

Accessibility and Visiting

  • Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby parking area.
  • Guided tours are available during peak season.
  • The site offers basic on-site facilities, including parking, restrooms, and picnic areas.

For more information, please contact the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service or visit their website.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and Bass Strait.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Unfortunately, no anecdotes or folklore are available for this lighthouse at this time.

Technical and Operational Details

Automated in 1971, the Cape Wickham Lighthouse remains an important cultural and historical landmark on King Island.

Details

NameCape Wickham Lighthouse
City
CountryAustralia
Coordinates-39.5885737, 143.9429774
Year of construction1861
Storiestestament to Tasmania's rich maritime history
Architectural styleGothic Revival
ArchitectJames Barnet
Construction materiallocal stone and ironwork
Focal height37
Tower height12
Renovationsautomated in 1971
Access descriptionby car, walk from parking area
Accessibletrue
Parkingtrue
View descriptionstunning views of the surrounding coastline and Bass Strait
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiesparking, restrooms, picnic areas
Opening hours9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily
Automatedtrue