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Cape Willoughby Lighthouse

2706A Cape Willoughby Rd, Willoughby SA 5222, Australia

Name and Location

The Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is located on the southeastern tip of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia.

Construction and History

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1878 and was completed in 1882. The lighthouse stands at a height of 15 meters (49 feet) with a focal plane height of 75 meters (246 feet). Its original light characteristic was a fixed white light, but it was later modified to a flashing white light (Fl(3)W.15s) to improve its visibility.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architectural style is reminiscent of the late 19th century, with a simple yet elegant design. The structure is made of stone and mortar, with a square base and a tapered tower.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is Fl(3)W.15s, with a range of 11 nautical miles. The sector end is 50 degrees, and the sector start is 171 degrees.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse by car or guided tour, with parking available on-site. Opening hours are [TBA], and entrance fees are $5. Guided tours are available, and on-site facilities include parking and museum exhibits.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse stands on a rugged coastline, surrounded by rocky shores and dense vegetation.

Technical and Operational Details

Although the lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation, it has been converted into a museum and reserve light, offering visitors a unique glimpse into maritime history. The managing authority for the lighthouse is the Kangaroo Island Council and Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Cities, and Regional Development.

Further Information

  • Nearby attractions include Cape Willoughby Reserve, Penneshaw Penguin Centre, and Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Details

NameCape Willoughby Lighthouse
City
CountryAustralia
Coordinates-35.8428388, 138.1327736
Year of construction1882
Historic significancemaritime history and navigation
Construction materialstone and mortar
Focal height75
Tower height15
Heritage statustrue
Renovationsconverted into a museum and reserve light
Access descriptioncar or guided tour
Accessibletrue
Parkingtrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionrugged coastline, rocky shores, dense vegetation
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiesparking, museum exhibits
Entrance fee5
Opening hours[TBA]
Nearby attractionsCape Willoughby Reserve, Penneshaw Penguin Centre, Seal Bay Conservation Park
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Light range11
Automatedfalse