Mersey Bluff Lighthouse
Mersey Light, 1A Bluff Access Rd, Devonport TAS 7310, Australia
Name and Location
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse stands sentinel over the Bass Strait, guiding mariners and pleasure craft through treacherous waters, located on the rugged coast of Tasmania, Australia.
Construction and History
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse was built in 1885 to mitigate the risk of shipwrecks along the Tasmanian coast. The original lighthouse structure was constructed using local stone and mortar. Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several renovations, including a major restoration project in the 1990s.
Architecture and Materials
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is a characteristic example of a traditional Australian lighthouse design. Its cylindrical tower rises 37 meters (121 feet) above sea level, with a red and white striped pattern that serves as a visual aid to mariners. The lighthouse's foundation is anchored to solid rock, ensuring stability in the face of strong winds and rough seas.
Light and Navigation
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse operates using a combination of optical and electrical aids to guide vessels safely through the Bass Strait. Its three light sources, powered by solar panels, emit a distinctive sequence of flashes every 20 seconds, with a range of 14 nautical miles (25 kilometers). The lighthouse's reference point is K 3550, indicating its location in relation to other navigational aids.
Accessibility and Visiting
No information available.
Notable Views and Landscape
The Mersey Bluff Lighthouse has been recognized by photographers and historians alike for its unique architecture and location. Its scenic surroundings make it an attractive subject for those seeking a glimpse of Tasmania's rugged coastline.
Anecdotes and Folklore
No anecdotes or folklore available.
Technical and Operational Details
As a light major, the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse is one of the most important lighthouses on the Australian coast. It has been recognized by the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) as part of its Pub. 111 dataset.
Further Information
- * Classified as a light major
- * Recognized by the US NGA as part of its Pub. 111 dataset
Details
| Name | Mersey Bluff Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | -41.1587289, 146.3555056 |
| Year of construction | 1885 |
| Historic significance | mitigate the risk of shipwrecks along the Tasmanian coast |
| Stories | unique architecture and location make it an attractive subject for photographers and historians alike |
| Architectural style | traditional Australian lighthouse design |
| Architect | Department of Home Affairs |
| Construction material | local stone and mortar |
| Focal height | 121 |
| Tower height | 37 |
| Renovations | major restoration project in the 1990s |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | rocky coast |
| Facilities | toilets, cafe, gift shop |
| AIS Radar | true |
| Light characteristic | distinctive sequence of flashes every 20 seconds, with a range of 14 nautical miles (25 kilometers) |
| Light range | 25 |
| Automated | true |