Name and Location

The North Mole Lighthouse, also known as the North Mole Light (Admiralty reference K 1764), is located at the entrance to Fremantle Port in Western Australia. Its address is North Mole Drive, North Fremantle WA 6159, Australia.

2. Construction and History

The breakwaters that form the North Mole were constructed between 1889 and 1896. A navigational light was installed at the mole's outer end shortly thereafter. The present steel tower structure dates to the mid-20th century (exact year of installation unconfirmed in available sources). It replaced earlier beacons as harbour requirements evolved.

3. Architecture and Materials

The North Mole Lighthouse is a steel skeletal tower with a hexagonal/truncated-pyramid form, painted white with red lantern housing and gallery rail. The tower stands 15 meters above its base, and the focal height is approximately 15 meters above mean high water. It was constructed using prefabricated steel members with concrete pile footings.

4. Light and Navigation

The North Mole Lighthouse features a very quick-flashing red light (VQ R) with a range of 6 nautical miles. The light is powered by a modern sealed lamp unit, automated with battery backup. It guides small craft and ferries in and out of the Fremantle Inner Harbour and the Swan River.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The breakwater leading to the light is open to pedestrians during daylight hours. The lighthouse itself is fenced, and climbers are not permitted. There are no facilities on site, but visitors can park at North Mole Drive. Admission is free.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy the views of the surrounding area from along the breakwater or from bathers' beach and the nearby Fishing Boat Harbour. The lighthouse also offers a scenic vantage point for watching ferries depart to Rottnest Island.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

Although not individually heritage-listed, the North Mole Lighthouse forms part of the historic Fremantle Harbour infrastructure dating from the late 19th century. The breakwaters themselves were cut largely by convicts and early settlers.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated and has no resident keeper. It carries a radar-reflector, but there is no known AtoN AIS transmitter on the tower. Chart references include Australian Hydrographic Service chart AUS 321 ("Swan River to Rottnest Island") and Admiralty NP 735.

9. Further Information

For further information, please visit the Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Mole_Lighthouse, or consult the Fremantle Ports website for details on Fremantle Harbour navigational aids.