Name and Location

South Mole Lighthouse, also known as Fremantle South Mole Light, is situated at the seaward end of the South Mole breakwater in Western Australia. Its address is 1 Fleet Street, Fremantle WA 6160, Australia.

Construction and History

The original South Mole was completed in the early 1900s as part of the harbour-defence works. A light beacon was established soon afterward (circa 1903). The current steel tower likely dates from mid-20th century upgrades to Fremantle Harbour's navigational aids.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a skeletal tower (open-frame steel) with a gallery and lantern, featuring a tapered pyramidal framework painted overall red. It stands approximately 10–12 meters above base level.

Light and Navigation

The South Mole Lighthouse emits a red flashing light with specific grouping and period recorded in Notices to Mariners. Its range is listed as 5–7 nautical miles. The light is fully automated and maintained by Fremantle Port Authority, which also operates the port's radar and AIS network.

Accessibility and Visiting

The South Mole breakwater is open to pedestrians and anglers. However, tower entry is prohibited for safety and operational reasons. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by following the paved South Mole walkway westward from Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Cockburn Sound, nearby Rottnest Island, passing container ships, and the city skyline. The adjacent South Mole Café/Restaurant is a popular refreshment stop.

Technical and Operational Details

The managing authority for the lighthouse is Fremantle Port Authority, which also maintains the port's navigational aids. Nautical charts include Australian Chart AUS 125 (Fremantle Approaches) and associated harbour plan, with position noted in the IC-ENC ENC AUST chart series.

Further Information

For further information, visit the Fremantle Port Authority website ("Navigational Aids" section), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Notices to Mariners, or List of lighthouses in Australia – Wikipedia.