Name and Location

The Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse is located at South East Point, Wilsons Promontory VIC 3960, Australia.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1928 as part of a series of beacons designed to mark the entrance to Bass Strait. It was constructed from concrete and steel, standing at an impressive height of 19 meters (62 feet) with a focal plane height of 117 meters (384 feet). The original light source was a kerosene-powered lamp, which was later replaced by electricity in the 1960s.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed from concrete and steel.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse exhibits a characteristic Fl(3)W.15s, meaning it displays three white flashes every 15 seconds. The range of the light is approximately 18 nautical miles (33 kilometers), making it an essential aid for vessels navigating the treacherous waters of Bass Strait and Port Phillip.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via the Wilsons Promontory National Park, which offers stunning coastal views and walking trails. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for safety reasons, but visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery and learn about its history at the nearby visitor center.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated within the picturesque Wilsons Promontory National Park, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna. The area offers a range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local legend, the structure was built to commemorate the lives lost during World War I, with the three white flashes representing the spirits of those who perished at sea.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has been automated since its construction, with a manual backup system in place for emergencies. As part of ongoing efforts to improve maritime safety, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has installed Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar equipment at the lighthouse.

Further Information

For further reading, please visit the Wikipedia page on the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse: <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilsons_Promontory_Lighthouse>.