Point Lonsdale Lighthouse (Point Lonsdale)
Point Lonsdale Lighthouse, also known as the Point Lonsdale Signal Station, stands at the eastern end of the Bellarine Peninsula on a headland overlooking the "Rip", a stretch of water considered one of the most treacherous navigable passages in the world.
The lighthouse is a traditional design consisting of a cylindrical tower and capital, similar to many late nineteenth century Victorian lighthouses, such as the earlier Point Hicks Lighthouse. It is built of reinforced concrete and surmounted by a Chance Brothers lantern. The original oil lamp of the light was first replaced with an acetylene light and later an electric light. Surrounding its base is the octagonal, two-storey, brick signal station and observation room. Halfway up the tower is a cantilevered platform supporting red and green navigation lights.
The first navigation aid at Point Lonsdale was a signal station erected in 1852. In 1856 a red pillar beacon was built. In 1863 the original Queenscliff Low Light, a prefabricated wooden structure, was re-erected at Point Lonsdale and painted with distinctive black and red bands. It used a temporary light until a permanent light was lit in 1867. It was replaced by the current concrete tower in 1902, with the wooden tower dismantled and cut up for firewood in 1912.
Although the light was automated in 1999, the signal station continues to be staffed 24 hours a day and controls the movements of commercial shipping within designated areas both outside and inside Port Phillip Heads, making it possibly the last manned lighthouse in Australia.
The lighthouse contains a restored foghorn which is operated in foggy weather, giving a double blast every 30 seconds. There is public access to the area around the tower. Organised tours of the tower are conducted on Sundays by the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum.
Review:
Tracks along the cliff top lead to a long pier and you can explore the outside of the lighthouse. There are paid tours on Sundays. You can also explore the beach and rocky areas around the lighthouse. Be careful of large waves.
Photos:
Location
1 Point Lonsdale Road, Point Lonsdale 3225 Map
Web Links
→ Lighthouse Tours by Queenscliffe Maritime Museum
