Fitzroy Island Light

Fitzroy Island Light is an inactive lighthouse on Fitzroy Island, a continental island 29 kilometres (18 mi) southeast of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. It was only active between 1973 and 1992, though a light station at the area is active since 1926 and to these days. It now serves as a visitor centre of the Fitzroy Island National Park.

Fitzroy Island Light
Queensland
LocationFitzroy Island
Queensland
Australia
Coordinates16°55′34″S 146°00′07″E
Year first constructed1943
Year first lit1973
Deactivated1992
Constructionconcrete tower, tile covered
Tower shapeoctagonal tower
Markings / patternwhite tower
Tower height56 feet (17 m)
Admiralty numberK3168
ARLHS numberAUS-074
Little Fitzroy Island Light
LocationLittle Fitzroy Island
Queensland
Australia
Coordinates16°55′23″S 146°00′23″E
Year first constructed1992
Automated1992
Deactivated1992 
Constructionfiberglass tower
Tower shapecylindrical tower
Markings / patternwhite tower
Tower height4 feet (1.2 m)
Focal height33 feet (10 m)
Light sourcesolar power
CharacteristicF I(3) WRG 15s.
Admiralty numberK3168
NGA number9956
Managing agentAustralian Maritime Safety Authority

History

The first station in the area was established in 1929 on the nearby Little Fitzroy Island, with the purpose of warning ships in the Grafton Passage of the reefs around the island. The station on Fitzroy Island was established in 1943, during World War II to supplement the Little Fitzroy Island Light.[1]

The light characteristic shown by the 1943 light was unique in Australia, and perhaps in the world, in that the characteristic seen (and not just the light colour) was dependent on the direction, corresponding to different Morse code signals. On the direction 217°, the middle of the channel, it showed a group of four flashes every 16 seconds. North of this direction, the first two flashes looked like a single long flash, resulting in one long flash followed by two short flashes, i.e. a Morse code "D" (go down). South of 217° it would show two short flashes followed by a long flash, i.e. a Morse code "U" (go up). This was achieved using two synchronised rotating bullseye lens panels, which were taken from the Cape Northumberland Light first-order lens.[2]

In 1973[1] the current Fitzroy Island Light was constructed, the fifth of a group of seven concrete towers erected between 1964 and 1979 in Queensland, in order of erection Cape Capricorn Light, New Caloundra Light, Point Danger Light, New Burnett Heads Light, itself, Point Cartwright Light and Archer Point Light.[3] At that same time the Little Fitzroy Island Light was deactivated.[1] The light source was an array of sealed beam lamps.[2]

In 1992 the lighthouse was deactivated, and Little Fitzroy Island Light was made active again. The lighthouse on Fitzroy Island now serves as a visitor centre for the Fitzroy Island National Park.[1]

Structures

The lighthouse is octagonal in form, topped with a lantern and a gallery.[1] It is made of concrete and covered with tiles, much like Point Cartwright Light and New Burnett Heads Light.[4]

The site also includes several preserved lighthouse keeper cottages and auxiliary buildings.[1]

Site operation and visiting

Fitzroy Island is accessible by ferry from Cairns, and the lighthouse is a 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) hike from the ferry landing. The site is open, but the tower is closed to the public. It is operated by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service as part of the Fitzroy Island National Park.[1] The unique 1943 light is on display in the lighthouse office.[2] The lamp from the last lighthouse is on display at the Cairns historical Society Museum.[5]

See also

Notes
  1. Rowlett.
  2. Buchanan 2000.
  3. CHIMS31351.
  4. Ibbotson 2000.
  5. "Far northern history in good hands « The Rock News: A Force for South Cairns". therocknews.com.au. Retrieved 7 January 2011.

References
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