Gabo Island Lighthouse

The Gabo Island Lighthouse is an active lighthouse located on Gabo Island, Victoria, Australia.

Gabo Island Lighthouse

Gabo Island lighthouse on an 1863 engraving
Victoria
Location	Gabo Island Victoria Australia
Coordinates	37°34′06.6″S 149°55′00.8″E
Year first constructed	1853 (first)
Year first lit	1862 (current)
Automated	1993
Construction	granite tower
Tower shape	cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern
Markings / pattern	unpainted red granite tower and white lantern and dome
Tower height	46.9 metres (154 ft)
Focal height	55 metres (180 ft)
Light source	solar power
Intensity	30,000 cd
Range	16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi)
Characteristic	Fl (3) W 20s.[1]
Admiralty number	K2558
NGA number	6592
ARLHS number	AUS-078[2]
Managing agent	Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Heritage	listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register

History

In 1846 begun the works to erect a lighthouse on the island but the fund were sufficient only to excavate the foundations. The first island lighthouse was a wooden tower built in 1853; the current tower was completed in 1862. It is made from pink granite quarried from the island itself. The lighthouse is Australia's second tallest. In 1917 the light was fitted with an incandescent kerosene mantle; then was upgraded in 1935 with the mains power by diesel generator and the 1,000 watt halogen lamp producing an intensity of 900,000 candela.

The focal plane of the light is situated at 55 metres (180 ft) above sea level, the characteristic is a group of three flashes that occurs every twenty seconds. A keeper's house is occupied by a caretaker; another building may be rented for overnight stays.[2]

See also

• List of lighthouses in Australia

References

1. Gabo Island Lighthouse Lighthouses of Australia Inc.
2. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Australia: Victoria". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.