Lighthouses of New South Wales

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse with new solar-powered tower behind
Photograph: Ian Clifford

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse at Jervis Bay

Built to replace the Cape St George Lighthouse, the Point Perpendicular Lighthouse is believed to be the first lighthouse in New South Wales to be built of concrete blocks, which were cast on the ground, then lifted into place.

• Operation
• History
• Keepers
• 100th Anniversary
• Access
• Surrounding Area
• Features
• News
• Letters
• Other Point Perpendicular Sites

History

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse was established in 1899 to replace the inaccurately placed Cape St George Lighthouse.

The original 1860 lighthouse had been built in the wrong position due to inadequate supervision by the authorities of the day. It was not visible to the northern approach at Jervis Bay and failed to warn of offshore reefs.

Even though when the error was realised it was intended to show a light at Cape St George only as a temporary measure it was not until 1898, over 30 years later, that work began on its replacement on the northern side of the entrance to the bay.

This tower is believed to be a "first" in New South Wales. It is erected on a flat concrete base and is the first tower to be constructed of concrete blocks - made on the ground - lifted into position, then cement-rendered on both the inside and the outside.

This building technique eliminated the use of heavy scaffolding and shuttering which is necessary for the "concrete poured" construction of towers.

Most of the stores and materials for the new lighthouse were landed at Bindijine Wharf, constructed in 1898, on Honeymoon Bay inside the sheltered side of Jervis itself. They were then carted by house and cart to Point Perpendicular.

The original apparatus was vapourised kerosene, 100,000 cd with a range of 33 kilometres. The power was increased to 222,000 cd in 1909 and again to 316,000 in 1923. The light was converted to electric operation in 1964 with the installation of 2 diesel generators. When to light was finally replaced in 1993 the power was 1,200,000 cd.

The new "lattice" style tower is solar powered and the lightstation has been demanned.

There was much protest when the Department of Defence fenced off the area preventing public access to the lighthouse even though it had been agreed that access should continue. There have been mixed reports about what the current situation is though the restriction does seem to have been relaxed.

Also the keepers complex was put on the market at this time and it is also not known what the outcome has been.

The window above the main door is interesting as it displays the Waratah, the state flower of New South Wales, and the construction date of the tower.

The light was last lit by Ian Clifford on Saturday 17 November 1999 for the Seafarer's Festival Ball and to celebrate the centenary of Point Perpendicular.

The lighthouse was fenced off by the Department of Defence
Photograph: Howard Jones

The last keeper, John Hampson, 
waves goodbye
Photograph: The Bay And Basin Review

Pt Perpendicular 100th Anniversary

On 1 May 1999, the Point Perpendicular lighthouse celebrated 100 years since it was originally exhibited, although celebrations were not held until October 1999.

The Currarong Seafare Festival incorporated the centenary celebrations, commencing with the Seafarers Ball on 15 October 1999, followed by an art and photography competition based on "a century of seafaring". 

Celebrations were held at the lighthouse site on Saturday 16 October with activities including a Naval display, tours of the old tower, market day and children's activities. 

At around dusk, the new lattice lighthouse was turned off and the original lighthouse was re-lit by Ian Clifford for the first time since its decommissioning. 

Details of the celebrations are referred to in the May 99, June 99, Aug 99 & Oct 99 Bulletins.

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse keepers' cottages as viewed from the tower
Photograph: Ian Clifford

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse
Photograph: Cyril Curtain

The Point Perpendicular Lighthouse
Photograph: Ian Clifford

Special Thanks to:

• Annette Flotwell for Photographs
• The Bay And Basin Review for Clipping
• Brian Lord for Photographs
• Cyril Curtain for Photographs
• Ian Clifford for Photographs
• Kristie Eggleston for Photographs

Sources:

• ANPWS Brochure
• AMSA
• Max Uren
• The Bay And Basin Review
• Brian Lord

Site constructed by: 
Malcolm S Macdonald t/as Lighthouse Computer Training & Development (1997-2001)
Copyright © All rights reserved.
1997-2001 Malcolm S Macdonald and individual contributors as acknowledged.
2002-2007 Lighthouses of Australia Inc (LoA Inc) and individual contributors as acknowledged. & Lighthouses of Australia Inc (2002-2007)