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Lighthouses of Queensland

State Indexes > QLD > Cape Capricorn Lighthouse

The 3rd Cape Capricorn Lighthouse soon after it was built in 1964. [Photograph: Lew C Dickson]
The third Cape Capricorn Lighthouse soon after it was built in 1964.
Photograph: Lew C Dickson

The Cape Capricorn Lighthouse

There have been three lighthouses on this site. The first built in 1875, the second built in 1936, and the current built in 1964.

Operation

LOCATION: Latitude 23° 29.2' S; Longitude 151° 14.2' E (Map) 
OPERATOR: Australian Maritime Safety Authority
CHARACTER: Flash every 15 Seconds
LIGHT SOURCE: 120 v Tungsten Halogen Lamp
POWER SOURCE: Diesel Alternators
INTENSITY: <> cd
ELEVATION: 94 Metres
RANGE: 16 Nautical Miles
HEIGHT: 7 Metres

The Cape Capricorn Lightstation from the air [Photograph: AMSA]
The Cape Capricorn Lightstation from the air
 Photograph: AMSA

History

There have been three lighthouses on this site.

The original believed to the traditional Queensland Lighthouse that was made of timber was and clad with iron was prefabricated with the 2 accompanying cottages in Brisbane and assembled on site in 1875.

It is believed that the original optic and lantern room may have been temporary as the Colonial Architect had omitted to order one when he let the tender.

The original oil wick burner was replaced by vapourised kerosene incandescent kerosene mantle in 1923.

In 1936 it was decided to replace the original structure.

In 1938 the light was converted to electric operation.

The current structure was built in 1964 and is typical of the plain concrete block style of the day.

The Cape Capricorn Lightstation and BBQ? [Photograph: Ken Gott]
The Cape Capricorn Lightstation and BBQ?
 Photograph: Ken Gott

The Cape Capricorn Lightstation from the air [Photograph: Lew C Dickson]
The Cape Capricorn Lightstation from the air
 Photograph: Lew C Dickson

Access

The Cape Capricorn Lighthouse is situated on Curtis Island. 24 km north of Gladstone off the Central Queensland Coast and is only accessable by boat or air (beach landing). The cottages are privately leased.

The Surrounding Area

Special Thanks to:

  • Jervis Sparks
  • Lew C Dickson for Photographs

Sources:

  • From Dusk Till Dawn by Gordon Reid
  • Lance Wilson
  • Lighthouses: Do We Keep the Keepers
  • Richard & Roberta O'Keeffe
Page last updated:
Page created:		 27/01/00
27/01/00

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Malcolm S Macdonald t/as Lighthouse Computer Training & Development (1997-2001)
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