Lighthouses of Australia: Victoria

The independent Commonwealth of Australia occupies the entire Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. British exploration and settling of the continent began late in the 1700s, with the first colony established in the Sydney area in 1788. By the 1850s there were six British colonies, including New South Wales and Queensland in the east, Victoria and South Australia in the south, Western Australia in the west, and Tasmania off the south coast. The Commonwealth was formed on New Years Day 1901 as a federation of the six colonies. Australia is both the smallest continent and the sixth-largest country in the world, with a population of about 26 million.

The state of Victoria is located in the southeastern corner of Australia and includes the country's second largest metropolitan area, Melbourne. Victoria is the smallest mainland Australian state but it has a dangerous coastline that required about 20 historic light stations. The eastern two thirds of the coastline faces south, looking across the Bass Strait to Tasmania, and the western third faces southwest onto the Southern Ocean.

Victoria is divided into 79 local government areas, including 39 shires, 39 urban or rural cities, and one borough.

Lighthouse management: coastal aids to navigation in Australia are maintained by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). Harbor aids are maintained by Ports Victoria, formed in 2021 by merging the former Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM) and Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA). Many of the light stations are now parklands managed by Parks Victoria.

Special thanks are due to Heather Craven for her photos and comments on the lighthouses of her native Victoria.

ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. Admiralty numbers are from volume K of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals and U.S. NGA numbers are from NGA Publication 111.

General Sources
Victorian Lighthouses
The section of the Lighthouses of Australia site devoted to Victoria lights.
AMSA Heritage Lighthouses
An interactive map links to information and photos for the major AMSA lighthouses.
Lighthouses and Lightvessels in Australia - Victoria
Index to Wikipedia articles; most include photos.
Online List of Lights - Australia
Photos by various photographers posted by Alexander Trabas. Most of the Victoria photos are by Michael Boucher, Erich Hartmann, Günther Hess, or Rainer Arndt.
Grant and Tracey's Lighthouse Page - Victoria
Photos of most of the lighthouses posted by Grant Maizels.
World of Lighthouses - Victoria
Photos by various photographers available from Lightphotos.net.
Leuchttürme Australiens und Ozeaniens auf historischen Postkarten
Historic postcard images posted by Klaus Huelse.
GPSNauticalCharts
Navigation chart for the coast of Victoria.
Navionics Charts
Navigation chart for the coast of Victoria.


Split Point Light, Airey's Inlet, February 2024
Instagram photo by Ian Row

Gippsland Lighthouses

East Gippsland Shire Lighthouses
The coastal region of Victoria east of the greater Melbourne area is known as Gippsland; it is named for Sir George Gipps, the governor of the New South Wales colony from 1838 to 1846, a time when what is now Victoria was first being explored and settled.
Gabo Island (2)
1862 (station established 1853). Active; focal plane 55 m (180 ft); three white flashes every 20 s. 47 m (156 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. The unpainted tower is pink in color; lantern painted white. The principal keeper's house is occupied by a resident caretaker; the assistant keeper's house is available for overnight rental. A photo by William Bebonis is at right, Mike Irvine has a good photo, William Bebonis has a 2021 photo, Wikimedia has Mark Gillow's 2021 photo, and Google has a satellite view. This majestic lighthouse marks Cape Howe, the southeastern corner of the Australian continent. The island is a park and wildlife reserve. The 150th anniversary of the lighthouse was celebrated in ceremonies in November 2012. Located on the southeastern corner of Gabo Island, about 8 km (5 mi) southwest of Cape Howe and 16 km (10 mi) east of Mallacoota. Accessible only by boat or by air; guided tours are available. Site and tower open to guided tours (reservations required). Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve). . ARLHS AUS-078; Admiralty K2558; NGA 6592.
[Little Rame (Ram) Head]
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 57 m (187 ft); white flash every 10 s. 3 m (10 ft) square white fiberglass cabinet. A distant view and an aerial view (a little over halfway down the page) are available and Google has a satellite view. Rame (or Ram) Head is a prominent headland ending in a steep cliff about halfway between Gabo Island and Point Hicks. It was named Ram Head by Captain James Cook in 1770 after a cape in Cornwall, England; the name was changed officially to match the spelling traditional in Cornwall. A substanital hike is needed to reach this light; it is accessible from the Little Rame Head Walking Track in Croajingolong National Park. Admiralty K2557.5; NGA 6598.

Gabo Island Light, East Gippsland, December 2021
Google Maps photo by William Bebonis

*** Point Hicks (Cape Everard)
1890. Active; focal plane 56 m (184 ft); two white flashes every 10 s. 37 m (121 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. The principal keeper's house is occupied by a resident caretaker; two assistant keeper's houses are normally available for overnight rental but they were closed in 2023 due to wildfire damage in the area. A photo is at right, Adsee Harrison has a 2019 photo, Rohan Rogers has a photo, Wikimedia has a photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This is the tallest lighthouse on the Australian mainland. In a design unusual for mainland Australia there is no central column; the cast iron spiral stairs are cantilevered from the walls. The Friends of Point Hicks Lighthouse help support preservation of the site. The keeper's houses were refurbished by Parks Victoria and reopened for the 2018-19 season. Located in a remote area about 55 km (35 mi) south of Highway A1 at Cann River; 4WD suggested. Accessible by a hike of about 3 km (2 mi) from the end of the road. Site open, and there are tours of the tower daily at 1 pm. Operator: Ports Victoria. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Croajingolong National Park, Point Hicks Lighthouse Reserve). . ARLHS AUS-133; Admiralty K2556; NGA 6604.
* Mount Barkly (Lakes Entrance)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 74 m (243 ft); white light, 3 s on, 1 s off. 9 m (30 ft) robust square skeletal tower with a boxlike lantern and gallery, mounted on a square 1-story cement block equipment building. Tower painted white, base red. Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, Maizels has a photo, Mahdi Dehghan has a 2015 photo, a 2020 closeup is available, and Google has a satellite view. The Gippsland Lakes are interconnected lagoons and marshes separated from the Bass Strait by a barrier beach. Since 1890 vessels have been able to enter the lakes through an artificially-maintained channel at the town of Lakes Entrance. The lighthouse is located on a hilltop commanding a direct view of the entrance about 800 m (1/2 mi) to the southeast. The site is easily accessible from the Princes Highway (highway A1). Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2544; NGA 7168.

Wellington Shire (Port Albert Area) Lighthouses
[Port Albert Entrance Range Rear]
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12 m (39 ft); white light occulting once every 3 s. 9 m (30 ft) skeletal mast mounted on a platform supported by piles. No photo available but Google has a satellite view. Located just off Earthquake Island opposite the entrance to the inlet. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2534.1; NGA 7192.
Point Hicks Light
Point Hicks Light, Croajingolong National Park, December 2007
Flickr Creative Commons photo by Chip_2904
* Citadel Island (1) (lantern)
1913. Inactive since 1982. 3.5 m (11 ft) lantern. Australia's first automated, acetylene-powered lighthouse. The original lighthouse, a 6 m (20 ft) square tower with lantern and gallery, was located atop a granite pinnacle a few miles west of Wilson's Promontory. The lighthouse was replaced by a fiberglass tower (see below). After being in storage for two decades the lantern was restored by volunteers for display at the maritime museum in Port Albert. A 2008 photo of the lantern is available and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Located at 4 Bay Street in Port Albert. Site open; museum open daily September through May, also on weekends and school holidays June through August; tower closed. Owner/site manager: Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum. ARLHS AUS-057.

South Gippsland Shire Lighthouses
Lighthouse Point
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 36 m (118 ft); white flash every 5 s; also a leading light, flash every 3, white, red or green depending on direction. 24 m (79 ft) skeletal tower. No photo available but Google has a distant satellite view. The leading light guides vessels approaching Corner Inlet. Located on a cape at the northeastern extension of Wilson's Promontory about 8 km (5 mi) south of the Corner Inlet entrance. Accessible by a long hike on the Mount Margaret Track. Site open, tower closed. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Wilson's Promontory National Park). Admiralty K2502; NGA 7208.
Cliffy Island
1884. Active; focal plane 52 m (171 ft); white flash every 5 s. 12 m (39 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. Tower unpainted; lantern and gallery painted white. The keeper's houses were demolished when the lighthouse was automated in 1971; stone walls formerly surrounding the houses remain. A 2018 aerial view is available, Stephen Erickson also has an aerial view, Wikipedia's article has a 1917 photo, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a steep-sided island in Bass Strait 32 km (20 mi) south of Port Albert and about 20 km (13 mi) east of the Wilson's Promontory coast. Accessible only by helicopter. Site and tower closed. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Victoria Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources. ARLHS AUS-059; Admiralty K2500; NGA 7204.
Wilson's Promontory (South East Point)
1859. Active; focal plane 117 m (384 ft); white flash every 7.5 s. 19 m (62 ft) round granite tower with lantern and gallery. Tower unpainted; lantern and gallery painted white. A well-preserved light station with several keeper's houses and other buildings. A resident caretaker helps maintain the station. Three keeper's houses are available for overnight rental (reservations essential). Todd Palmer's 2023 photo is at right, Ian Cochrane has a good photo , Phillip Walker has a closeup photo, Mark Barnes has a photo of the station, Wikipedia has a brief article with a 2008 photo, Mark Merton has a beautiful aerial photo, Trabas has a view from the sea by Capt. Theo Hinrichs, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This historic and well-known lighthouse marks the southernmost point of the mainland of Australia at latitude 39°08' S. Wilson's Promontory--"The Prom"--is a scenic peninsula incorporated into one of Australia's most popular national parks. In April 2005 a wildfire burned most of the park south of Tidal River, temporarily cutting off access to the lighthouse. Fortunately, the light station buildings were saved from the fire. Located at the southern end of the peninsula with a sweeping view of the Bass Strait. Accessible by a hike of 19 km (12 mi) one way from Tidal River. Site open, tower closed. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Wilson's Promontory National Park). . ARLHS AUS-171; Admiralty K2492; NGA 7300.

Wilson's Promontory Light, May 2023
Instagram photo by Todd Palmer
[Citadel Island (2)]
1982 (station established 1913). Active; focal plane 117 m (384 ft); two white flashes every 15 s. 5 m (17 ft) square white fiberglass cabinet. Bing has a satellite view. The original lighthouse was demolished in 1982, but the lantern is now displayed at the Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum (see above). Located atop a small, very steep island about 10 km (6 mi) off the west coast of Wilson's Promontory. Site and tower closed (critical wildlife sanctuary). ARLHS AUS-057; Admiralty K2486; NGA 7312.
* Cape Liptrap (2)
1951 (station established 1913). Active; focal plane 93 m (305 ft); white flash every 12 s. 10 m (32 ft) square cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. Foundations of the original lighthouse can be seen just below the modern tower, and its Fresnel lens is on display at the Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum in Port Albert. Vanda Cummins's photo is at right, Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, a 2021 photo is available, Wikipedia's article has a closeup photo by Wayne Butterworth, Nadi Perera has a 2018 closeup photo, Lightphotos.net has another closeup, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Cape Liptrap is a narrow, mountainous peninsula jutting into Bass Strait about 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Wilson's Promontory. The lighthouse was repainted and refurbished in 2001. Located on the cape about 10 km (6 mi) southwest of Walkerville. Accessible by gravel road. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Cape Liptrap Coastal Park). . ARLHS AUS-037; Admiralty K2482; NGA 7320.

Cape Liptrap Light, Walkerville, August 2018
ex-Google Plus photo by Vanda Cummins

Bass Coast Shire: Phillip Island Lighthouses
* [Cape Woolamai]
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 112 m (368 ft); white flash every 10 s. 3 m (10 ft) skeletal mast. Hikespeak.com has a photo, Joseph Tan has a 2019 photo and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Located on the southeastern tip of Phillip Island. Accessible by a hiking trail in the Cape Woolamai State Faunal Reserve. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2476; NGA 7328.
* Grossard Point (McHaffie's Point)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 27 m (89 ft); white, red or green light depending on direction, 4 s on, 1 s off. 13 m (43 ft) square cylindrical skeletal tower with gallery, mounted on a square 1-story masonry equipment room. A closeup street view is available and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This light guides vessels entering Western Port, a bay southeast of Melbourne sheltered by Phillip Island. The station is known for its spectacular view of the bay. Located at the end of Grossard Point Road in Ventnor, on the northwest side of Phillip Island. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2428; NGA 7440.

Port Phillip (Melbourne/Geelong Area) Lighthouses

Australia's second largest city, Melbourne has a metropolitan population of more than 5 million. Founded in 1835, it was named for the British Prime Minister at that time, William Lamb, Viscount Melbourne. The city faces the bay of Port Phillip, a large lagoon-like bay separated from the Bass Strait by the Mornington Peninsula on the east and the Bellarmine Peninsula on the west. Most of the bay is too shallow for large modern vessels; they follow the South Channel parallel to the southern shore of the bay and then turn northward along the east coast to reach the city.
 

Mornington Peninsula Shire Lighthouses
The Mornington Peninsula extends to the southeast of Melbourne, separating Western Port (actually on the east of Melbourne) from the broad Port Phillip bay.

West Head
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 50 m (164 ft); quick-flashing red light. Approx. 15 m (49) square skeletal tower atop a building. Daniel Douch has a distant street view and Google has a satellite view. West Head is a steep headland on the west side of the entrance to Western Port. Located in the Royal Australian Navy Training Centre at the tip of the cape in Flinders. Site and tower closed. Admiralty K2425.
*** Cape Schanck
1859. Active; focal plane 100 m (328 ft); white light shown to the south and west and red to the east; on 10.8 s, off 5.8 s, one quick intense flash, off 5.8 s. 21 m (70 ft) round limestone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern roof is red. A rotating 1st order Chance Brothers lens (1915) is in use; the original clockwork mechanism is also in place but is no longer used. The original limestone principal keeper's house is used as a lighthouse museum. Two assistant keeper's houses and an additional small cottage were previously in service as a bed and breakfast inn, but the lease of these facilities expired in April 2016 and no new lease has been granted. A 2024 photo is at right, Simon Yeo has a good photo, Trabas has Boucher's photo, Wynne Ma has a 2018 photo, Wikipedia's article has a photo, Damien Huang has a good 2008 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This handsome lighthouse is a landfall light for ships approaching Melbourne. Solidly built, it is one of the few Australian lighthouses with stone rather than iron stairs. It was carefully restored in the late 1970s and early 1980s and has become a very popular tourist attraction. Tours of the lighthouse are offered by The Lady of History and the museum is open on days when tours are conducted. Located at the end of Cape Schanck Road on the southwestern tip of the Mornington Peninsula, which shelters Port Phillip Bay. Site open, consult the Lady of History Facebook page for current information on tours (reservations are required) and museum openings. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Cape Schanck Lighthouse Reserve). . ARLHS AUS-045; Admiralty K2423; NGA 7456.
* Monash Tower (Range Rear)
1932. Inactive since 2005. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) square red brick tower. Beside the light tower is a popular observation tower. Heather Craven has a 2022 photo, Andrew Penovic also has a 2022 photo, and Google has a satellite view. The range guided ships in the West Channel of Port Phillip. Located atop a hill east of Point Nepean, the east side of the Port Phillip entrance. Accessible as the goal of a popular walk in Point Nepean National Park. Site and observation tower open. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Point Nepean National Park).

Cape Schank Light, Mornington Peninsula, January 2024
Instagram photo by mylittleteacups
South Channel Range Front (South Channel Pile Light, Rye Channel) (relocated)
1874. Reactivated (inactive 1985-1998); focal plane approx. 9 m (30 ft); white flash every 3 s. 9 m (30 ft) light tower centered on the roof of a 1-story octagonal wood keeper's house, mounted on wood pilings. Lighthouse painted white; gallery painted gold. Anne Morley's photo is at right, Lighthouses of Australia has a page for the lighthouse, Lightphotos.net has a page with a fine photo, Murray Adams has a 2009 photo, Trabas has Arndt's photo, Wikimedia has a good 2009 photo, and Bing has a satellite view. This is one of only two surviving cottage pile lighthouses in Australia. Originally it guided ships on the South Channel, a natural deepwater channel that runs east southeast from Queenscliff parallel to the south shore of Port Phillip Bay. The lighthouse deteriorated rapidly after deactivation in 1985. In 1998 it was removed by Parks Victoria, restored in Melbourne, and then relocated to a site about halfway between the original location and the town of Rye. At its new home it is known officially as the Rye Channel Beacon. Located about 3 km (2 mi) north of Rye. Accessible only by boat, but clearly visible from many locations on the shore. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Parks Victoria (South Channel Pile Lighthouse). . ARLHS AUS-150; Admiralty K2325.5; NGA 7523.4.
Hovell Pile
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white flash every 6 s. 14 m (46 ft) square white cylindrical skeletal tower with gallery covered by a metal roof. Trabas has Erich Hartmann's photo and Bing has a satellite view. This light marks the east end of a long west-east shoal. Located in the bay about 2 km (1.25 mi) north of Rosebud. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2324; NGA 7564.
 

South Channel Pile Light, Port Phillip, July 2018
Instagram photo by Anne Morley
 
* South Channel Range Rear ("Eastern Lighthouse", McCrae) (2)
1883 (station established 1854). Inactive since 1994. 34 m (110 ft) hexagonal pyramidal skeletal tower with central cylinder, lantern, and gallery. Entire lighthouse painted white. The keeper's houses have been demolished. The lighthouse was prefabricated in England in 1874 by Chance Brothers. In 1998 Parks Victoria thoroughly restored the exterior of the lighthouse. Mansoorul Haq's photo is at right, Petr Starý has a 2017 photo, Tahnun Ali has a 2022 photo, Lightphotos.net has a photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a 2017 street view and a satellite view. In June 2020 a $1 million grant from the state's Living Heritage Fund provided for repairs and restoration projects. Located beside the beach road (Point Nepean Road) at McCrae on the southeastern shore of Port Phillip Bay. Site open, tower closed. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Rosebud Foreshore Reserve). . ARLHS AUS-067.
* #Schnapper Point (1)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); two quick green flashes every 5 s. This was an 8 m (26 ft) square cylindrical skeletal tower, painted white, but Google's street view shows that the skeletal tower has been replaced by a post off the end of the pier. Google has a satellite view of the former location. Schnapper Point is a promontory at Mornington on the eastern shore of Port Phillip Bay. Located at the end of the Mornington Pier, which extends the promontory. Accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. ARLHS AUS-209. Active light: Admiralty K2330; NGA 7580.

City of Kingston Lighthouse
#Patterson River
Date unknown. Apparently removed in 2020; listed with focal plane 7 m (23 ft); white flash every 3 s. Light on a short post atop a boat club building. Google has a street view. The light has been removed from the Admiralty list and Jaylin Lin's drone view and the Google satellite view show that the clubhouse has been removed. Located on Stephens Street on the south side of the mouth of the Patterson River in Carrum. Site open. Owner/operator: Carrum Sailing and Motor Boat Club. ex-Admiralty K2331.6; NGA 7592.

City of Bayside Lighthouse
Half Moon Bay (Cerberus Shipwreck)
Date unknown (station established 1924). Active (privately maintained?); focal plane 6 m (20 ft); white flash every 5 s. Light on a short post atop a wrecked ship. Brett Kinross has a photo, Diaz Wardana has a 2023 closeup, and Google has a satellite view. The ship is HMVS Cerberus, an ironclad monitor built in 1870 for the Colony of Victoria. In 1924 it was sunk on a shoal as a breakwater for Half Moon Bay, on the southeast side of Melbourne. Located in the mouth of the bay; there's good view from the Black Rock Pier. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2333; NGA 7608.

Eastern Light, McCrae, June 2023
Google Maps photo by Mansoorul Haq

City of Port Phillip Lighthouses
Fawkner Beacon (2?)
1991(?). Active; focal plane 17 m (56 ft); white flash every 5 s. 17 m (56 ft) post with a triangular gallery, mounted on a platform supported by four piles. Tower painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has Douglas Cameron's photo, another photo is available, and Bing has a distant satellite view. An earlier lighthouse was destroyed by collision with a ship on 6 December 1990. This light is a familiar reference point for vessels in Port Phillip Bay. Located 11 km (7 mi) south of Port Melbourne. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2337; NGA 7888.
* Saint Kilda Marina
Date unknown (station established 1883). Active (privately maintained); focal plane 19 m (62 ft); continuous (?) white light; the lighthouse is also floodlit at night. 18 m (59 ft) tapered octagonal concrete tower with lantern and gallery. Entire lighthouse is white. Tahnun Ali's photo is at right, Chris Mitchell has a sunset photo, Marshall Cao has a 2020 photo, Dean Woodyatt has a 2008 photo of the light in action, Christine Wilson's photo also shows the light in action, Nina Jude has a distant street view, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the end of the breakwater quay at the St. Kilda Marina. Site open, tower closed. Owner/operator: St. Kilda Marina. Not listed by the Admiralty.
* Port Melbourne Channel (Port Melbourne Range Rear)
1924. Active; three lights: a general purpose light (focal plane 24 m (78 ft)) showing a white flash every 5 s; a leading light (focal plane 21 m (70 ft)) showing a red, white, or green light, depending on direction, 1.5 s on, 1.5 s off; and a continuous blue range light at a focal plane of 18 m (59 ft). 26 m (85 ft) slender concrete tower, painted white with a red "cap" at the top. Jennifer Johnston has a 2022 photo, Trabas has Arndt's photo, Waymarking.com has a good photo of both range lights, Lightphotos.net has Jan de Jonge's photo looking down the range, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. Formerly surrounded by an industrial area, this tower now stands at the north end of Beacon Vista, a boulevard in an upscale waterfront development called Beacon Cove. Located about 600 m (650 yd) inland from Beach Street east of Princes Pier. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Ports Victoria. Site manager: unknown. ARLHS AUS-139; Admiralty K2338.1; NGA 7896.


Saint Kilda Marina Light, Elwood, October 2022
Google Maps photo by Tahnun Ali
Port Melbourne Range Front (1)
1924. Inactive at least since 2011. 16 m (52 ft) slender round concrete tower, painted white with a red "cap" at the top. Daniel Tan's photo is at right, Drew Douglas has a photo, David Thompson has a 2007 photo of the lighthouse and the liner Queen Elizabeth II, Waymarking.com has a good photo of both range lights, Glenn Bachelor has a 2019 photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This tower and the previous one listed guided ships to the docks at the head of Port Phillip Bay. In 2011 a new light on a post (focal plane 9 m (30 ft); continuous blue light) was placed in front of the historic lighthouse; Trabas has Hartmann's photo of that light. Located in the water about 500 m (550 yd) off Beach Street near Princes Pier. Accessible only by boat, but easily visible from shore. Site open, tower closed. Site manager: unknown. ARLHS AUS-273. Active light: Admiralty K2338; NGA 7895.

City of Hobsons Bay Lighthouses
* Point Gellibrand Pile (relocated light tower)
1906. Inactive since 1976. 8 m (26 ft) round cylindrical metal tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. Fresnel lens. This includes the original lantern of the light tower formerly centered on the roof of the Point Gellibrand Pile Light. The lighthouse was located in Port Phillip Bay off Williamstown southwest of Melbourne. The pile light was damaged beyond repair when the ship Melbourne Trader collided with it in 1976. Unfortunately, the decision to salvage the lantern was not made until after the lighthouse was set afire on 23 June 1976, and the original light tower was not salvageable. The lantern was placed on a replica tower on display at the Melbourne Maritime Museum on South Wharf on the south bank of the Yarra River in downtown Melbourne, near the tall ship Polly Woodside. The National Library has a 1996 photo. When the museum was closed for several years for major renovations the lighthouse was placed in storage. In May 2019 it was relocated to the waterfront of the Seaworks Maritime Precinct in Williamstown, where the tower has been restored and repainted. Seaworks has a 2023 closeup photo, Geordie Barker has a 2020 photo, Google has a street view, and Bing has a satellite view. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: Seaworks Maritime Precinct (Gellibrand Pile Light). ARLHS AUS-079.

Port Melbourne Range Front Light, Melbourne, February 2019
Google Maps photo by Daniel Tan
* Point Gellibrand (Williamstown) (Time Signal) (2)
1849 (station established 1840). Inactive 1859-1934 and since 1987. 17 m (58 ft) tapered square bluestone tower carrying a timeball mast. No lantern; tower unpainted. Tower floodlit at night. Jess Lai has a 2019 photo, Yuxiang Guo has a 2021 photo, Lightphotos.net has Jan de Jonge's photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This is Victoria's oldest light station. Beginning in 1853 it was also equipped with a timeball apparatus: a mast with a sphere that was lowered each day precisely at 1 pm so that ships in the harbor could adjust their chronometers. The timeball remained in use until 1926. In 1934 the tower was reconverted to a lighthouse by the addition of a 15 m (50 ft) cylindrical brick tower atop the original structure. Stephanie Trigg has a historic photo (1/3 the way down the page) of the extended tower. 1989-90 this tower extension was removed and the tower was restored to its late 19th century appearance. The timeball is now lowered automatically each day at 1 pm. Located on Point Gellibrand at the south end of Nelson Place in Williamstown. Site open, tower closed. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Point Gellibrand Heritage Park). ARLHS AUS-170.

City of Greater Geelong Lighthouse
West Channel (Pile Light)
1881 (lightship station established 1854). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); flash every 6 s, white or red depending on direction. 11 m (36 ft) light tower centered on the roof of a 1-story octagonal wood keeper's house, mounted on wood pilings. Lighthouse painted white. Heritage Council Victoria has a page for the lighthouse including the photo is at right, Lighthouses of Australia also has a page, a 2011 photo is available, Wikimedia has a historic photo, and Bing has a satellite view. This is one of only two surviving cottage pile lighthouses in Australia (the other is the South Channel Pile Light described above). The historic lighthouse marks the northeast end of a large shoal area off the east end of the Bellarine Peninsula, on the west side of Port Phillip Bay, and it also marks the northern end of the West Channel leading to the exit from Port Phillip Bay. The cast iron lantern is from the 1854 lightship. Sometime in the 1970s a new pile substructure was built; in the transfer of the lighthouse to the new base part of the veranda and balustrade were lost. In recent years the structure has been restored and converted to solar power. Located in Port Phillip Bay about 4 km (2.5 mi) east of St. Leonards. Accessible only by boat. . Admiralty K2232.
West Channel Pile Light
West Channel Pile Light, St. Leonards
Victorian Heritage Register photo

Borough of Queenscliffe Lighthouses

Queenscliffe is located on the west side of the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, a dangerous passage known to navigators as The Rip. The entrance is about 3.5 km (2.17 mi) wide, but shoals narrow the practical entrance to a width of 1 km (0.6 mi) or less. Since this is the only opening to the bay of Port Phillip, tidal currents through the gap are very strong. Large ships are required to use qualified pilots for this passage.
[Pope's Eye Bank]
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 7.5 m (25 ft); flash every 6 s, white or red depending on direction. 7 m (23 ft) mast mounted on a square concrete base. Trabas has Boucher's photo, the light is near the left edge of Wikipedia's photo of the reef, and Bing has a satellite view. Pope's Eye is an artificial reef created in the 1880s for a fortification that was never completed; the reef is now an important nesting site for Australian gannets. Located at the south end of the West Channel of Port Phillip, about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) east of Queenscliff. Accessible only by boat. Site and tower closed (nature preserve). Site manager: Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Admiralty K2220; NGA 7620.
*** Queenscliff Harbour (Directional)
Date unknown. Active (privately maintained); focal plane 28 m (92 ft); continuous white light shown only along the line of the Queenscliff Range (next entries). 40 m (131 ft) round tower carrying a large circular observation room reached by a spiral stairway. Swan Chen has a 2023 photo, Trabas has Arndt's photo and Google has a 2023 street view and a satellite view. Located at the Queenscliff marina. Site open, tower open daily 9 am to 4:30 pm. Owner/site manager: Queenscliff Harbour. Admiralty K2207.5.
* Queenscliff (Shortland Bluff) High ("The Black Lighthouse," Port Phillip Entrance Range Rear) (2)
1862 (station established 1843). Active; focal plane 40 m (130 ft); white light, fixed or occulting 2.5 s every 15 s, depending on direction. 25 m (82 ft) round bluestone (basalt) tower with lantern and gallery. The tower is unpainted dark stone (not actually black); the lantern and gallery are painted green. 3-story octagonal signal station (1850). The occultations are shown toward the entrance of Port Phillip Bay, in unison with the Queenscliff Low Light, Hume Tower, and Murray Tower. Ships in the proper channel see the Black and White Lighthouses in line and blinking in unison, with the Hume Tower on the left and the Murray Tower on the right. Daniel Ryan's photo is at right, Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, Wikipedia's article has a photo by Stephen Bain, Melissa Spurlock has a good 2007 photo, Brett Matthews has a 2008 photo, a 2020 photo is available, and Google has a satellite view and a street view from outside the fort. Located in Fort Queenscliff, a late 19th century fort and still a Department of Defence property. Parking available at the entrance to the fort at the corner of King and Gellibrand Streets. Site open to guided tours, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Ports Victoria. . ARLHS AUS-263; Admiralty K2200; NGA 7480.

Queenscliff High (Black) Light, January 2011
photo copyright Heather Craven; used by permission
* Queenscliff (Shortland Bluff) Low ("The White Lighthouse," Port Phillip Entrance Range Front) (2)
1863 (station established 1854). Active; focal plane 28 m (93 ft); light occults for 2 s every 15 s; light shows red, white, or green depending on direction. 22 m (73 ft) round bluestone (basalt) tower with lantern and gallery. Tower painted white with a red vertical stripe as a daymark; lantern and gallery painted dark green. 1-story keeper's house. The principal purpose of this light is to show a white light in range with the Queenscliff High Light to guide ships in the main ship channel entering Port Phillip Bay; ships off course to the right see a red light and those off course to the left see a green light. Various colors are shown in sectors indicating proper navigation from other directions. The lighthouse is flanked by two skeletal towers (next two entries) showing red and green lights, respectively, that blink off in unison with the lighthouse to provide a unique entrance pattern precisely defining the correct course through The Rip. Heather Craven's photo is at right, Trabas has Boucher's excellent photo, a 2009 photo also shows the Murray Tower, Peter Stokes has a 2021 photo of all three lighthouses, Wikipedia's article has a photo by Michael Beckham, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Nancy Alford has a street view, and Google has a satellite view showing all three towers. Located on Shortland Bluff, on the lower slope of the Queenscliff Peninsula adjacent to the Ocean View Carpark, where parking is provided. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Ports Victoria. . ARLHS AUS-262; Admiralty K2200.1; NGA 7484.
* Hume Tower
1924. Active; focal plane 28 m (92 ft); red light, occulting for 2.5 s every 15 s. 23 m (75 ft) square cylindrical steel tower carrying a red slatted daymark with a white vertical stripe. The Hume Tower lines up with the Queenscliff High Light to indicate the western edge of the deepwater channel into Port Phillip Bay. Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, this tower is on the left in Heather Craven's photo at right and it is to the left of the white lighthouse in a photo and Google's satellite view. Nancy Alford has a street view. Located adjacent to the Queenscliff Low Light. Parking provided at the Ocean View Carpark. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Ports Victoria. ARLHS AUS-288; Admiralty K2199.9; NGA 7476.
* Murray Tower
1974. Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); green light, occulting for 2.5 s every 15 s. Approx. 16 m (53 ft) square cylindrical steel tower carrying a large green daymark with a white vertical stripe. The Murray Tower lines up with the Queenscliff High Light to indicate the eastern edge of the deepwater channel into Port Phillip Bay. It replaced a stone obelisk on the same location. This tower is on the left in Heather Craven's photo at right, Trabas has Boucher's photo, it appears in Brett Matthews's 2008 photo of the White Lighthouse, it appears in a 2009 photo of the White Lighthouse, Nancy Alford has a street view, and it is a little to the right of the white lighthouse in Google's satellite view. Located adjacent to the Queenscliff Low Light. Parking provided at the Ocean View Carpark. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Ports Victoria. ARLHS AUS-289; Admiralty K2204; NGA 7488.

Hume Tower, Murray Tower, and White Lighthouse, December 2019
photo copyright Heather Craven; used by permission
* Fort West
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); continuous white or red light, depending on direction. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) square cylindrical steel skeletal tower carrying a white slatted daymark. Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, this light is seen at the far left of Nancy Rau's photo of the Queenscliff lighthouses, Nancy Alford has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. This directional light guides small craft and pilot vessels; it was formerly the front light of a range with the Black Lighthouse as the rear light. Located at the Ocean View Carpark a short distance west of the Hume Tower. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Port of Melbourne. Admiralty K2199; NGA 7472.
* The Narrows
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 21.5 m (70 ft); continuous light, white, red or green depending on direction. Approx. 9 m (30 ft) square concrete column supporting a square platform. Trabas has Boucher's photo and Google has a satellite view. This light guides inbound vessels. Located off Flinders Street adjacent to Camp Wyuna. Accessible by the Queenscliff Dune Walk (Lover's Walk) trail. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2197.
* Rocky Point (Leading Light)
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 12.5 m (41 ft); continuous red light. Approx. 9 m (30 ft) square concrete column supporting a square platform. Trabas has Arndt's view of the light in action and Google has a street view and a satellite view. This light guides outbound vessels in the South Channel approaching the Rip. Located in Royal Park in Point Lonsdale. Site open, tower closed. Admiralty K2196.
** Point Lonsdale (3)
1902 (station established 1863). Active; focal plane 37 m (120 ft); white or red light depending on direction, 2 s on, 2 s off, 2 s on, 9 s off. 21 m (70 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, the lower portion surrounded by a 2-story circular signal station. Tower and signal building painted white, lantern and gallery black. Fog horn (2 blasts every 30 s). Heather Craven's photo is at right, Trabas has an excellent photo by Hess, Sabine Chalmers has a 2022 photo, Wikipedia's article has a photo by Stephen Bain, Hamish Wallace has a 2019 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, James Graco has a 2017 street view, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse guards "The Rip," the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne's harbor. The signal station, added in 1950, was staffed at all times to communicate with vessels making the dangerous passage into or out of the harbor. The station includes Victoria's only surviving fog signal building (1884) and an explosives shed (1891) that was used to store rockets fired to communicate with vessels. The historic foghorn is operational and is still used in foul weather. The exterior of the lighthouse was restored in 1997 and in 2002 the Victorian Channels Authority and Heritage Victoria cooperated to restore the interior. In 2012 a plan was announced to gradually destaff the lighthouse as its staff resigns or retires; this led to grave concern and even some outrage. Apparently the station is still staffed. The area immediately offshore is protected within the Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. Located on the west side of the bay entrance off Flinders St. in Queenscliff; accessible by paved road, parking available. Site open; tower open to guided tours every Sunday from the Queenscliffe Maritime Museum (reservations required). Operator/site manager: Ports Victoria. . ARLHS AUS-222; Admiralty K2194; NGA 7460.

Point Lonsdale Light, Queenscliff, February 2022
photo copyright Heather Craven; used by permission

Southwest Coast Lighthouses

Surf Coast Shire Lighthouse
***
Split Point (Eagles Nest Point, "The White Queen")
1891. Active; focal plane 66 m (218 ft); four white flashes, separated by 3 s, every 20 s. 34 m (110 ft) round concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white; lantern roof is red. The original Chance Brothers 1st order Fresnel lens continues in use. At least two 1-story keeper's houses. Ian Row's 2024 photo is at the top of this page, Wikipedia's article has a photo by Mike Lehmann and several other photos, a fine closeup is available, Trabas has a closeup by Hess, Ivan Ukhov has a 2021 photo, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a 2023 street view and a satellite view. This lighthouse, known affectionately as the White Queen, is a welcoming sight for sailors westbound for Melbourne. In early 2004, two keeper's houses were sold at auction as private residences. In early 2005 the Surf Coast Shire government secured a lease of the lighthouse and then contracted with Eco-Logic, Inc., to offer tours. Ceremonies opening the lighthouse to the public were held on 2 November 2005. In 2023 the principal keeper's house was on sale for $3.2 million. Located on the point at Airey's Inlet, about 120 km (75 mi) southwest of Melbourne. Parking provided; a popular oceanfront trail begins at the lighthouse. Site open, tower open for tours daily but reservations are essential. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Surf Coast Shire (Split Point Lighthouse) . ARLHS AUS-154; Admiralty K2182; NGA 7984.

Colac Otway Shire Lighthouse
**** Cape Otway
1848 (Mortimer Lewis). Inactive since 1994. 20 m (65 ft) round sandstone tower, painted white. 1st order Chance Brothers Fresnel lens. The principal keeper's house (1857) is available for overnight accommodations. Duplex assistant keeper's house (1858), telegraph station (1859), and other historic buildings. The active light (focal plane 73 m (239 ft); three white flashes, separated by 4.5 s, every 18 s; red flashes shown over rocks close to shore) is on a 4 m (13 ft) fiberglass cabinet seen in Boucher's photo. A 2023 photo is at right, Lighthouses of Australia has historical information, Peter Price has a 2023 photo, Wikipedia's article has a photo by Christoph Settgast, Susan Hunt has a good view, Huelse has a historic postcard view, Caleb Levy has a street view, and Google has a satellite view. One of Australia's best known, best preserved, and most visited lighthouses. Cape Otway and Cape Wickham (on King Island, Tasmania) frame the 84 km (52 mi) wide western entrance to Bass Strait, known to 19th century sailors as the Eye of the Needle. The light station, second oldest on the Australian mainland, was built as the principal landfall light for ships arriving in southeastern Australia from the Cape of Good Hope. At the time the lighthouse was built the surrounding area was remote and wild. The 150th anniversary of the lighthouse was celebrated in August 1998. The station is now maintained by Parks Victoria and was operated for many years by a lessee, Tourism Great Ocean Road Pty. Ltd. The lease was set to expire in June 2022 and there was concern about future management. In March 2022 the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority announced it would take a lease beginning July 1. Located on the cape about 20 km (12 mi) southwest of Apollo Bay. Parking provided. Site open, tower open to self-guided tours daily (admission fee). Site manager: Parks Victoria (Cape Otway Lightstation ). ARLHS AUS-043. Active light: Admiralty K2172; NGA 8012.

Warrnambool City Lighthouses
* Lady Bay Lower (Range Front)
1854 (lit since 1871). Active; focal plane 27 m (82 ft); blue light, 1 s on, 1 s off. 8 m (26 ft) square stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern roof is red. Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, William Beagley has a 2016 photo, Peter Craig has a panoramic street view, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The tower was built as an unlit obelisk providing a daytime range; in 1871 the lantern of the former Lady Bay Beach Light (1859) was moved atop the obelisk. The lighthouses are part of a maritime history complex that includes several buildings, exhibits, and daily presentations. Located at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. ARLHS AUS-098; Admiralty K2158; NGA 8016.

Cape Otway Light, Apollo Bay, October 2023
Instagram photo by Cape Otway Lightstation
* Lady Bay Upper (Range Rear)
1859 (relocated 1872). Active; focal plane 33 m (109 ft); blue light, 3 s on, 3 s off. 8 m (26 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern roof is red. Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, another closeup photo is available, Lightphotos.net has Jan de Jonge's photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The tower was built in 1859 on Middle Island, about 2200 m (1.4 mi) southwest of its present location. In 1871-72 it was dismantled and rebuilt to form the Lady Bay Range. Located on Merri Street, 130 m (425 ft) north of the front light near the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. Site open, tower closed. Operator/site manager: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. . ARLHS AUS-099; Admiralty K2158.1; NGA 8020.

Moyne Shire Lighthouse
* Griffiths Island (Griffith Island, Port Fairy)
1859. Active; focal plane 12 m (41 ft); two white flashes every 10 s. 11 m (36 ft) round bluestone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; lantern roof is red. The keeper's houses were demolished around 1956. A 2021 photo by Greg Blair is at right, Lightphotos.net has Jan de Jonge's photo, Trabas has a photo by Hess, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse is endangered by rising sea level. In 2000 volunteers restored the site, removing non-native vegetation to reveal the foundations of the keeper's houses and other structures. Located on the eastern point of the island, which shelters the harbor of Port Fairy. Accessible by a footbridge and a walk of about 400 m (1/4 mi); parking is provided. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Ports Victoria. Site manager: Moyne Shire Council (Griffiths and Rabbit Islands Public Park). . ARLHS AUS-086; Admiralty K2146; NGA 8028.

Griffiths Island Light, Port Fairy, January 2021
Google Maps photo by Greg Blair

Glenelg Shire Lighthouses
* Whaler's Bluff (Whaler Point, Portland Bay)
1859 (relocated 1889). Active; focal plane 41 m (135 ft); three white flashes, separated by 4.5 s, every 30 s; red flashes are shown over the reef to the east. 12 m (39 ft) round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; entire lantern is red. The keeper's houses have been demolished. Darrell Morrison has a good photo, Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, Tushar Kelkar has a 2022 photo, Kylie Ryan has a closeup photo, Chris Droge has a 2018 photo, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The lighthouse was built on what is now called Battery Point south of Portland; it was dismantled and relocated in 1889 so that artillery could be placed at that site. Located on a bluff at the end of Lighthouse Street on the north side of Portland. Limited on-street parking available. Site open, tower closed. Operator: Ports Victoria. . ARLHS AUS-168; Admiralty K2138; NGA 8048.
Portland Harbour Main Breakwater ("Corkscrew")
Date unknown. Active; focal plane 22 m (72 ft); quick-flashing red light. Approx. 18 m (59 ft) mast. A stairway spirals around the tower. Trabas has Boucher's photo, a 2020 photo and a photo of the light in action are available, and Google has a satellite view. Because of the prominent spiral the light is known locally as the Corkscrew. Located at the end of the long main breakwater of Portland. Site and tower closed. Admiralty K2139; NGA 8052.
**** Cape Nelson
1884. Active; focal plane 75 m (246 ft); four white flashes, separated by 3 s, every 20 s. 32 m (105 ft) round bluestone tower, painted white; lantern roof is red. 4th order Chance Brothers Fresnel lens in use. The keeper's houses are available for overnight accommodations. Stables and workshop have been converted to use as a café. An unusual feature of this station is a long rubblestone wall built to protect the keeper's houses from the frequent high winds. A 2023 photo is at right, a 2021 photo is available, Natalie Townsend has a good 2007 photo, Trabas has Boucher's closeup photo, Wikimedia has a photo by Jimmy Harris, Lighthouses of Australia has a page for the lighthouse, and Google has a street view and a satellite view. The exterior of the lighthouse was restored and repainted in a $2.1 million project in 2022-23; the photo at right shows the results. This historic and well preserved light station is now a state park with visitor facilities operated by a lessee. Located 13 km (8 mi) south of Portland; accessible by paved road and parking is provided. Site open, tower open to guided tours daily. Operator: AMSA. Site manager: Parks Victoria (Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve) . ARLHS AUS-041; Admiralty K2136; NGA 8064.

Information available on lost lighthouses:

  • Lady Bay Beach (1859-1871), Warrnambool. Lighthouses of Australia discusses this lighthouse on its page for the Lady Bay Low Lighthouse. ARLHS AUS-272.
  • Point Grant (1947-1998), Phillip Island. The skeletal lighthouse has been replaced by a small fiberglass light. ARLHS AUS-207. Active light: Admiralty K2424.2; NGA 7448.

Notable faux lighthouses:


Cape Nelson Light, Portland, October 2023
Instagram photo by Narelle and Hector

Adjoining pages: North: Southern New South Wales | South: Tasmania | West: South Australia

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Posted May 3, 2004. Checked and revised February 25, 2024. Lighthouses: 42. Site copyright 2024 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.