Point Hicks Lighthouse
57WG+R8, 2885 Point Hicks Rd, Tamboon VIC 3890, Australia
Name and Location
The Point Hicks Lighthouse is located at 57WG+R8, 2885 Point Hicks Rd, Tamboon VIC 3890, Australia.
2. Construction and History
The Point Hicks Lighthouse was constructed in 1891 and officially opened by the then-Governor of Victoria, Lord Brassey. It replaced an earlier temporary structure that had been erected in 1879. The lighthouse is notable for being one of the earliest lighthouses built on the Australian mainland.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Point Hicks Lighthouse's design is characterized by a robust stone tower with a distinctive lantern room at its peak. The tower is constructed from local granite, which was quarried from nearby sites. The building's style is reminiscent of other late 19th-century Australian lighthouses, reflecting the influence of European architectural traditions.
4. Light and Navigation
The Point Hicks Lighthouse features a white light that flashes every 10 seconds, with a range of approximately 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers). This light serves as a beacon for mariners navigating the Bass Strait and the southeastern coast of Victoria.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can explore the lighthouse and its surrounding environment, which offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding wilderness areas. The lighthouse is situated within the Tamboon Coastal Reserve, a protected area that preserves the natural beauty of the region. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a sealed road, with parking facilities available nearby. A short walking trail leads to the lighthouse, providing an opportunity to appreciate its unique architecture and scenic surroundings.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding environment offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding wilderness areas.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
In 1935, the Point Hicks Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding the HMS Terrible, a British warship, through treacherous weather conditions off the coast of Victoria.
8. Technical and Operational Details
Although the lighthouse is no longer manually operated, it remains an important aid to navigation.
9. Further Information
Details
| Name | Point Hicks Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Tamboon |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | -37.8019218, 149.2755534 |
| Year of construction | 1891 |
| Events | 1935: guided the HMS Terrible through treacherous weather conditions |
| Stories | played a crucial role in guiding the HMS Terrible through treacherous weather conditions |
| Architectural style | late 19th-century Australian lighthouse style |
| Construction material | "local granite" |
| Tower height | 56 |
| Heritage status | true |
| Access description | via a sealed road and walking trail |
| Accessible | true |
| View description | stunning views of the coastline and surrounding wilderness areas |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | parking, picnic areas, walking trails |
| Opening hours | during daylight hours |
| Light characteristic | "white light that flashes every 10 seconds" |
| Light range | 18 |
| Automated | true |