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Remote and distinct, lighthouses provide safe passage through some of Australia’s most perilous coast. But none do it style quite like our selection of square lighthouses dating back to the 19th Century.
Iron Pot Lighthouse, Hobart & South Tas, 1833
On a boat cruise departing Hobart you’ll find Australia’s oldest lighthouse tower in use, atop of the small and rocky Iron Pot Island. Governor Arthur ordered the Iron Pot Lighthouse’s construction following the trading ship Hope’s demise on its now namesaked beach opposite Bruny Island.
Built in 1833, it was originally convict-run on a nearby island. But today, this beaten red and white beauty runs on solar, guarding the mouth Derwent River. Pic: Hype TV and Aerial Vision Australia
Green Cape Lighthouse, Ben Boyd NP, NSW 1883
The Green Cape Lighthouse is a sweet Heritage-listed wonder that guides sailors through the ominous-sounding Disaster Bay south of Eden. Fifty-five kilometres from the NSW-Victoria, it is the southernmost operational lightstation within the Premiere State.
But the Green Cape Lighthouse is also Australia’s first concrete cast lighthouse, designed by famed Colonial architect James Barnet who was responsible for the NSW State Library. To construct the 29 metre high tower, the largest of our square lighthouses, stonemason Albert Aspinall spent five months constructing a 7km wooden tramway from the nearest port at Bittangabee Bay.
From Eden Tower, you’ll reach it on an epic two-day hike. Or, you can just turn-off the A1 down the sealed Edrom Road. Book a one-hour tour or spot whales during migration. Pic: Tourism NSW
Cape Borda, Kangaroo Island, SA 1858
A cannon erupts daily at the quaint Cape Borda Lighthouse in the north of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. Seafarers found their way through the perilous Investigator Strait listening to the cannon fire that augmented Cape Borda’s output on foggy days. Cape Borda lighthouse itself is still operational, utilising an original Deville lantern room featuring 14 windows.
You can admire the Strait’s crashing waves on a half hour walk. Or, inspect whalebones and traditional lighthouse keeper tools and household items at the small, on-site museum. There’s a fascinating lighthouse keeper cemetery a short drive down the road. Pic: Gavin Anderson
