History & Information  |   Photographs  |  Map and Access Details  |   Links

HISTORY & INFORMATION

The first lighthouse at Shortland Bluff (Queenscliff) commenced operation in 1843. In 1854, a second light was erected to allow ships navigating the entrance to Port Phillip to align the two lights and be confident of safe passage. This second light, known as the Low Light, was of timber construction and painted white. It was the forerunner to the present white lighthouse, which serves the same purpose.

The current light went into operation in 1863. It was built from basalt quarried in Footscray, west of Melbourne. Unlike the High Light (Black Lighthouse) which was left with its natural colour, the Low Light was painted white to aid in distinguishing the two lights from one another in daylight. The light was converted to gas in 1890 and later converted to electricity in 1924.

The tower of the Low Light is 20 metres tall, and the light stands 28 metres above sea level. Its lamps, lenses and their housings were manufactured in Birmingham, England by Chance Brothers. The light operates automatically and is now unstaffed.

Sources:
* Rod Cairns' Leading Lights
* Lighthouses of Australia Inc

PHOTOGRAPHS

Photographed by K. Eggleston, 28 November 1999 © Kristie Eggleston

MAP & ACCESS DETAILS

Refer to regional map at Wilmap for greater detail.

Access The White Lighthouse is located south of the Queenscliff township, above the public beach on the ocean-side of the coastline, overlooking The Rip. The lighthouse is, however, fenced-off from the public. The lighthouse can be viewed from below on the beach, and from the side through the fence. The lighthouse reserve backs onto the Fort Queenscliff grounds, so access from the rear is not possible. There are no tours available.

LINKS

	Black Lighthouse, Queenscliff	Grant & Tracey's Lighthouse pages
	Point Lonsdale Lighthouse	Rod Cairns' Leading Lights
	Lighthouses of Australia Inc	Great Ocean Road Highlights
	Bellarine Historical Society