Cape Sorell Lighthouse
The Cape Sorell Lighthouse is a heritage-listed[2] lighthouse that is located on Cape Sorell in the West Coast region of Tasmania, Australia. The lighthouse is situated approximately 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) southwest of Strahan.
![]() ![]() Cape Sorell Lighthouse Location in Tasmania | |
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Location | Entrance to Macquarie Harbour West Coast Tasmania Australia |
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Coordinates | 42°11′52.4″S 145°10′09.0″E[1] |
Year first constructed | 1899 |
Automated | 1971 |
Construction | brick tower |
Tower shape | conical tower with balcony and lantern |
Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern dome, grey lantern |
Tower height | 40 metres (130 ft) |
Focal height | 51 metres (167 ft) AHD |
Light source | solar power |
Intensity | |
Range |
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Characteristic | Fl (2) 15s. |
Admiralty number | K3660 |
NGA number | 6892 |
ARLHS number | AUS-046 |
Heritage | Australian Heritage Register |
Constructed[3] and first lit in 1899,[4][5] the 40-metre-high (130 ft) lighthouse is the only structure remaining from a brick complex of tower, three houses and engine room, except for the foundation remnants of the three keepers' residences.[2]
The light characteristic is a group of two flashes that occurs every fifteen seconds, its focal plane is at 51 metres (167 ft) above sea level with a white light intensity of 208,000 candlepower, visible for 32 kilometres (20 mi) and the red, of 83,000 candlepower, visible for 19 kilometres (12 mi).[2]
Initially fed by vapourised kerosene, the station was automated in 1971[6] and in 1998, the light was converted to solar power.[7]
Further automation occurred in 2012.[8]
References
- "Cape Sorell Lighthouse (TAS)". Gazetteer of Australia online. Geoscience Australia, Australian Government.
- "Place ID 13246". Australian Heritage Database. Department of the Environment.
- "Cape Sorell Lighthouse". Zeehan and Dundas Herald. IX (147). Tasmania, Australia. 6 April 1899. p. 2. Retrieved 15 October 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- "Cape Sorell Light". Zeehan And Dundas Herald. IX (302). Tasmania, Australia. 4 October 1899. p. 4. Retrieved 13 February 2018 – via National Library of Australia.
- "THE CAPE SORELL LIGHTHOUSE". The Mercury. LXXIII (9051). Tasmania. 6 March 1899. p. 2. Retrieved 13 May 2016 – via National Library of Australia.
- The visitors book for 1932 -1969 has been retained at the Maritime Museums of Tasmania Visitors book – Cape Sorell Lighthouse, retrieved 13 May 2016
- Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of Australia: Tasmania". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
- Sinclair, Ian (10 April 2012), Old lighthouse goes automatic, retrieved 13 May 2016