To mark International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on 17-18 August, AMSA is encouraging Victorian residents to visit their local lighthouse.
AMSA operates four lighthouses that are regularly open to the public in Victora. These lighthouses are located at Cape Schanck near Flinders on the Mornington Peninsula; Split Point, Aireys Inlet; Gabo Island (requires access by boat); and Cape Nelson, near Portland (access is by guided tour only).
The 34 metre tall Split Point Lighthouse became operational in September 1891 to assist mariners into Port Phillip Bay. The lighthouse was previously known as Eagle’s Nest Lighthouse until a name change in 1913. The light was automated and demanned in 1919.
AMSA Chief Executive Officer Graham Peachey said International Lighthouse Day was held annually across the globe to celebrate the significant role of lighthouses in our history.
“Lighthouses have been used as an aid to navigation for hundreds of years and are a unique part of Australia’s history and coastline,” Mr Peachey said.
“Australia’s coastline has more than 350 lighthouses which have been erected over the past 200 years on islands, beaches and in harbours to improve safety at sea.
“All Australian lighthouses are now automated and continue to play an important role in shipping safety,” Mr Peachey said.
International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend was initiated in 1998 by the Ayr Amateur Radio Group in Scotland to promote public awareness of lighthouses and other aids to navigation and their need for preservation and restoration, as well as encouraging amateur radio operators to practice their craft. The Association of Lighthouse Keepers joined the event a few years later to add an open day element to the event.