Built in 1909, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was constructed to assist vessels traversing the western waters of Kangaroo Island (South Australia) after a number of ships were wrecked in the late 19th century. The lighthouse is notable for its heritage significance and was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its association with South Australia’s maritime and economic history. It is also renowned as being the last lighthouse to be built by the State Government before lighthouse management was transferred to the Commonwealth. The lighthouse is also significant for its inclusion within a relatively intact lightstation complex, and for its aesthetic qualities as a prominent landmark upon the cape.
Cape du Couedic Lighthouse was also listed on the South Australian Heritage Register in 1980. The site is of great historical significance to the Kangaroo Island community.
Situated approximately 95.2 kilometres south-west of Kingscote, and approximately 209.9 kilometres south-west of South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide, the lighthouse stands upon Cape du Couedic on Cape du Couedic Road. The lighthouse was designed by Assistant Engineer of Harbours J.B. Labatt, and construction of the lightstation began in 1907 which included a jetty, flying fox, three keepers’ cottages and a store. As a working marine aid to navigation (AtoN), the Lighthouse tower is operated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA).
The lighthouse was originally fitted with a kerosene-powered 1st Order Chance Bros. lens which was removed in 1957. The current LED optical array is now housed within a 375mm Chance Bros. lens which operates on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s AtoN network. The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
The larger part of the lightstation, which includes three keepers’ cottages built 1909, lies outside of AMSA’s curtilage and is managed by the South Australian State Government. The lighthouse tower is not open to public access.
This heritage management plan is primarily concerned with the lighthouse, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide AMSA’s decisions and actions. AMSA has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth).
Being well built and generally well maintained, the lighthouse precinct is in relatively good, stable condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure that the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape du Couedic Lighthouse are recognised, maintained, and preserved for future generations.