Built in 1862, Gabo Island Lighthouse is a historic site recognised by the Commonwealth and the State Government of Victoria. The lighthouse was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 and is recognised for its aesthetic prominence in the landscape, its technical stonemason craftsmanship, and its association with prominent designers of the mid-19th century. The lighthouse is also listed on the Victorian Heritage Database for the site’s intactness as a mid to late century lightstation, and its technical achievement regarding its stonemasonry, and external and internal fittings.
Constructed to replace the pre-existing 1853 timber tower, the lightstation is located on Gabo Island within Bass Strait, approximately 13.9 kilometres from the township of Mallacoota (Vic). Standing at a height of 47 metres, the circular dressed granite structure was originally fitted with a 1st Order Chance Bros 12’ diameter lantern and fixed lens.
Presently, the tower is fitted with a Tideland Nova-250 beacon operating on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of Aids to Navigation (AtoN). The equipment on-site is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once each year. AMSA officers visit on an ad-hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
Parks Victoria maintain all other structures outside of the AMSA lease including the keeper’s cottages and various service buildings. Parks Victoria also serve as caretaker for the fauna and flora of the Island.
This heritage management plan concerns the lighthouse within the AMSA lease, however it also addresses the management of the surrounding land. The plan is intended to guide AMSA’s decisions and actions. We have prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lighthouse in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (EPBC Regulations).
Well-built and generally well-maintained, the lighthouse 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 Gabo Island Lighthouse are recognised, maintained and preserved for future generations.