Built in 1899, Cape Sorell Lighthouse is a historic site recognised by both the Commonwealth and the State Government of Tasmania. The place was put on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004 for its contribution to the development of navigational aids along the west coast of Tasmania, and for its standing as the only remaining intact structure of the Cape Sorell Lightstation complex. The Lighthouse is also recognised for its illustration of a type of late-nineteenth-century lighthouse, and its prominence within its landscape setting.
Cape Sorell Lighthouse is listed on the Tasmanian State Heritage Register for its contribution to the development of navigation aids along the west coast of Tasmania, its standing as an example of a Victorian brick lighthouse—the only remaining intact structure of the Cape Sorell Lightstation complex—, and its aesthetic prominence in its landscape setting.
The Lighthouse is situated along the western coast of Tasmania at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour, approximately 12km south-west of the township of Strahan. Once a large complex comprising of the tower, an engine room, and three keepers’ cottages, the lighthouse tower remains the only intact structure onsite.
Originally fitted with a 2nd Order dioptric light with a four-wick trinity burner, the tower is now fitted with a Vega VRB beacon operating on an automated mechanism as part of AMSA’s network of aids to navigation (AtoN). The equipment is serviced by AMSA’s maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA’s officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
This heritage management plan is concerned primarily with the lighthouse; however it also addresses the management of the surrounding land. The plan is intended to guide our decisions and action. AMSA has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lighthouse in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Cth (EPBC Act) and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 Cth (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 the Commonwealth heritage values of Cape Sorell Lighthouse are recognised, maintained and preserved for future generations.