Built in 1906, Tasman Island Lighthouse is a historic structure recognised by both State and Commonwealth governments. Registered on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004, the lighthouse is recognised as the last lighthouse to be built by the Tasmanian State Government before the Lighthouse Service was handed over to the Commonwealth in 1915. The lighthouse is also recognised for its place within a relatively intact early twentieth century lightstation complex, and its aesthetic value as one of the highest lighthouse towers in Australia.
Tasman Island Lighthouse is also listed on the Tasmanian State Heritage Register for its contribution to the development of navigational aids along the Tasmanian east coast, its pre-fabricated cast iron tower, and its standing as a remote lightstation. It is also recognised for its early twentieth century Federation-era characteristics, its notability as a landmark within the Sydney-to-Hobart Yacht Race, and the lightstation’s overall intactness.
The lightstation is situated on Tasman Island within the Tasman Sea, approximately 16.7 kilometres south-east of Port Arthur. The tower, three keepers’ cottages and service buildings are the only intact structures that remain onsite. The tower was originally fitted with a 1st Order Chance Bros. & Co lens fuelled by vapour kerosene and an 85mm burner with six-wick emergency lamp. 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 (AtoNs). The original lantern house was removed in 1976 and replaced with a NAL-1 lantern room following automation.
The equipment on site 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 Friends of Tasman Island—a branch of Wildcare Inc.—maintain all other structures outside of the AMSA lease, including the lightkeepers’ quarters and oil store.
This heritage management plan is concerned primarily with the lighthouse under the AMSA lease, but also addresses the management of this surrounding land. The plan is intended to guide our decisions and actions 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 that Commonwealth heritage values of Tasman Island Lighthouse are recognised, maintained and preserved for future generations.