Bathurst Lighthouse facts for kids
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| Bathurst Lighthouse | |
 Bathurst Lighthouse
Location in Western Australia
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| Location | Rottnest Island Western Australia |
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| Coordinates | 31°59′21.6″S 115°32′26.6″E / 31.989333°S 115.540722°E |
| Year first lit | 1900 |
| Automated | 1920 |
| Construction | limestone tower |
| Tower shape | conical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern, golden lantern dome |
| Height | 19.2 metres (63 ft) |
| Focal height | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Intensity | 13,800 cd |
| Range | 14 nautical miles (26 km) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 16s. |
| Admiralty number | K1761.1 |
| NGA number | 9036.1 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-006 |
Bathurst Lighthouse is one of two lighthouses on Rottnest Island, a beautiful island off the coast of Western Australia. It stands tall on Bathurst Point, which is in the northeast part of the island. This important lighthouse started shining its light in the year 1900. The other lighthouse on the island is called Wadjemup Lighthouse.
Why Bathurst Lighthouse Was Built
Bathurst Lighthouse was built because many ships had crashed near Rottnest Island. One very sad accident was the loss of the ship City of York in 1899. The lighthouse was put in place to help prevent more shipwrecks and keep sailors safe.
How the Lighthouse Changed Over Time
The light and the top part of the lighthouse were first meant for another lighthouse at Cape Leeuwin. But instead, they were used for Bathurst Lighthouse on Rottnest Island.
In 1920, the old gas light was changed to a flashing light. This meant that a lighthouse keeper was no longer needed to manage the light. Then, in 1986, an electric light was put in, making it even more modern.
How Bathurst Lighthouse Helps Ships
Bathurst Lighthouse works with another light to help guide ships. It acts as the "rear light" for a pair of special lights called "leading lights." These lights help ships leaving Fremantle find their way safely through the reefs near Rottnest Island.
The light from Bathurst Lighthouse has a special pattern. It flashes four times, and this group of flashes happens every sixteen seconds. This unique pattern helps sailors know it's Bathurst Lighthouse.
