Caloundra Lighthouses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Caloundra Lighthouses |
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New and Old Caloundra Lighthouses, 2008
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| Location | 3 Canberra Terrace near Arthur Street, Kings Beach, Caloundra, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1870s–1890s (late 19th century) |
| Built | 1896; 1968 |
| Architect | Francis Drummond Greville Stanley |
| Official name: Caloundra Lighthouses | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 5 February 2010 |
| Reference no. | 602746 |
| Significant period | 1896 onwards |
| Significant components | wall/s – retaining, trees/plantings, public park/garden, car park, views from, building foundations/ruins, engine/generator shed/room / power supply, memorial – rock/stone/boulder, radar station, lighthouse/light station |
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The Caloundra Lighthouses are two important lighthouses located at Kings Beach in Caloundra, Queensland, Australia. The first lighthouse, often called the Old Caloundra Light, was built in 1896. It was designed by Francis Drummond Greville Stanley. The second lighthouse, known as the New Caloundra Light, was built much later in 1968. Both lighthouses are now protected as heritage sites. They were added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 5 February 2010 because of their historical importance.
Contents
The Caloundra Lighthouses
A Guiding Light for Ships
The Caloundra Head Lighthouses were very important for guiding ships along the Queensland coast. From the 1890s to the 1970s, they helped sailors find their way. They marked the northern entrance to the North West Channel. This channel was the safest way for ships to enter the Port of Brisbane.
Even though they don't work as lighthouses anymore, people in the community wanted to save them. The 1896 lighthouse is the oldest building still standing in Caloundra. It has become a special symbol for the town.
Why Lighthouses Were Needed
When Queensland became a separate colony in 1859, it only had one lighthouse. This wasn't enough for a place that relied on ships for trade. So, the government started building more lighthouses.
Early lighthouses in Queensland were often made from iron parts shipped from England. But later, a new design used local timber frames with iron sheets. This made them cheaper to build. The 1896 Caloundra lighthouse was built this way.
By the late 1800s, a new, safer shipping channel was found near Caloundra. This was the North West Channel. It became the main way for ships to get to Brisbane. Because of this, two new lights were needed: one on Bribie Island and one at Caloundra Head.
The Old Caloundra Lighthouse (1896)
The land for the 1896 lighthouse was chosen on a high point in Caloundra. It was built near an old observation platform. The lighthouse was made with a timber frame and covered with corrugated iron. Its special light was imported from England.
The first light keeper started work in September 1896. His cottage even had a small post office and telegraph service. This meant people often visited the lighthouse. The path they used eventually became Canberra Terrace. The light keeper's family also helped start the first Caloundra School.
In 1910, a new, brighter light was installed. It was the first of its kind in Queensland. Sailors loved it and said it was the best light on the coast. By 1920, most ships used the North West Channel to enter Brisbane.
In 1915, the Australian Government took over responsibility for lighthouses. Many lighthouses became automatic and didn't need people to run them. But the Caloundra Head Lighthouse stayed important for guiding ships.
The lighthouse also became a popular spot for tourists. People would visit "Lighthouse Hill" for the amazing views. The lighthouse became a symbol of Caloundra. You could see its image on postcards and tourist brochures.
During World War II, the lighthouse was very important. Brisbane became a major port for soldiers and supplies. The North West Channel was the only way into the port. The Royal Australian Navy even set up an observation post at the lighthouse.
After the war, the lighthouse no longer needed a keeper. The keeper's cottage was moved away. The area around the lighthouse became a public park. The lighthouse continued to be a symbol for Caloundra. Local schools and clubs even used its image in their logos.
The New Caloundra Lighthouse (1968)
In 1966, a new, modern lighthouse was planned for Caloundra Head. It would combine a lighthouse, signal station, and radar station. This new building was finished in 1968. It was built right next to the old lighthouse.
The new lighthouse was made of reinforced concrete. It looked a bit like an airport control tower. It was one of only two such towers built in Australia. The other one was later taken down, so Caloundra's is now unique.
However, the new light didn't work for very long. Tall buildings built nearby started blocking its view from the sea. So, in 1978, a new lighthouse at Point Cartwright Light took over its job. The Caloundra signal station was later replaced by an automatic system in 1992.
Saving the Old Lighthouse
When the new lighthouse was built in 1968, the old 1896 lighthouse was almost torn down. But people wanted to save it. In 1970, it was moved to Woorim Park. People hoped it would become a tourist attraction there.
However, the old lighthouse started to fall apart. Its future was again uncertain. But after years of effort, especially by the Lions Club of Caloundra, it was decided to move it back.
On 11 June 1999, the old lighthouse was successfully returned to its original spot. It was repaired and restored to look like it did before. In 2007, a group called "Friends of the Caloundra Lighthouses" was formed. They help look after both lighthouses.
What the Lighthouses Look Like Today
The two former Caloundra lighthouses stand side by side in a small park. They are on the highest point of Caloundra. From here, you can see amazing views of the ocean, Moreton Island, and the Glasshouse Mountains.
The park is divided into two parts. The southern part is the Lighthouse Reserve. The northern part is Lions Park. Canberra Terrace runs along the western side of the park.
The Old Lighthouse (1896)
The 1896 lighthouse is 12 metres tall. It has a timber frame and is covered with corrugated iron. The tower gets narrower as it goes up. It has a rounded roof on top.
Inside, there are two platforms. You can reach them by climbing steep timber steps. The lighthouse has some original parts, like its timber frame. It also has some old electrical wiring from the 1940s.
The very top part is the lantern room. This is where the light used to shine from. It has a rounded roof and windows all around. There's also a narrow walkway around the outside.
The New Lighthouse (1968)
The 1968 signal station is about four metres from the old lighthouse. It's a square concrete tower with a special observation room on top. The whole building is about 14 metres tall.
Inside, a spiral concrete staircase leads up to the observation room. This room has many windows that look out to the east. From here, people used to watch ships and send signals.
On the roof of the observation room, there's another smaller room. This is where the actual light used to be. Radar equipment and antennas are still mounted on its roof.
The Generator Shed and Park
Near both lighthouses is a small brick building. This was the generator shed, built around 1968. It used to hold a generator and other equipment.
Lions Park has terraced garden beds and trees. There's also a small car park. A special plaque tells the history of the lighthouses. Another stone memorial remembers World War II servicemen.
Why They Are Important (Heritage Listing)
The Caloundra Lighthouses are listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. This means they are very important to Queensland's history.
- Showing History: The lighthouses show how marine navigation changed over time. The 1896 lighthouse was vital for guiding ships into Brisbane for over 70 years. The 1968 lighthouse shows how lighthouse design changed.
- Unique Design: The 1896 lighthouse is a great example of a special type of lighthouse built in Queensland. It's a timber-framed tower covered with corrugated iron. Not many of these are left. The 1968 lighthouse is also unique. It's the only one of its kind in Australia that combined a lighthouse, signals, and radar.
- Beautiful Location: The lighthouses stand on a hilltop in Caloundra. They are a beautiful landmark and a symbol of the town.
- Community Connection: The 1896 lighthouse has a strong connection with the community. For many years, it has been a symbol of Caloundra. Tourists and locals love it as a place to visit and enjoy the views. It helped give Caloundra its identity as a popular seaside town.
Images for kids
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New and Old Caloundra Lighthouses, 2008
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Old Caloundra Head Light plans, 1896
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Caloundra Lighthouse and Keeper's residence, circa 1920
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View from the Old Light, 1952
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The lighthouse as a tourist attraction, circa 1950
