Cape Bowling Green Light facts for kids
 Cape Bowling Green Light
Location in Queensland
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| Location | Cape Bowling Green Queensland Australia |
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| Coordinates | 19°19′36.6″S 147°25′32.7″E / 19.326833°S 147.425750°E |
| Year first constructed | 1987 |
| Construction | metal skeletal tower |
| Tower shape | square pyramidal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower with red upper band |
| Height | 105 feet (32 m) |
| Focal height | 118 feet (36 m) |
| Range | 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
| Admiralty number | K3090 |
| NGA number | 111-10108 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-023 |
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| Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse at the Australian National Maritime Museum, 2008 | |
Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse (original)
Location in New South Wales
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| Location | Sydney New South Wales Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°52′07.28″S 151°11′57.42″E / 33.8686889°S 151.1992833°E |
| Year first constructed | 1874 |
| Automated | 1920 |
| Deactivated | 1987 |
| Construction | hardwood frame clad with galvanized iron plates |
| Tower shape | conical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern, red rail |
| Height | 22 metres (72 ft) |
| Focal height | 19 metres (62 ft) |
| Original lens | 3rd order Chance Brothers |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
| ARLHS number | AUS-246 |
The Cape Bowling Green Light is an important lighthouse in Queensland, Australia. It stands on Cape Bowling Green, a long piece of land that sticks out into the sea. This cape ends in a low, sandy sandspit. The lighthouse helps guide ships safely past this area.
There have actually been two lighthouses at this spot. The first one was built in 1874. It had to be moved several times because the coastline changed. Eventually, it was taken apart and moved all the way to Sydney. Now, you can see it on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum. The current lighthouse was built in 1987.
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Why Was the Lighthouse Built?
Many ships had accidents near Cape Bowling Green. Because of this, people decided a lighthouse was needed to warn sailors. The first Cape Bowling Green Light was built in 1874. It was one of 22 lighthouses built in Queensland around that time with a similar design.
The First Lighthouse: A Moving Story
The original lighthouse was quite special. It was a round tower made from a hardwood frame. This frame was covered with strong galvanized iron plates. These plates were brought all the way from Britain!
- Built Like a Giant LEGO Set*
The lighthouse was prefabricated. This means it was built in pieces in Brisbane. Then, it was taken apart and shipped to Cape Bowling Green. There, it was put back together again. Brothers John and Jacob Rooney built it. They also built several other lighthouses in Queensland.
- How the Light Worked*
The first light used a special lens called a 3rd order Chance Brothers lens. It was powered by a kerosene lamp. The light was very bright, shining for about 14 nautical miles. A clockwork machine made the light flash. Four lighthouse keepers worked at the station to keep everything running.
- Moving Due to Erosion*
The coastline at Cape Bowling Green was always changing. In 1878, the beach started to wear away. This threatened the lighthouse. So, it was moved for the first time. In 1908, it had to be moved again for the same reason.
- Modern Updates and a New Home*
Over time, the lighthouse got upgrades. In 1913, a brighter lamp was installed. In 1920, it became automatic. This meant lighthouse keepers were no longer needed. All the other buildings were taken down.
In 1985, a special radar beacon called a racon was added. In 1987, the old lighthouse was replaced by a new one. The old lighthouse was carefully taken apart. A helicopter helped move its sections. Then, it was shipped to Sydney. By 1994, it was put back together at the Australian National Maritime Museum. It still works there today, using its original lens and clockwork machine!
The Current Lighthouse
The lighthouse you see at Cape Bowling Green today is a tall, square tower. It's made of steel. At the top, there's a square room for the light, with a walkway around it. The tower is painted white with a red band at the top.
- How the Current Light Works*
The light flashes four times every twenty seconds. It's a white light. This light can be seen from about 11 nautical miles away.
Visiting the Lighthouses
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) runs the current lighthouse. It's not clear if you can visit it. However, you can visit the original lighthouse! It's at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney. You can even take guided tours there every day.
