Grotto Point Light facts for kids
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| Grotto Point Light | |
 Grotto Point Light
Port Jackson Entrance Range Front Location in New South Wales
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| Location | Balgowlah Heights New South Wales Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°49′3.97″S 151°15′41.64″E / 33.8177694°S 151.2615667°E |
| Year first constructed | 1910 |
| Year first lit | 1911 |
| Construction | masonry and brick tower |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with domed roof |
| Markings / pattern | white tower |
| Height | 26 feet (8 m) |
| Focal height | 61 feet (19 m) |
| Original lens | catadioptric lens |
| Range | white :12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) red / green: 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | flashing(4) WRG 15s. white on range, red right, green left, obscured other |
| Admiralty number | K2638 |
| NGA number | 111-6184 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-087 |
The Grotto Point Light is an active lighthouse in New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as the Port Jackson Entrance Range Front Light. You can find it at Grotto Point, which is a rocky point at the very south of Balgowlah Heights. This spot is on the north side of Sydney Harbour.
This lighthouse helps guide ships safely into Sydney Harbour. It works with another lighthouse called Rosherville Light. Grotto Point Light is the "front" light, and Rosherville Light is the "rear" light. Rosherville Light is about 1 mile (1,690 meters) behind Grotto Point Light. Together, they form a line that ships follow.
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History of the Lighthouse
The idea to build these guiding lights came about in 1909. Construction of the Grotto Point Light started in 1910. The light first shone on September 1, 1911.
This lighthouse is one of four designed by an architect named Maurice Festu. His style is sometimes called "Disney Castle" because of its look. The other lighthouses he designed are Rosherville Light, Vaucluse Bay Range Front Light, and Vaucluse Bay Range Rear Light.
When it was first built, the light used a special gas lamp. This gas was called acetylene. At first, the gas was made right there at the lighthouse. Later, gas came in special tanks that were brought by boat. After some time, the lighthouse was connected to regular mains electricity. This made it much easier to power the light.
What the Lighthouse Looks Like
The Grotto Point Light is a white tower made of brick and stone. It has a round, dome-shaped roof. Two smaller sections are attached to the tower, also painted white. A white picket fence surrounds the whole structure.
The light shines out through a horizontal opening. This opening is about 2 meters (6.5 feet) wide and 1 meter (3.2 feet) tall. It is located about two-thirds of the way up the tower. Inside, there is a special lens called a catadioptric lens. This type of lens uses both bending and reflecting light to make it very strong and clear.
Who Looks After the Lighthouse?
The light itself is managed by the Sydney Ports corporation. This group makes sure the light works properly for ships. The land where the lighthouse stands is part of the Sydney Harbour National Park. The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water manages this park area.
Visiting the Lighthouse
You can visit the Grotto Point Light by taking a short walk. The path starts from the Castle Rock track. You can walk around the grounds of the lighthouse. However, you cannot go inside the tower itself. It is closed to the public for safety reasons.
