List of lighthouses in the Coral Sea Islands facts for kids
The Coral Sea Islands are a group of small islands and reefs located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia. These islands are mostly uninhabited, meaning no one lives there permanently. Even though they are small, they are very important for ships sailing through the area.
Lighthouses are tall towers with bright lights at the top. They act like traffic signals for ships, guiding them safely through the water, especially at night or in bad weather. They warn ships about dangerous reefs and shallow areas, helping them avoid accidents. The lighthouses in the Coral Sea Islands are crucial for safe travel in this part of the ocean.
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Important Lighthouses of the Coral Sea
There are several lighthouses located on the reefs and islands of the Coral Sea. Each one helps guide ships and keep them safe.
Bougainville Reef Lighthouse
The Bougainville Reef Lighthouse is located on the Bougainville Reef. It was built around 1943. Its light flashes white every 5 seconds. The light is about 15 meters (49 feet) above the water. This lighthouse helps ships navigate around the Bougainville Reef, which can be a hazard for vessels.
East Diamond Island Lighthouse
The East Diamond Island Lighthouse was built more recently, in 2006. It stands on East Diamond Island. This lighthouse also flashes a white light every 5 seconds. Its light is quite high, about 29 meters (95 feet) above the sea. It helps guide ships in its part of the Coral Sea.
Frederick Reefs Lighthouse
The Frederick Reefs Lighthouse is found on the Frederick Reefs. It was built around 1990. This lighthouse sends out a white flash every 5 seconds. The light is positioned about 33 meters (108 feet) above the water, making it visible from a good distance. It plays a key role in marking the Frederick Reefs.
Lihou Reef Lighthouse
The Lihou Reef Lighthouse was built in 1999 and is located on the Lihou Reef. Its light flashes white every 10 seconds. Like the Frederick Reefs Lighthouse, its light is also about 33 meters (108 feet) above the water. This lighthouse is important for ships traveling near the Lihou Reef.
Saumarez Reefs Lighthouse
The Saumarez Reefs Lighthouse is on the Saumarez Reefs. The exact year it was built is not known. This lighthouse has a different light pattern: it flashes four times every 20 seconds. Its light is very high, about 70 meters (230 feet) above the water, making it one of the tallest lights in the area. It helps guide ships around the Saumarez Reefs.
Willis Island Lighthouse
The Willis Island Lighthouse is located on Willis Island (Coral Sea). The year it was built is not specified. This lighthouse shows two fixed green lights. Willis Island is also known for its weather monitoring station, which helps predict weather patterns for Australia. The lighthouse assists ships navigating near the island.
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