Split Point Lighthouse facts for kids
 |
|
 Split Point Lighthouse
Location in Victoria
|
|
| Location | Aireys Inlet Victoria Australia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 38°28′04.7″S 144°6′16.1″E / 38.467972°S 144.104472°E |
| Year first lit | 1891 |
| Automated | 1919 |
| Construction | concrete, rendered with cement tower |
| Tower shape | tapered cylindrical tower |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern, red roof |
| Height | 34 metres (112 ft) |
| Focal height | 66 metres (217 ft) |
| Original lens | 1st order Fresnel |
| Intensity | white: 116,000 cd red: 23,000 cd |
| Range | white 20 nautical miles (37 km; 23 mi) red 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl (4) W 20s. |
| Admiralty number | K2182 |
| NGA number | 7984 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-154 |
The Split Point Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse in Aireys Inlet, a small town in Victoria, Australia. It stands proudly along the beautiful Great Ocean Road. This historic lighthouse helps guide ships safely along the coast.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Building the Lighthouse
This lighthouse was built in 1891. It was first known as Eagles Nest Point. For 27 years, three lighthouse keepers lived and worked here. Their job was to make sure the light was always working. They also used special codes to talk with ships passing by.
The lighthouse still has its original design. You can see a beautiful staircase and wooden parts inside. The light in the lantern room still works today. It has used more than three different light sources over the years.
How the Light Changed
In 1919, the lighthouse became automatic. This meant it no longer needed keepers to operate it. It used acetylene gas to create its bright light. Later, in 1972, it was updated again. It started using electricity to power the light.
The original lens is still in use today. It is a special Fresnel lens made in Britain. This type of lens helps make the light very strong and focused. Sadly, the factory where the lens was made was bombed during a war. The secret recipe for making its unique crystal was lost. This means if the lens ever needed replacing, it would be very hard to make another one exactly like it.
The Split Point Lighthouse is 34 metres (about 112 feet) tall. It stands 66 metres (about 216 feet) above the sea.
Visiting Split Point Lighthouse Today
The Split Point Lighthouse is located on Federal Street in Aireys Inlet. It helps guide ships along the Victorian coast. This includes the area between Cape Otway and the entrance to Port Phillip. You can easily reach the lighthouse from the Great Ocean Road.
Since 2005, a company has offered tours of the lighthouse. Visitors can climb the original staircase. They get to see amazing views from the balcony near the light. There are four stops on the way up, making the climb easier. Inside, you can see old photos. These pictures show what life was like for the keepers. They also show shipwrecks and how the Great Ocean Road was built.
You can take a self-guided tour or join a tour led by staff. The staff share interesting stories about the lighthouse keepers. They also explain how the light works and how ships used to communicate. Fans of the TV show Round the Twist will also learn about filming locations.
The lighthouse is open every day. You can check their website for current opening times. From the top, you get a full 360-degree view of the stunning coastline. The houses where the lighthouse keepers used to live are now privately owned. The old stables and workroom have been turned into a cafe.
Lighthouse in Popular Culture
The Split Point Lighthouse is quite famous! It was used for many outdoor scenes in the popular children's TV show Round the Twist.
It also appeared in the 2003 movie Darkness Falls. An episode of the cooking show Masterchef was filmed here too. The lighthouse is often used for tourism videos and advertisements. It's even a popular spot for marriage proposals and weddings!
Gallery
-
Split Point lighthouse, eagle rock
-
The area leading down to the surrounding cliffs
-
Split Point Lighthouse
-
Split Point Lighthouse
-
Explanatory table
