Western Channel Pile Light facts for kids
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| Western Channel Pile Light, 2013 | |
 Western Channel Pile Light
Location in New South Wales
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| Location | Sydney Harbour New South Wales Australia |
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| Coordinates | 33°50′25.72″S 151°15′51.36″E / 33.8404778°S 151.2642667°E |
| Year first constructed | 1908 (first) 1924 (second) |
| Year first lit | 2008 (rebuilt) |
| Deactivated | 2006–2008 |
| Foundation | 12 piles |
| Construction | concrete tower |
| Tower shape | octagonal tower with double balcony and lantern |
| Markings / pattern | white tower and lantern |
| Height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Focal height | 32 feet (9.8 m) |
| Range | 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) |
| Characteristic | Oc R 3s. |
| Admiralty number | 286 |
| NGA number | 111-6192 |
| ARLHS number | AUS-286 |
The Western Channel Pile Light is a special kind of lighthouse in Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. People sometimes call it the West Wedding Cake because of its unique shape! This lighthouse helps ships know where to go safely. It stands near Georges Head, off the coast of Mosman. The light marks the western edge of a place called the Sow and Pigs Reef. Sadly, it fell down in 2006, but it was rebuilt and started working again in 2008.
Contents
History of the Western Channel Pile Light
When was the lighthouse built?
The Western Channel Pile Light was first set up in 1924. It took the place of a marker buoy that was there before. Another similar lighthouse, the Eastern Channel Pile Light, was also built around the same time.
How was the lighthouse constructed?
This lighthouse was built with a strong concrete base. It was held up by twelve large piles, which are like big poles driven into the seabed. The top part of the lighthouse was made of copper, and it had a wooden skirt around its base.
How did the light work?
When it was first built, the lighthouse used gas to power its light. It probably had a special kind of lamp called a carbide lamp. Later, it was updated to use solar power, which is energy from the sun. This made it more modern and environmentally friendly.
What happened in 1996?
In 1996, a tall, 10 metres (33 ft) stainless steel mast was added to the lighthouse. This mast worked as a weather station. It helped provide important information about the weather conditions in Sydney Harbour. This information is very useful for ships and boats.
Why did the lighthouse collapse?
The lighthouse was getting old and was planned to be replaced in 2007. However, on December 12, 2006, it suddenly collapsed. One or two of the big supporting piles broke, causing the structure to fall.
How was the lighthouse rebuilt?
The Sydney Ports Corporation hired a company called Waterways Constructions to rebuild the lighthouse. They wanted the new lighthouse to look almost exactly like the old one. They even used the original lantern house, which is the top part where the light shines from, after fixing it up. The new lower section was built to match. The rebuilding work finished quickly, and the light was turned back on by December 18, 2008.
Visiting the Western Channel Pile Light
The Sydney Ports Corporation is in charge of operating this lighthouse. You can only get to it by boat. However, the lighthouse is not open for people to visit inside. It's mainly there to help guide ships safely through the harbour.
