Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

When the Swan River Colony first set out to build a light at its southwest corner, the Eastern colonies rejected proposals to share the cost despite the fact it was agreed that a lighthouse was of importance to all ships heading past Cape Leeuwin.
Following the gold rushes of the early 1890s, the Colony was able to fund the construction of a lighthouse itself. After extensive debate, Cape Leeuwin was chosen as the best location.
The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was constructed in 1895/6. Several shipwrecks had been reported in the area after the first settlers arrived in 1830. In 1881, the colonial secretary noted the need for a light to mark landfall and danger to shipping.
Marine Sanctuary: The islands off Cape Leeuwin are nature reserves and important nesting sites for birds such as rock parrots and fairy penguins. Colonies of seabirds on the islands are usual in that southern cool water. Species nest alongside other tropical species, this mix of bird species is attributed to the warm Leeuwin Current. The islands are also habitats for the New Zealand Fur Seal, which visits the bay to feed or "haul-out."

Through winter to mid spring each year, Flinders Bay is host to the Humpback Whale. The life of this whale is geared to a cycle of migration, feeding in cold waters well to the south in summer and heading north to breed and calve in winter. The Southern Right Whale also visits the bay during these months. It breeds and calves in the protected bays of the south coast.

Two Oceans Meet:
Cape Leeuwin marks the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean. At various times of the year, the differing ocean currents, waves, and swell patterns are evident in the waters around the Cape. This can create unusual conditions in the nearby waters.
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current circles Antarctica west to east, between 40 degrees and 70 degrees south. Its northern edge turns north and heads up along the western Australian coast. From May to September each year, the Leeuwin Current transports warm tropical water southwards around Cape Leeuwin and along Western Australia's southern coastline. The Lighthouse is part of a network of aids to navigate around the Australian Coastline managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for the safety of ships.
This lighthouse was established in 1896.
Range: 26 Nautical Miles
Powered: Mains Power
Height of structure: 39 metres
Elevation of light: 56 metres.
Seascape:
Cape Leeuwin is a unique feature of the Australian Coastline, being the most South-Westerly point of the continent.
This lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in mainland Australia, but not the tallest in the entire country.Read more