Eddystone Point Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan 2021 (Cth)
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority makes this heritage management plan under section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) for Eddystone Point Lighthouse within its ownership or control.
25 October 2021
Michael Kinley
Chief Executive Officer
Copyright
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Attribution
AMSA’s The Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s preference is that you attribute this publication (and any material sourced from it) using the following wording:
Source: Australian Maritime Safety Authority Eddystone Point Lighthouse Heritage Management Plan – 2021
Front cover image
Source: iStock.com/AL-Travelpicture
Acknowledgements
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority acknowledges that the lighthouse is in the traditional country of the Palawa people and the Northeast People.
For additional information or any enquiries about this heritage management plan, contact the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, Manager Asset Management and Preparedness, PO Box 10790, Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000
Phone: (02) 6279 5000 (switchboard)
Email: [email protected]
Website: align="center">Eddystone Point Lighthouse
Heritage Management Plan
2021
Contents
| Executive summary | 8 |
| 1. Introduction | 9 |
| 1.1 Background and purpose | 9 |
| 1.2 Heritage management plan objectives | 9 |
| 1.3 Methodology | 10 |
| 1.4 Status | 11 |
| 1.5 Authorship | 11 |
| 1.6 Acknowledgements | 11 |
| 1.7 Language | 11 |
| 1.8 Previous reports | 11 |
| 1.9 Sources of information and images | 11 |
| 2. Eddystone Point Lightstation site | 13 |
| 2.1 Location | 13 |
| 2.2 Setting and landscape | 13 |
| 2.3 Lease and ownership | 15 |
| 2.4 Listings | 15 |
| 2.5 Access | 16 |
| 3. History | 18 |
| 3.1 General History of lighthouses in Australia | 18 |
| 3.2 The Commonwealth Lighthouse Service | 20 |
| 3.3 Tasmanian lighthouse administration | 20 |
| 3.4 Eddystone Point: A history | 21 |
| 3.5 Planning a lighthouse | 21 |
| 3.6 Lighthouse keepers | 25 |
| 3.7 Chronology of major events | 25 |
| 3.8 Changes and conservation over time | 26 |
| 3.9 Summary of current and former uses | 29 |
| 3.10 Summary of past and present community associations | 29 |
| 3.11 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts | 30 |
| 3.12 Recommendations for further research | 30 |
| 4. Fabric | 31 |
| 4.1 Fabric register | 31 |
| 4.2 Related objects and associated AMSA artefacts | 52 |
| 4.3 Comparative analysis | 53 |
| 5. Heritage significance | 54 |
| 5.1 Commonwealth heritage listing – Eddystone Point Lighthouse | 54 |
| 5.2 TAS State heritage register – Eddystone Point Lighthouse | 55 |
| 5.3 Condition and integrity of the Commonwealth heritage values | 56 |
| 5.4 Gain or loss of heritage values | 57 |
| 6. Opportunities and constraints | 58 |
| 6.1 Implications arising from significance | 58 |
| 6.2 Framework – sensitivity to change | 59 |
| 6.3 Statutory and legislative requirements | 60 |
| 6.4 Operational requirements and occupier needs | 64 |
| 6.5 Proposals for change | 66 |
| 6.6 Potential pressures | 66 |
| 6.7 Process for decision-making | 67 |
| 7. Conservation management policies | 69 |
| 8. Policy implementation schedule | 76 |
| 8.1 Heritage implementation plan | 76 |
| 8.2 Monitoring and reporting | 78 |
| Appendices | 79 |
| Appendix 1. Glossary of heritage conservation terms | 79 |
| Appendix 2.Glossary of historic lighthouse terms relevant to Eddystone Point Lighthouse | 81 |
| Appendix 3. Eddystone Point main light details | 83 |
| Appendix 4. Table demonstrating compliance to the EPBC Regulations | 84 |
| Appendix 5. Master’s and assistant’s quarters (blueprints) | 86 |
| Appendix 6. Lighthouse keepers at Eddystone Point | 88 |
| End notes | 93 |
| Reference List | 95 |
List of Figures
Figure 1. Eddystone Point Lighthouse (Source: AL-Travelpicture, iStock / Getty Images Plus)
Figure 2. Planning process applied in the creation of this management plan (Source: Australia ICOMOS, 1999) Figure 3 Eddystone Point Lighthouse’s location in Tasmania (Map data: Google @2021, TerraMetrics)
Figure 4. Location of lighthouse on Eddystone Point (Map data: Google @2021, CNES Airbus, Maxar Technologies)
Figure 5. Eddystone Point Lighthouse lease map (Map data: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community)
Figure 6. Access track leading from lightstation precinct to tower (Source: AMSA 2018)
Figure 7. Incandescent oil vapour lamp by Chance Brothers (Source: AMSA)
Figure 8. Dioptric lens on display at Narooma (Source: AMSA)
Figure 9. Dalén’s system – sunvalve, mixer, flasher and cylinder (Source: AMSA)
Figure 10. Eddystone Point Plan of Tower (1886) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 5/2/2 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Figure 11. The Eddystone Point Lighthouse, east coast of Tasmania, 1948. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A1200, L11291 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Figure 12. The SS Cape York bringing supplies to Eddystone Point Lighthouse, east coast of Tasmania (1948) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A1200, L11292 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Figure 13. 1st Order Chance Bros. lantern at Eddystone Point ex. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (Source: AMSA)
Figure 14. Blueprint for alterations made to Incandescent lamp c.1921 (Source: AMSA)
Figure 15. Wilson’s Promontory VIC (Source: AMSA)
Figure 16. Eddystone Point Lighthouse 2018 (Source: AMSA)
Figure 17. Blueprints for masters’ quarters (R. Huckson, 1886) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 5/2/3 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Figure 18. Blueprints for assistants’ quarters (R. Huckson, 1886) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 5/2/4 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
Executive Summary
Eddystone Point Lightstation was placed on the Commonwealth Heritage List in 2004. The lightstation has contributed to the establishment of marine Aids to Navigation (AtoNs) within the Bass Strait. It is known for the rarity of its architectural design, original Chance Bros lantern and mercury float pedestal, its intact 19th century composition, and aesthetic characteristics.
Eddystone Point Lightstation was listed on the Tasmanian heritage register for its historical significance, unique community associations, and demonstration of class characteristics of the 19th century. The landscape is also of high cultural significance to the Palawa people.
Situated atop Eddystone Point, the lighthouse was built on the south-eastern corner of the Bass Strait approximately 8 km north-east from Ansons Bay and approximately 112 km north-east of Launceston. Built in 1889, the Eddystone Point Lighthouse assisted in illuminating the Strait – a treacherous passage between the state of Victoria and Tasmania where hundreds of ships were wrecked throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The lighthouse’s unpainted rock-face and external flying staircase composition was designed by Robert Huckson in 1886.
Although the lighthouse remains fitted with its original lens assembly, an automated VEGA beacon attached to the balcony has replaced the lantern as the tower’s light source. The equipment is serviced by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s (AMSA) maintenance contractor who visits at least once per year. AMSA officers visit on an ad hoc basis for auditing, project and community liaison purposes.
As a working AtoN, the lighthouse remains the responsibility of AMSA. The larger part of the lightstation which contains an auxiliary light building and a quarters precinct containing three cottages, a graveyard, a shed/storeroom, a workshop, and garages. The auxiliary light and quarters precinct lies outside of the AMSA lease and is managed by the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (TPWS).
This heritage management plan is primarily concerned with the lighthouse, but also addresses the management of the surrounding precinct and land. The plan is intended to guide decisions and actions of AMSA who continues to operate the lighthouse. AMSA has prepared this plan to integrate the heritage values of the lightstation in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act), and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) (EPBC Regulations).
Well-built and generally well-maintained, the lighthouse precinct is in relatively good, stable condition. The policies and management guidelines set out in this heritage management plan strive to ensure the Commonwealth heritage values of the Eddystone Point Lightstation are recognised, maintained and preserved for future generations.
1. Introduction
1.1 Background and purpose
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the Commonwealth agency responsible for coastal AtoN. AMSA’s network includes the Eddystone Point Lighthouse built in 1889.
Section 341S of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) (EPBC Act) requires AMSA to prepare a management plan for Eddystone Point Lighthouse that addresses the matters prescribed in Schedules 7A and 7B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000 (Cth) (EPBC Regulations). The principal features of this management plan are:
a description of the place, its heritage values, their condition and the method used to assess its significance
an administrative management framework
a description of any proposals for change
an array of conservation policies that protect and manage the place
an implementation plan
ways the policies will be monitored and how the management plan will be reviewed.
We have commissioned this heritage management plan to guide the future conservation of the place. This plan provides the framework and basis for the conservation and best practice management of the Eddystone Point Lighthouse in recognition of its heritage values. The policies in this plan indicate the objectives for identification, protection, conservation and presentation of the Commonwealth heritage values of the place. Figure 2 shows the basic planning process applied.
Figure 2. Planning process applied for heritage management (Source: Australia ICOMOS, 1999)
1.2 Heritage management plan objectives
The objectives of this heritage management plan are to:
protect, conserve and manage the Commonwealth heritage values of Eddystone Point Lighthouse
interpret and promote the Commonwealth heritage values of Eddystone Point Lighthouse
manage use of the lightstation
use best practice standards, including ongoing technical and community input, and apply best available knowledge and expertise when considering actions likely to have a substantial impact on Commonwealth heritage values.
In undertaking these objectives, this plan aims to:
Provide for the protection and conservation of the heritage values of the place while minimising any impacts on the environment by applying the relevant environmental management requirements in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth heritage management principles.
Take into account the significance of the surrounding region as a cultural landscape occupied by Aboriginal people over many thousands of years.
Recognise that the site has been occupied by lease holders since the early 20th century.
Encourage site use compatible with the historical fabric, infrastructure and general environment.
Record and document maintenance works, and changes to the fabric, in the Eddystone Point fabric register (see Section 4).
The organisational planning cycle and associated budgeting process is used to confirm requirements, allocate funding, and manage delivery of maintenance activities. Detailed planning for the aids to navigation network is managed through our internal planning processes.
An interactive map showing many of AMSA’s heritage sites, including Eddystone Point, can be found on AMSA’s Interactive Lighthouse Map[1].
1.3 Methodology
The methodology used in the preparation of this plan is consistent with the recommendations of The Burra Charter and with the requirements of Chapter 5, Part 15 Division 1A of the EPBC Act. In particular, the plan:
details the history of the site based on information sourced from archival research, expert knowledge and documentary resources.
provides a description of the site based on information sourced from site inspection reports and fabric registers.
details the Commonwealth heritage criterions satisfied by Eddystone Point Lighthouse as set out at schedule 7A of the EPBC Regulations.
The criterion set out at Schedule 7A (h) (i-xiii) informed the development of the required policies for the management of the Eddystone Point Lightstation, in conjunction with input from the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment on best practice management.
A developed draft was submitted to the Federal Minister through the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment where the Minister’s delegate sought advice from the Australian Heritage Council.
Stakeholder consultations were undertaken throughout the preparation of this plan. Under direction from the Office of Aboriginal Affairs and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife, AMSA consulted with Graeme Gardner, Manager for the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania. Graeme engaged with the plan and provided crucial information concerning the history of larapuna, and its continued importance in the modern day. All feedback received was included in the final draft.
AMSA also consulted with the Friends of Eddystone Light Inc. who engaged with the plan and provided valuable historical information on the lighthouse. All feedback received was included in the final draft.
The plan was advertised via The Australian newspaper and was open for public perusal and comment on AMSA’s website from 6 June 2020 to 26 June 2020. Several comments were received and this feedback was incorporated into the final draft.
1.4 Status
This plan has been adopted by AMSA in accordance with Schedule 7A (Management plans for Commonwealth Heritage places) and Schedule 7B (Commonwealth Heritage management principles) of the EPBC Regulations to guide the management of the place and for inclusion in the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
1.5 Authorship
This plan has been prepared by AMSA. At the initial time of publication, Australian Maritime Systems Group (AMSG) is the contract maintenance provider for the Commonwealth Government’s AtoN network including the Eddystone Point Lighthouse.
1.6 Acknowledgements
AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of Graeme Gardner, Manager for Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania.
AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of the Friends of Eddystone Light Inc.
AMSA acknowledges the professional assistance of Anthony Hordern.
1.7 Language
For clarity and consistency, some words in this plan, such as restoration, reconstruction, and preservation, are used with the meanings defined in the Burra Charter. (See Appendix 1. Glossary of Heritage Conservation Terms).
Also see Appendix 2. Glossary of lighthouse terminology relevant to Eddystone Point which sets out the technical terminology used in this plan.
1.8 Previous reports
A Conservation Management Plan was prepared in 1995 by Clive Lucas, Stapleton and Partners Pty. Ltd. for AMSA[2].
A Heritage Lighthouse Report was prepared in 2007 by Conservation Architect, Peter Marquis-Kyle, for AMSA[3].
A Heritage Asset Condition Report was prepared in 2019 by AMSG[4].
1.9 Sources of information and images
This plan has used a number of sources of information. This includes the National Archives of Australia (NAA), National Library of Australia (NLA), and AMSA’s heritage collection.
Note: Some images display Eddystone Point with a Timber Flagstaff located on its balcony. This flagstaff was removed in June of 2017 and it no longer a part of the lighthouse fabric register.
2. Eddystone Point Lightstation Site
2.1 Location
The Eddystone Point lightstation is located on the north-eastern coast of the Tasmanian mainland (traditionally called larapuna) on the Eddystone Point headland. Located along the eastern edge of the Mount William National Park, the lighthouse is approximately 8 km north-east of Ansons Bay and 112 km north-east of the city of Launceston.
Coordinates: 40º 59.5804’ S, 148º 20.8620’ E
Figure 3. Map of Eddystone Point Lighthouse’s location in Tasmanian (Map data: Google @2021, TerraMetrics)
2.2 Setting and landscape
The Eddystone Point Lightstation is located along the north-eastern coast of Tasmania. It is situated along the edge of the Mount William National Park and is surrounded by thick vegetation. The lightstation itself is mounted on the highest recorded point of the granite headland.
The Point itself is surrounded by various submerged rocks and crags which have proven disastrous to shipping in the vicinity. These include; Eddystone Rock, Norgate Rock, Greyhound Rock, Half Tide Rock and Black Reef.
Figure 4. Location of lighthouse on Eddystone Point (Map data: Google @2021, CNES Airbus, Maxar Technologies)
The Eddystone Point Lighthouse precinct comprises of:
lighthouse tower
auxiliary light building
grave inscribed “Walter McFarlane Kirkwood, died 11th March 1898 aged 18 months. God is Love. J. Gillett, Hobart”
The nearby quarters precinct comprises of:
head lightkeeper’s cottage
two lightkeeper’s cottages
shed/storeroom
garages
workshop
AMSA is responsible for the lighthouse tower and surrounding vegetation.
Fauna and flora
Within the Mount William National Park, Eddystone Point Lighthouse sits at the north end of the Bay of Fires conservation area which is recognised for its diverse fauna and flora.
Native flora species documented in the region include:
Acacia longifolia subsp.
coastal scrub
saltmarsh
coastal heathland
Eucalyptus amygdalina forest and woodland
Eucalyptus obliqua dry forest and woodland
Eucalyptus lobules
Leptospermum scrub
Threatened flora species documented in the region include:
eastern eyebright – Euphrasia collina
Tasmanian salt couch – Sporobolus virginicus
juniper wattle – Acacia ulicifolia
yellow onion-orchid – Mircotus alratum
shining dogwood – Pomaderris paniculosa subsp. Paralia
sand grasstree – Xanthorrhoea areanaria
Threatened fauna species documented in the region include the:
swift parrot – Lathamus discolour
fairy tern – Sterna Nereis
hooded plover – Thinormis rubricollis
little tern – Sterna albifrons
white-bellied sea eagle – Haliaeetus leucogaster
yellow-tailed black cockatoo – Calyptorhynchus funereus
azure kingfisher – Alcedo azurea
masked owl – Tyto novaehollandiae
grey goshawk – Accipiter novaehollandiae
New Holland mouse – Pseudomys novaehollandiae
white-footed dunnart – Sminthopsis leucopus
Tasmanian devil – Sarcophilus harrisii
glossy grass skink – Pseudemoia rawlinsoni
A site plan for the conservation area was enacted by the Natural Resource Management North and the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service in 2011[5]. The area is managed by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife.
2.3 Lease and ownership
AMSA holds a lease for the lighthouse and land from the Minister administering the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1970 (Tas). The lease is currently administered through TPWS.
The AMSA lease consists of three parcels of land:
Lot 1 – 400m2
Lot 2 – 216m2
Lot 3 – 400m2
The entire surface area equals a total of 2016m2.
Figure 5. Eddystone Point Lighthouse lease map (Map data: Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/ Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community)
The current lease was signed on 11 August 1998 commencing 1 May 1998. This lease lasts for 25 years with an option to renew for a further 25 years.
Due to interest in the site from the general public, a tourism licence between AMSA and the State of Tasmania was signed on 31 July 1998 for a period of 25 years with the option to renew for a further 25 years. The licence permits the practice of tours inside the lighthouse tower.
2.4 Listings
The table below details the various heritage listings of the Eddystone Point Lightstation.
| Register | ID |
| Commonwealth Heritage List | 105565[6] |
| Register of the National Estate | 012660[7] |
| Tasmanian State Heritage List | 599[8] |
2.5 Access
Access to Eddystone Point Lighthouse is available to the general public. The site can be reached by vehicle via Eddystone Point Road (C846). No structures found on either the lighthouse precinct or the quarters precinct are accessible to the general public with exception to tour groups and prior bookings.
Figure 6. Access track leading from lightstation precinct to tower (Source: AMSA, 2018)
3. History
The following sections outline the history of lighthouses in Australia and Eddystone Point Lighthouse. Some sections were provided by heritage architect, Peter Marquis-Kyle, and are referenced via endnote.
3.1 General history of lighthouses in Australia
The first proper lighthouse in Australia, the Macquarie Lighthouse at the entrance to Port Jackson NSW, was lit in 1818. Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who ordered it and gave his name to it, decided to levy a charge on shipping to recover the cost of providing the light.
The costs and benefits of providing aids to navigation have been matters for debate ever since. Lighthouses were costly to build and operate but they reduced the risk of shipwreck and the cost was deemed worthwhile. Since Macquarie’s time Australian aids to navigation have been administered by various government agencies, and the costs have largely been paid by the operators of ships, through various schemes of dues, levies and charges.
Each of the Australian colonies developed its own particular lighthouse designs and systems of lighthouse operation, reflecting the volume of shipping, the value of trade, the local building materials and the hazards to navigation in the waters of each colony. The earliest lighthouses were built in New South Wales—others in Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory came later[9].
Lamps and optics – an overview
Since the 18th century, when parabolic mirrors were first proposed to be used with oil lamps, lamps and lenses have been at the heart of lighthouse design. Developments in the technology of lighting and optics have had a significant effect on the design and operation of lighthouses. In general, older equipment was much larger and more costly than newer equipment, and required more attention to keep it operating.
The earliest Australian lighthouses were lit with whale oil burned in Argand lamps. Around the 1850s, whale oil was replaced by colza oil, a less expensive vegetable oil extracted from brassica seeds. Colza was in turn replaced by kerosene, a mineral oil that was less viscous and less expensive. To make the light visible over a long distance a very bright light was needed, and this required a large flame supplied with fuel through multiple wicks[10].
Parabolic reflectors were first used in the lighthouses in Liverpool, United Kingdom, probably around 1763 when they were described in detail by William Hutchinson, the dock master. These were formed from wood and lined with pieces of looking glass or plates of tin.
When light hits a shiny surface, it is reflected at an angle equal to that at which it hit. With a light source placed in the focal point of a parabolic reflector, the light rays are reflected parallel to one another, producing a concentrated beam[11].
The catoptric system was largely obsolete from 1822 when Augustin Fresnel invented the dioptric glass lens. Dioptric systems were refined by Fresnel who took a convex lens and broke it down into a number of concentric annular rings. This design reduced the amount of light absorbed by the lens itself and reduced its overall weight.
The first dioptric lens was installed in the French lighthouse, Cordouan, in 1823. Fresnel’s dioptric system dominated lighthouse lens technology for over 150 years. The majority of heritage listed lighthouses in Australia still have dioptric lenses invented by Fresnel but made by others such as Chance Brothers (United Kingdom), Henry-LePaute (France), Barbier, Bernard & Turenne (France) and Svenska Aktiebolaget Gasaccumulator (Sweden).
Around 1900 incandescent burners came into use; in these, the fuel was supplied under pressure and burned inside an incandescent mantle, producing a brighter light within a smaller volume and with less fuel[12].
Throughout the hours of darkness the lightkeeper was required to keep pressure to the burner by manually pumping a handle as can be seen in Figure 7.
Figure 7. Incandescent oil vapour lamp by Chance Brothers (Source: AMSA)
Figure 8. Dioptric lens on display at Narooma (Source: AMSA)
Large dioptric lenses such as shown in Figure 8 gradually decreased in popularity due to cost and the move towards unmanned automatic lighthouses. By the early 1900s, Australia had stopped ordering such lenses with the last installed at Eclipse Island in Western Australia in 1927. It is interesting to note that prior to that the last was ordered in 1909 for Cape du Couedic in South Australia.
These optical systems were made in a range of standard sizes, called orders—see the Glossary of lighthouse terms in Appendix 2.
Smaller Fresnel lens assemblies continued to be made until the 1970s but eventually lost favour to cheaper plastic lanterns, which still used Fresnel’s technology.
In 1912, the Swedish engineer Gustaf Dalén was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for a series of inventions for acetylene-powered navigation lights. Dalén’s system—including the sun valve, the mixer, the flasher, and the cylinder containing compressed acetylene—proved efficient and reliable.
Acetylene was quickly adopted by the fledgling Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915, and remained in use until it was finally phased out in the 1990s[13].
Since then electric lighting—using mains power, diesel generators, and solar-voltaic systems— has become the universal source of energy for Australian navigation lights.
Figure 9. Dalén’s system – sunvalve, mixer, flasher and cylinder (Source: AMSA)
3.2 The Commonwealth lighthouse service
When the Australian colonies federated in 1901, it was decided that the new Commonwealth Government would be responsible for coastal lighthouses. This included only the major lights used by vessels travelling from port to port, not the minor lights used for navigation within harbours and rivers. There was a delay before this new arrangement came into effect and the existing lights continued to be operated by the states.
Since 1915, various Commonwealth departments have managed lighthouses. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), established under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990, is now responsible for operating Commonwealth lighthouses and other marine aids to navigation, along with its other functions.
3.3 Tasmanian lighthouse administration
The table below details the authorities of TAS lighthouse management from 1915 to present.
| Time Period | Administration |
| 1915 – 1927 | Lighthouse District No 3. (Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania), Hobart Headquarters. |
| 1927 – 1963 | Deputy Director of Lighthouses and Navigation, Tasmania. |
| 1963 – 1972 | Department of Shipping and Transport, Regional Controller, Tasmania. |
| 1972 – 1982 | Department of Transport [III], Regional Controller, Tasmania. |
| 1982 – 1983 | Department of Transport and Construction. Victoria-Tasmania Region, Transport Division (Tasmania) |
| 1983 – 1985 | Department of Transport [IV] Victoria-Tasmania Region, Hobart Office. |
| 1985 – 1987 | Department of Transport [IV], Tasmanian Region. |
| 1987 – 1990 | Department of Transport and Communications, Tasmanian Region. |
| 1991 – | Australian Maritime Safety Authority. |
3.4 Eddystone Point: a history
Indigenous history
The following information was provided by Graeme Gardner, Manager for the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania:
larapuna was a significant place in the territory of the northeast people, particularly the Pinterrairer and Panpekanner bands, and visited by Ben Lomond people in autumn (Ryan 1982). The bulk of the headland is effectively one huge midden, which now has coastal scrub over much of it. It would have been a most important tribal gathering point for a vast period of time. It was given the name Eddystone Point by Tobias Furneaux in 1773.
As he sailed north on March 17th he had already named the long bay to the south of larapuna the Bay of Fires, due to the smoke he could see from a large number of fires burning in the bush inland from the beach. Larapuna is part of a much larger area called Lumaranatana, containing 90 midden sites and 60 artifact scatter sites[14].
Early European history
In 1773, the English navigator Captain Tobias Furneaux named Eddystone Point after the site of the famous lighthouse in Plymouth, England. Eddystone Point was allegedly a site for seal hunting throughout the early 19th century, and at one point, in 1941, applications were submitted to the colonial government to lease the land for whaling stations at the Point[15].
3.5 Planning a lighthouse
Why Eddystone Point?
Eddystone Point (larapuna) was recognised early on as a precarious spot along the Tasmanian east coast. Passing the Point required the successful navigation around Victoria Rocks, Georges Rocks and Black Reef which were considered to be exceedingly dangerous hazards to shipping entering and leaving Bass Strait[16].
An inter-colonial board was established in 1856 and was tasked with the construction and maintenance of lighthouses in Tasmania. It was here that suggestions for a lighthouse on Eddystone Point (larapuna) were first made. However, these suggestions were rejected as the perceived infrequency of shipping in the area did not warrant a lighthouse’s construction and no action was taken[17].
In 1861, gold deposits were found in New Zealand and traffic passing through the Strait increased tenfold. In 1873, the Conference of Principal Officers of the Marine Department of the Australasian Colonies approved the construction of a lighthouse somewhere between Eddystone Point and King George Rock. Lieutenant J.H. Stanley surveyed the area in question and recommended that the Point be the chosen site as its highest point of 79ft would reduce the required height (and therefore overall cost) of the lighthouse[18].
Shortly after this recommendation, the Point became the site of a number of shipwrecks. In 1874, the iron barque Wynaud was grounded south of the point and it was stated by the Hobart Town Chamber of Commerce that:
The recent loss of the Wynaud at the Eddystone would in all probability have been avoided had a light been exhibited on the point.[19]
The colonies of New Zealand, Tasmania, New South Wales and Victoria conducted further discussions in 1876 on funding a lighthouse on Eddystone Point, however New South Wales and New Zealand refrained from contributing to the costs – delaying construction further. Approvals for construction were finally granted in 1886[20].
Design
J.C. Clymie, Civil Engineer of Melbourne was originally commissioned in 1879 to design the plans for the lighthouse. However, the final plans were prepared and designed by Robert Huckson in 1886 for the Hobart Marine Board[21].
The design for the lighthouse incorporated the use of locally sourced granite for the tower. It also included a stone-flying staircase which was relatively unusual for lighthouse structures (see Figure 11).
Huckson & Hutchinsons also designed the master’s quarters and assistants’ quarters which were to be constructed to the north-west of the lighthouse tower (See Appendix 5. Master’s and Assistants’ Quarters Blueprints).
| Huckson & Hutchinson |
| Huckson & Hutchinson was founded in 1887 by Robert Huckson and R. Hutchinson. The firm was responsible for the design of many Tasmanian lighthouses including Table Cape, Mersey Bluff, Eddystone Point, Maatsuyker, Cape Sorrell, |
Construction
In September 1887, a correspondent from the Hobart Mercury newspaper visited the Eddystone Point construction site. The correspondent’s report provided insight on the lighthouse progress and on the construction methods of late 19th century lighthouses in Australia:
We first went to the quarry, where we saw immense blocks of granite being quarried out, squared, and put on the trollies, on which they were carried to the cutting or dressing shed, from which, after being dressed and numbered, they are taken to the tower. There are rails laid from the quarry to the lighthouse, the distance being about 60 yards (55m), over which one horse can easily draw two tons of stone.
The lighthouse which is being constructed on Eddystone Point, is of massive granite blocks, on an elevated position, about 50ft (15m) above sea level. The walls at the bottom are 7ft (2.1m) in thickness, and will be 3 ft (0.9m) at the top. The tower at present is about 20ft (6m) high, and will be when finished about 80ft (24.4m) high. All the works are being carried out on in a very systematic manner, Every stone is measured and squared in the quarry, than at the shed they are dressed and numbered, every stone being cut and numbered for its place in the tower.
There are employed on the works 4 builders,
18 cutters, 25 quarrymen, 10 labourers, 3 smiths,
3 strikers, 1 carpenter, 2 horse-drivers, 3 boys,
1 clerk, Mr Duffy (the foreman), and Mr Galloway (the Government inspector of masonry), in all 73 men and boys. The SS Warrentinna calls with provisions[22].
70-odd men were stationed at Eddystone Point during construction, a situation that saw the creation of a small ‘village’ complete with a store, stables, and workers’ huts. A storekeeper, cook and baker were also stationed on-site, completing the little make-shift village[23].
James Galloway, a prominent townsman and stonemason from Glasgow, Scotland, headed the construction of the Eddystone Point Lightstation. The contractor was awarded instalments of £8505 in 1887 and £7630 in 1888[24].
Figure 10. The Eddystone Point Lighthouse, east coast of Tasmania, 1948. Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A1200, L11291 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
The later instalments were largely due to extra excavations undertaken at site. It was originally thought a solid foundation had been found 10 feet below the surface. However, further investigations revealed the surrounding area to be unsuitable which required “288 yards of additional excavation had to be made costing £432”[25].
As proposed within Huckson’s designs, the tower was constructed from locally-sourced granite which was left unpainted. The tower and flying-stone staircase came to a combined cost of £11,500, and the combined cost of the lantern, lighting apparatus, side light and fixing was £4,300. The total cost of the lighthouse was allegedly £22,248[26].
Equipment when built
Upon completion, the Eddystone Point Lighthouse stood as a rough-hewn granite tower 35 m from base to dome. The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate reported on the Chance Bros. 1st Order dioptric light installed which had:
fifteen sides and two lower panels suppressed from access to show triple flashes at intervals of half a minute, the time of revolution of the five groups being two and a half minutes[27]
An auxiliary light was also installed beside the tower which had ‘a radius of two and [sic] half miles, and is of a sixth order port light for 242deg. red.’[28].
The nearby quarters precinct was fitted with three large cottages constructed of squared granite.
Figure 11. Eddystone Point Plan of Tower (1886) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A9568, 5/2/2 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
3.6 Lighthouse keepers
A complete list of the Eddystone Point Lighthouse keepers has been collated and preserved by Friends of the Eddystone Light Inc. Please see Appendix 6 for the full list.
Figure 12. The SS Cape York bringing supplies to Eddystone Point lighthouse, East Tasmania (1948) Image courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. NAA: A1200, L11292 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
3.7 Chronology of major events
The following table details the various events to have impacted Eddystone Point Lighthouse from in the decades following its construction.
| Date | Event Details |
| 1897 | Jetty constructed at Eddystone Point[29] |
| Pre-1910 | Lightstation connected to Gladstone by telephone |
| Apr 1910 | The Schooner Relic wrecked off Eddystone Point – no recorded fatalities[30] |
| 18 Dec 1911 | Eddystone Point Lighthouse and quarters experience small earth tremor – no damage recorded[31] |
| 1912 | Commander C. R. W. Brewis surveys the Eddystone Point Lighthouse |
| 22 Oct 1954 | Lighthouse keepers rescue three men from the wrecked La Poloma half a mile from the lighthouse[32] |
| 13 Nov 1961 | 1st Order Chance Bros. double flashing lens and mercury pedestal (ex-Cape du Couedic lighthouse) installed in place of original fixed lens. |
| Jan 1990 | 100th Anniversary of the Eddystone Point Lighthouse celebrated. |
| 2001 | Lighthouse de-manned. |
| 23 Feb 2011 | Chance Bros. lens de-commissioned – replaced by VEGA beacon attached to lighthouse balcony. |
| 14 Jun 2014 | 125th Anniversary of the Eddystone Point lighthouse celebrated. |
| 2017 | Timber flagstaff removed from lighthouse balcony. |
3.8 Changes and conservation over time
The following section details alterations made to Eddystone Point Lighthouse over the course of its history.
The Brewis Report (1913)
Commander CRW Brewis, RN retired naval surveyor was commissioned in 1911 by the Commonwealth Government to report on the condition of existing lights and to recommend any additional ones. Brewis visited every lighthouse in Australia between June and December 1912 and produced a series of reports published in their final form in March 1913.
These reports were the basis for future decisions.
Brewis’ recommendations for Eddystone Point included:
Increasing the power of the light from 22,200 c.d. to 100,000 c.d. by installing an 85mm, kerosene-fuelled incandescent mantle.
Removing the red shades from the light’s character, leaving a purely white group of flashes
Altering the red auxiliary light to shine white.
Brewis’ recommendations were considered and in 1921, the Eddystone Point light was upgraded to incandescent kerosene operation.
| Eddystone Point Light[33] |
| 70 miles from Cape Forestier. Lat. 40º 59 ½ ‘S., Long. 148º 21’ E., Charts Nos. 1079 and 1706. – Established in the year 1889. Lloyd’s signal station, connected with Gladstone by telephone. Character: One alternating, red and white, group flashing, three flashes every 30 seconds. Dioptric 1st Order, 22,200c.p. Illuminant, kerosene. Condition and State of Efficiency: The light-house tower and apparatus are in serviceable condition. The dwellings require extensive repairs; the foundations are solid. The sand blows have invaded the light-house reserve to a considerable extent, rendering the land of no value except for light-house purposes, and threatening the dwellings. Steps are being taken to obviate this by sowing marram grass. Communication: By road, 20 miles to Gladstone. Quarterly by steamer carrying stores by contract. An acetylene Morse lamp is required to facilitate communication with passing vessels – necessary in case of emergency. RECOMMENDED: (a) The power of the light be increased from 22,200 to 100,000 c.p., and economy effected in the consumption of oil by installing an 85 mm. incandescent mantle; illuminant, vaporized kerosene. (b) The red shades be taken out of the light, altering the character to White, group flashing, three flashes every 30 seconds. (c) The red subsidiary light, which is now visible only 2 ¼ miles, be altered to white occulting every ten seconds, thereby increasing its visibility to about 10 miles, from S. 2º E., screened off vertically so that the plane of the light passes over Victoria Rocks, visible seaward from 2,000 yards outside the rocks; then a mariner whose height of eye is 15 feet above the sea having the white occulting light in sight may assume that his vessel is at least a mile outside these dangers. This subsidiary light is also obscured over Salamander Rock, George Rocks, Eucalyptus Rock, &c. Note- It is necessary that the subsidiary light should be of an occulting character, otherwise it might be mistaken for a light in the light-keeper’s dwellings. (d) Acetylene Morse lamp provided. |
Alterations to the Light
The table below outlines major alterations made to the Eddystone Point light.
| Date | Alteration |
| 1921 | Converted to incandescent kerosene operation. (See Figure 18) A 55mm incandescent mantle is installed. Intensity: 70,000 cd |
| 31 Aug 1926 | Intensity increased to 174,000 cd. |
| 1930 | Converted to electric operation. |
| 13 Nov 1961 | Chance Bros 1st Order double flashing lens with mercury pedestal (From Cape du Couedic lighthouse) installed in place of fixed lens. Auxiliary light discontinued. |
| 1979-81 | Mains electric with diesel backup Intensity: 1,200,000 cd. |
| 23 Feb 2011 | First order lens de-commissioned. Rotating lens remains operating in position but unlit – AtoN light provided by Vega VRB 25 beacon mounted on balcony handrail. (Action taken due to extreme loss of bird life (Short-tailed Shearwaters) from flying into the lighthouse. Beacon significantly lowered this loss.) |
Conservation Works
The Eddystone Point lightstation has undergone a number of changes since its construction.
| Date | Works Completed |
| 1938-40 | Lightning conductor installed at Eddystone Point |
| 1961 | Lantern room handrail installed. |
| 1960s | Top row of glazing replaced by fibro cement sheeting. |
| 3 Oct 2013 | New lens drive motor guard installed in pedestal. |
Figure 13. 1st Order Chance Bros. Lantern currently at Eddystone Point, ex. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse (Source: AMSA)
Figure 14. Blueprint for alterations made to Incandescent lamp c.1921 (Source: AMSA)
3.9 Summary of current and former uses
From its construction in 1889, Eddystone Point Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capabilities remains its primary use.
Eddystone Point Lighthouse as a key tourism site developed over recent decades following the de- inhabitation of the keepers on-site. The keepers’ cottages are now used as accommodation for the general public. Guided tours are carried out inside the lighthouse, and this touristic use remains secondary to its primary use as a working AtoN.
3.10 Summary of past and present community associations
Indigenous associations – Northeast people
The following information was provided by Graeme Gardner, Manager for the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania:
‘My mother’s country is Cape Portland; roamed from George’s Bay and Falmouth to Low Head lighthouse, all the north-east,’ said Henry Beeton, son of Watanimarina, in 1909 (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre 2004). Watanimarina was the mother of Lucy, James, Henry and Jane Beeton and had been taken from Big Mussel Roe. In March 1773 the Englishman Furneaux saw so many fires burning along the shore behind the beach at larapuna that he named it Bay of Fires. The French expedition of Baudin 29 years later in 1802, also in March, recorded that they would have given it the same name for the same reason, and noted that the resources of the area seemed to support a denser population than elsewhere on the island (Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Language & History Unit 2000).
That the headland at the northern end of larapuna was important to the northeast people is attested to by the fact that it is effectively one large midden. It would have been an important gathering place for a very long time.
The headland, now leased, has finally become an important gathering place again, long after Robinson in 1830 persuaded the last few northeast people who had survived the violent raids of the white sealers to leave their country with him. Larapuna has become somewhere for Aboriginal people from all over Tasmania to reconnect spiritually with country and each other. In February 2003 there was a festival held at larapuna as part of the Kickin’ Up Dust program of four Aboriginal festivals around Australia. This resulted in an exhibition of photographs from all four festivals touring the country. The gathering at larapuna was seen as a chance for the community ‘to celebrate its survival as a people and the revival and maintenance of its culture’ (DFAT 2003).
Since that year there have been similar annual gatherings in late January or early February, providing an opportunity for Aboriginal people from around Tasmania to learn from each other and to pass on knowledge to the young, reviving the language and traditional skills and crafts, and gathering food from the sea as was done traditionally. The history and culture of the original northeast people return to its home again.’
The lease granted to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Land Council (ALCT) as lessee, permits the use of the site for the purpose of Aboriginal cultural activities and anything related to them for a period of 40 years from February 2006 for a nominal rent of $1 per year. The agreement also permits collection of flora and fauna from the lease area and from Mt. William National Park for cultural activities[34].
Local, National, and International associations
Eddystone Point is renowned amongst locals as one of the oldest heritage sites in the Gladstone region. As the most eastern Tasmanian lighthouse, the structure is admired both state-wide and nationally as a prominent historical site of distinctive character.
AMSA received a submission from the Friends of Eddystone Light, and notes their aim is to promote, protect and preserve the infrastructure, history, heritage and natural assets within the original Eddystone Point Reserve of North East Tasmania for all to enjoy and admire.
Objectives and purpose of the Association
To promote, protect and preserve the infrastructure, history, heritage and natural assets within the original Eddystone Point Reserve of North East Tasmania for all to enjoy and admire by:
a.Researching and sharing the maritime history, local history and heritage values of the area.
b.Seeking and raising funds for projects to promote, protect and preserve the Infrastructure, history, heritage and natural assets within the original Eddystone Point Reserve.
c.Liaising with local, state and federal authorities, history and heritage societies and organisations as well as other interested parties to determine suitable outcomes for the Reserve.
Eddystone Point Lighthouse is also regarded as a significant feature within the nation-wide Geodetic Survey of Australia. Eddystone Point was the only lighthouse tower in Tasmania to serve as a LaPlace Azimuth and Geodial station. The results of this national survey determined the Australian Geodetic Datum in 1966, the first whole-of-continent consistent geodetic datum in the world.
3.11 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts
Dates on various alterations made to the lighthouse are also relatively unknown. Little is known about features such as the engine house, the first telephone connection, and flagstaff, in terms of when and why their installation took place.
3.12 Recommendations for further research
The location of the small village constructed to house the 70 odd workers during construction of the lighthouse is unknown. Research into its location may provide beneficial insight into the early European social history of the site.
Further research into the alterations made to the lighthouse throughout the 19th and 20th centuries would also benefit a greater understanding of the lightstation’s history and heritage values.
4. Fabric
4.1 Fabric register
The cultural significance of the lighthouse resides in its fabric and in its intangible aspects, such as the meanings people ascribe to it, and its connections to other places and things. The survival of its cultural value depends on an understanding of what is significant and on clear thinking about the consequences of change. The Burra Charter sets out good practice for conserving cultural significance.
Criterion listed under ‘Heritage Significance’ refer to the criterion satisfied within the specific Commonwealth heritage listing (see section 5.1).
(All images included in sub-sections 4.1 and 4.2 – Source: AMSA)
Lighthouse feature: Lantern roof
Description and condition
1889 Chance Bros part-spherical dome of copper sheets lapped and screwed to ribs.
Ribs – Chance Bros cast iron radial ribs.
Inner skin – none (removed).
Ventilator – drum type with wind vane and direction pointers attached. Wind vane tail broken off so not operational.
Lightning conductor – vertical pole beside ventilator, with three spikes at top, and two braces to ventilator. Eight vertical spikes attached near the gutter.
Drip tray – copper dish suspended under ventilator, with central hole for heat tube closed off.
Gutter – polygonal fabricated gutter attached to ring of cast iron pieces bolted together.
Ladder rail – attached to underside of gutter.
Handrails – one circular hand rail attached to lantern roof, another attached to top of ventilator drum.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern roof is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
The lantern roof contributes to the aesthetic value of the lighthouse (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern glazing
Description and condition
1889 Chance Bros.
Panes – flat trapezoidal glass, three tiers. Blank panes to landward side.
Astragals – Chance Bros vertical and horizontal astragals of rectangular and triangular section, bolted to gutter ring at top, and to lantern base below.
Downpipes – four copper downpipes tracking along slope of astragal.
Hand holds – two sets, fixed to cover strips.
Finish: astragals: painted
glazing strips: bare metal
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service; reglaze as necessary, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern glazing is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern base
Description and Condition
1889 Chance Bros, cylindrical in form. Curved panels of cast iron bolted together with flanged joints.
Internal lining – curved iron plates screwed to the outer cast iron panels.
Ventilators – round external air inlets cast as part of wall panels. Large round copper alloy regulators below internal catwalk, small ones above.
Door – iron framed and sheeted door hung on copper alloy hinges. Copper alloy mortise lock with copper alloy bar handles inside and out.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern base is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
Lighthouse feature: Lantern floor
Description and condition
1889 floor of slate slabs supported on rolled iron I section beams built into the tower walls. Later steel support angle noggings, hole in the floor for clock weight, and two steel pipe columns to support the floor under the pedestal.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The lantern floor is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
Lighthouse feature: Lens assembly
Description and condition
1909 Chance Brothers 920mm focal radius catadioptric rotating lens assembly of glass and gunmetal, rotating at 1.33 rpm. Gives three double- flashes in each revolution.
Bearing – 1909 Chance Bros mercury float, see pedestal below.
Eddystone Point is one of six AMSA lighthouses still operating with a 1st order rotating optical apparatus and mercury float pedestal. The 1909 apparatus was removed from Cape du Couedic in 1957, and installed here in 1961. This lens assembly is currently unlit, but still rotating.
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, clean at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The lens assembly is a historic part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
The 1st Order Chance Brothers assembly is one of six still in operation in an AMSA lighthouse (criterion b).
Lighthouse feature: Light source
Description and condition
1000W-120V tungsten halogen lamp in UVLA 590 lamp changer (temporarily removed).
Note: The 1st Order lens assembly have been temporarily decommissioned; replaced by a VRB- 25 beacon mounted on the handrails. The lamp was turned off due to its overwhelming contribution to the decrease in population of Short-tailed Shearwater birds in the area. The lamp caused the birds to fly into the lighthouse, damaging the Shear- water population and lighthouse.
Condition: not assessed
Integrity: not assessed
Significance: low
Maintenance: not assessed
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: Low
Lighthouse feature: Pedestal
Description and condition
1909 Chance Bros mercury float pedestal.
Base – Chance Bros cast iron, with central circular base for pillar.
Pillar – Chance Bros cast ferrous pillar with machined thread for adjustment of mercury trough.
Mercury trough – Chance Bros cast iron circular trough with integral circular and radial strengthening ribs underneath, fitted to threaded top of the pillar. The mercury is still in place. Manhole and iron ladder to allow access to lamp. Driving pinion, spindle and carrier still in place.
Mercury float – Chance Bros cast iron annular float inside the trough.
Lamp platform – Chance Bros cast iron platform with ribbed top surface.
Lamp stand – Chance Bros burner stand of cast iron, with later adapter added on top to support the lamp changer.
Drive mechanism – two motor/gearbox units, on 1961 steel cabinet (clock removed).
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint pedestal at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The pedestal is an historic and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
The lighthouse retains its original mercury float pedestal (criterion b).
Lighthouse feature: Equipment
Description and condition
Old telephone. Recent equipment cabinet (non- AMSA) with rack mounted mobile phone radio equipment. This cabinet, and the lens drive motors, are behind a locked stainless steel mesh enclosure.
Condition: not assessed
Integrity: not assessed
Significance: low
Maintenance: not assessed
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: Low
Lighthouse feature: Internal catwalk
Description and condition
Cast iron lattice floor panels supported on solid cast iron brackets bolted to the upper section of the lantern base.
Ladder – fixed ladder with cast iron treads on wrought iron strings.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The internal catwalk is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
Lighthouse feature: External catwalk
Description and condition
1889 Chance Bros, cast iron lattice floor panels supported on openwork cast iron brackets bolted to lantern base.
Handrail – rectangular section metal stanchions, round topped section rail, bolted to floor panels.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The external catwalk is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
The external catwalk contributes to the aesthetic value of the lighthouse (criterion e).
Lighthouse feature: Balcony floor
Description and condition
1889 stone slab floor, supported on the cornice and top of the tower wall.
Finish: membrane painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
Maintenance: keep in service, maintain seal joints prepare and repaint at normal intervals
Rectification works: none
Heritage significance: High
The balcony floor is an original and essential part of a lighthouse associated with the development of marine AtoN in the Bass Strait (criterion a).
Lighthouse feature: Balcony balustrade
Description and condition
Wrought iron stanchions with four iron rod rails.
Finish: painted
Condition: intact and sound
Integrity: high
Significance: high
[3] Marquis-Kyle, P., Heritage Lighthouse Report: Eddystone Point, AMSG, (2007).
[4] AMSG, Heritage Asset Condition Report: AN365 Eddystone Point Lighthouse, Prepared for AMSA (2016).
[5] Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, Bay of Fires Conservation Area and Humburg Point Nature Recreation Area: Site plan, Inspiring Place Pty Ltd: Hobart, (2011), pg. 7-8.
[6] Commonwealth heritage list, Eddystone Lighthouse, Eddystone Rd, Gladstone, TAS, Australia, Australian Heritage Database, Register for the National Estate, Eddystone Lighthouse, Eddystone Rd, Gladstone, TAS, Australia, Australian Heritage Database, Tasmanian heritage register, Eddystone Light station, Tasmania Heritage Council, (n.d.).
[9] Written by heritage architect Peter Marquis-Kyle for AMSA.
[10] Written by heritage architect Peter Marquis-Kyle for AMSA.
[11] Searle. G, First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses, Glenelg: SA (2013), pg. 34.
[12] Written by heritage architect Peter Marquis-Kyle for AMSA.
[13] Written by heritage architect Peter Marquis-Kyle for AMSA.
[14] The larapuna Management Plan, Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, (2007).
[15] Cameron-Ash, M., Lying for the Admiralty: Captain Cook’s Endeavour Voyage, Syd: Rosenberg (2018), pg. 155- 159; Kostoglou, P., Sealing in Tasmania: historical research project, Hobart, Tas: Dept. of Environment and Land Management, (1996), pg. 76.
[16] Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[17] Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[18] Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[19] Hobart Town Chamber of Commerce in Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 244.
[20] Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 246; Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[21] Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[22] ‘Trip to Eddystone Lighthouse,’ Hobart Mercury, Sept 1887, in Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 243.
[23] ‘A Trip to Eddystone Lighthouse’, The Mercury, Oct 8, 1887, Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan, (1995), pg. 52.
[25] ‘Consolidated Marine Board’, The Mercury. March 9, 1888,
[26] Lucas, C., et al., Eddystone Point Lightstation Conservation Management Plan (1995), pg. 53.
[27] “The Eddystone Point (Tasmania) Lighthouse,” Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Dec 5, 1888,
[28] “The Eddystone Point (Tasmania) Lighthouse,” Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate, Dec 5, 1888,
[29] “Hobart Marine Board,” The Mercury, April 10, 1897
[30] “Launceston,” The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times, April 4, 1910, newspaper/article/64932827
[31] “Tremor at Eddystone,” Daily Telegraph, December 18, 1911,
[32] “Fishing vessel a total wreck: Men rescued by lighthouse keepers,” North-eastern Advertiser, Oct 22, 1954,
[33] Brewis, C.R.W., Preliminary report on the lighting of the coast of Tasmania and the islands in Bass Strait, with recommendations as to existing lights and additional lights, Department of Trade and Customs, (1912).
[34] The larapuna Management Plan, Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania, (2007)
[35] AMSA, AMSA Heritage strategy, (2018),
[36] AMSA, Annual Report 2017-18,
[37] Engage Early—Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Commonwealth of Australia (2016)
Reference List
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Brewis, C.R.W. Preliminary report on the lighting of the coast of Tasmania and the islands in Bass Strait, with recommendations as to existing lights and additional lights. Trade and Customs, 1912.
Cameron-Ash, M. Lying for the Admiralty: Captain Cook’s Endeavour Voyage. Syd: Rosenberg, 2018.
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Marquis-Kyle, P., and Meredith Walker. The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, Australia ICOMOS, 2013.
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National Archives of Australia: Australian Maritime Safety Authority; A9568, Drawings and Plans of Lighthouses and of Associated Buildings and Equipment, 1833-1968; 5/2/4, Marine Board Hobart: Eddystone Point Light: Assistants quarters [Huckson: Architect], 1886-1886.
National Archives of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; A1200, Black and white photographic negatives and prints, single number series with ‘L’ prefix, 1911-1971; L11292, Lighthouses and beacons – The SS Cape York bringing supplies to Eddystone Point lighthouse, East Tasmania [photographic image]. 1 photographic negative: b&w, acetate, 1948- 1948.
National Archives of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; A1200, Black and white photographic negatives and prints, single number series with ‘L’ prefix, 1911-1971; L11291, Lighthouses and beacons – The Eddystone Point lighthouse, east coast of Tasmania [photographic image] / photographer, G Powell. 1 photographic negative: b&w, acetate, 1948-1948.
Register for the National Estate. Eddystone Lighthouse, Eddystone Rd, Gladstone, TAS, Australia. Australian Heritage Database, G. From Dusk till Dawn: A History of Australian Lighthouses. Aus: Macmillan Co., 1988.
Searle, S. First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses. Glenelg, SA: Seaside Lights, 2013.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Bay of Fires Conservation Area and Humburg Point Nature Recreation Area: Site plan. Inspiring Place Pty Ltd: Hobart, 2011.
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre Inc. larapuna: Healthy country plan 2015. 2005.
Tasmanian heritage register. Eddystone Light station. Tasmania Heritage Council, n.d.
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Working Together Managing Commonwealth Heritage Places: a guide for Commonwealth agencies. Commonwealth of Australia, 2019.
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