New South Wales Relights Green Cape Lighthouse
By Sue Clark on Nov 20, 2008 in News 
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But Only Temporarily, For Now
After sixteen years of darkness over Disaster Bay, the Green Cape Lighthouse’s gorgeous clamshell Fresnel lens from Chance Bros. was relit in honor of the light tower’s 125th birthday last weekend. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority had to give special permission for this event, as the smaller, modern beacon, known locally as the Tupperware Light, that replaced it had to be darkened.The Tupperware light, which only produces 37,000 candlepower, was easily overshadowed by the original, which produces 1,000,000 candlepower and can be seen for up to 50 nautical miles.
After 8 years of research and labor, lighthouse lover Richard Jermyn pulled the switch that lit up the night for the 20 or so people that had gathered for the event. The entire weekend was an open house, with about 500-600 people visiting over the weekend.
Guests were able to send memorial postcards to friends and family all over the world and the country via telegram. Other activities also included free tours of the lighthouse and a historical display of photographs, demonstrations by Eden’s spinners and weavers, sausage sizzle and kids activities which included a treasure hunt and simulated shipwreck rescue.
About Green Cape Lighthouse
Green Cape Lighthouse, at 29 meters (95 feet), is NSW’s second tallest light, and its most southerly. It is also the first cast concrete lighthouse built in the country and was first lit in 1883. The light was electrified in 1962, upgraded to the higher powered bulb in 1967 and then replaced by the new one in 1992.
Despite a lighthouse having been newly built, in 1886 a major shipwreck occurred. The SS Ly-ee-moon, enroute to Sydney from Melbourne, hit a reef one night. Seventy-one lives were lost, as the keepers were only able to save fifteen. Their graves are near the lighthouse.
The two Assistant Lighthouse Keepers’ cottages are vailable for rent, by the night or by the week. The cottages are identical (one big house split down the middle) and both have a fully-equipped kitchen, lounge and dining rooms, two bedrooms and unparalleled views. Both sleep six.
More information and photos are at Lighthouse of Australia.
Photo Credit: Green Cape Lighthouse and Buildings by ajft. Some rights reserved.
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