Ben Boyd Tower
Although built as a lighthouse, this tower was only ever used as a lookout tower for whale spotting
Boyds Tower, originally designed as a lighthouse by Benjamin Boyd, was built
in 1847.
Boyd was a well known entrepreneur of the time who also built nearby
Boydtown - he also had interests in both he whaling and shipping industries
as well as owning vast grazing properties on the Monaro and in the Riverina.
Following the failure of Boyd's financial empire, Boyd's tower was taken
over by the Davidson family who used it to spot whales for their whaling
operations at Kiah Inlet. During season, the tower was manned daily and when
a whale was observed, boat crews were alerted with a gunshot. Twenty metres
tall, the tower is surrounded by the sea on three sides. This constant
exposure to the elements results in erosion of the tower. For protection,
maintenance work is required every ten years - particularly to safeguard the
mortar.
It was not until 1973 that the area was declared a National Park with Boyd's
Tower being added to that Park in 1976. Visitors can now enjoy magnificent
views in this historic area.
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| Technical / Historical Details |
| Nearest Town | Eden | Height - Elevation | 18.9m (62ft) - 103.7m (340ft) |
| Lat/Long: | 37°06.1 149°57.2 | Lantern | |
| Construction | Square masonry tower | Lens | None |
| Built | 1846 | Character | N/A |
| First Lit | | Range NM | |
| Automated | | | |
| De-activated | | Open | Grounds only |
| Architect | | Access | Road |
| Reference | Nil | Accommodation | No |
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