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Kiama Harbour is situated
120km south of Sydney on the Australian east coast. Shipping had used
the harbour for many years, but in 1876 a man-made basin, Robertson
Basin, was opened. It was not until 1886 that tenders were called for
the construction of a lighthouse. It was commissioned on the 1st January
1887.
Kiama Independent of 10 August 1886
Situated on the round
apex of Blowhole point, the Kiama lighthouse stands from the sea level
to the light at a height of 224 feet. (Note: the technical sheet
shows it at 121 feet) The foundation is concrete, 14 feet in depth
and 12 feet in diameter; from the bottom of the foundation to the top
of the entrance is 16 feet. The height of the building from the floor
to the coping is 36 feet, to the light is 40 feet, and to the top of
the weather vane is 50 feet. The building is of brick, cemented
outside and plastered within. The ascent is accomplished by means of
three iron ladders, leading from one storey to another, the staircase
being lighted by side lights. The top of the structure is surrounded
by a very artistic railing; and the light, which will be of a similar
magnifying power to the Hornby light, near Watson's Bay, is very
shortly expected to arrive from England. The lighthouse is now quite
finished, so far as the contractors are concerned, with the exception
of receiving two or three coats of paint, which is now being done. A
neat hexagonal fence is being erected round the building which will
give it the trim and neat appearance and so closely associated in our
minds with all lighthouses.
Like other
lights in the vicinity, the apparatus was manufactured by Chance Bros,
Birmingham England.
Kiama
Harbour is now used only by fishing boats, with the town being a beautiful
tourist haven.
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