Cape Sorell
Cape Sorell is named after Lieutenant-Governor of Tasmania, William Sorell who was lieutenant-governor from 1817 to 1824. It was built by Huckson and Hutchison of Hobart and first lit in 1899. The lighthouse is situated just outside of Macquarie Harbour, known as 'Hells Gates', a name given by convicts transported to Sarah Island, their hell, in the early eighteenth century. The tower is the 2nd tallest in Australia and originally housed a 2nd order lens. The light was automated in 1971 and in 1988 the 2nd order lens was replaced by a solar powered APRB 251 beacon. The keeper's were torn down at the same time. Between 1900 and 1946 there was a horse drawn wooden-rail tramline that was utilised to provide access between locations on the Cape Sorell headland. | |
Cape Sorell - Penny Whetton |