Gabo Island, offshore from Mallacoota on
the NSW/Victorian border is separated from land by a narrow channel
less then a kilometre wide.
The island can be reached by sea or
air.
Built of distinctive pink granite quarried on the island, and completed in 1862, this tall elegant
lighthouse is on the south-eastern tip of the Island. It is the second
tallest tower in Australia with Cape Wickham in Tasmania just 1 metre
taller. The first of 3
attempts to build the light failed, when after excavating almost 20
metres looking for a solid foundation, funds had been exhausted.
Nothing further was done until a shipwreck forced the lighting of
the island back into priority. A small timber tower was constructed,
and the lens held in storage was lit in 1854.
Initially a 1st order fixed catadioptric light was installed, but
this was changed in 1913 to a 2nd order revolving light.
Electrification in the mid 1930's brought the intensity to 900,000
candelas, using a 120volt 1000 watt lamp. Converted to solar power
and downgraded in 1993 the light now produces just 30,000 candelas
from a small plastic lens, such a disappointment to see after
climbing the 47 metre tower.
The tower was transferred to National Parks care, with an
undertaking to retain a human presence on the island. The temporary tower built in 1854
(National Archives of Australia)
Access
Tours of the lighthouse and accommodation are available.
The Assistant Lightkeeper's residence features three bedrooms, with one
double bed, 4 bunk beds, and 2 single beds. The residence also has a fully
equipped kitchen, laundry and bathroom and all linen is provided. All
provisions must be taken to the island.
Tariff as at
June 1998
$70-90 per night
$420-540 per week, for up to 8 people.
Airfare $88.00 return
Parks Victoria - 131963 or 03 51619500
Caretakers - 03 51580255
Air Mallacoota - 0408 580 806
 
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