Lighthouse rock Down Under

Rameshinder Singh Sandhu

Victorian Georgian style cottages, once official residences of the head light keeper and his two assistant keepers, are open to public for nightly rentals on a nominal charge

Australia is surrounded by water on all sides. The birth of lighthouses, along the coasts was natural, directing and protecting the passing ships. It’s actually dotted with infinite lighthouses, if one begins to count — all standing tall with their exceptional charm and stories. But, when it comes to Cape Byron lighthouse perched on the most easterly point of Australia mainland, sitting right along the Byron Bay of the Pacific Ocean, it makes the cut for being the most powerful Australian lighthouse. It is the third most powerful lighthouse in the world after Ireland and France. One of the most popular tourist attractions, it enthralls visitors everyday from across the globe.

Opened in December 1901, it is heritage listed. It’s located in New South Wales, just minutes away from its Byron Bay township. Touching a height of 74 feet, it has light intensity of 2,200,000 candela. It revolves every 12 seconds through its radar and can be seen from a distance of nearly 50 km.

Operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, along with the department of environment, climate change and water, it’s also home to a free maritime museum. 

Hanging on its ground floor, it keeps brimming with the best of its history.

While exploring the museum alone fills you so much about it which has also exhibited many celebrated lighthouse books of the world, you can exhilarate yourself more by opting for a light house climb tour conducted several times during the day by one of the zestful volunteers. Also offered for free, in a group of 10 and lasting for about 20-25 minutes, it commences with presentation of its rare facts, and soon comes the direction to start the climb, taking the flight of stairs that wind straight up to its pinnacle. The little window panes on the way, keep introducing the gorgeous views of the ocean, silently confirming its awe-inspiring surroundings.

Stunning is the feeling when one reaches right under its cynosure — the ‘radar light’ and catch it swiftly revolving. The lens now in use weighs 8 ton, contains 760 pieces of highly polished prismatic glass floating in mercury.

Eventually, as the last stop of the tour greets, excitement soars as the most awaited door opens — taking visitors to its alfresco level which is also its peak floor. It is here where one fails to find words to describe ocean’s beauty in front or its green surroundings on the other side. Remarkably, it’s also a point, quiet famous for whale and turtle watching because of which many visitors also bring along their binoculars. On the one side, one can also take note of the charming Victorian Georgian style cottages, which were once official residences of head light keeper and his two assistant keepers who stayed till 1989 when the lighthouse was not fully automated. But, inspiringly, rather than keeping them shut they are open to public for nightly rentals on nominal charges that offer an opportunity to experience of how lighthouse keepers felt staying in them. Carrying old allure and tranquility around, they are known to make many guests stay longer.

And, not to forget the location of the lighthouse being on the most easterly point — it’s in this region where sun’s rays fall first in the country, and sun rise remains a grand affair, especially when the sun seems behind the ocean and is slowly making its way up. Interestingly, for not missing this show of nature, those staying in the cottages never forget to put alarms before the sun’s rouser. They are also joined by many who start their journey in middle of the night from far off places to soak themselves in the same show and of course, it’s worth it!