Year first constructed 1971 Light source mains power Construction started 1971 Range 20,372 m Material Concrete | Automated 1971 Height 20 m Opened 1971 Focal height 45 m | |
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Location Point DangerQueenslandAustralia Markings / pattern white columns, floodlit Similar Point Danger, Cape Capricorn Light, Old Burnett Heads Light, Bay Rock Light, Bulwer Island Light | ||
Point Danger Light, also known as the Captain Cook Memorial Light, is an active lighthouse located on Point Danger, a headland between Coolangatta, Queensland and Tweed Heads, New South Wales, marking the border between New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It lays claim to be the first lighthouse in the world to experiment with laser as a light source.
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History
Point Danger Light was the third of a group of seven concrete towers erected between 1964 and 1979 in Queensland, in order of erection Cape Capricorn Light, New Caloundra Light, itself, New Burnett Heads Light, Fitzroy Island Light, Point Cartwright Light and Archer Point Light. Constructed in 1971, it commemorates the bicentennial of Captain Cook's first voyage, and specifically the voyage along the east coast of Australia in 1770. It was first exhibited on 18 April 1971.
The original light source was an experimental laser based light, and the lighthouse may very well be the first in the world to experiment with this light source. However, the experiment failed, and the light source was replaced in 1975 by a regular electric lamp.
Current display
The light characteristic shown is two white flashes every ten seconds (Fl.(2)W. 10s), visible at 170°-330° for 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi). The light source is an electric lamp, fed by a battery float charged from the mains electricity.
Structures
The lighthouse is constructed of four concrete columns, marked with the four cardinal directions, and a bronze sculpture hung between the columns.
Also near-by is a one-story building housing the Marine Rescue NSW Point Danger station.
Site operation and visiting
The light is operated by Roads and Maritime Services (formerly NSW Maritime). The site is accessible, but the tower is closed to the public.