Bustard Head Lighthouse

Cape Moreton lighthouse commenced operation in 1857. The new colony of Queensland separated from New South Wales in 1859 and in 1868 Bustard Head was established in the new colony.

History

Bustard Head was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, in honour of a bustard which was shot and eaten by the landing party. Along with Sandy Cape Lighthouse it is made using prefabricated segments of cast iron bolted together.

In 1932 the original cottages were destroyed in fire and in 1935 the outside stairs were relocated inside the tower. The lighthouse was automated and de-manned in 1986 and left to the elements.

In 2001 the Bustard Head Lighthouse Association, a volunteer organisation led by Stuart Buchanan obtained a lease and restored the site.

© All images are copyright of their respective photographers and are not to be used without permission.

Title Address Description
North Reef
Gladstone, QLD, Australia

North Reef

Cape Capricorn
Unnamed Road, Curtis Island QLD 4680, Australia

Cape Capricorn

Bustard Head
Unnamed Road, Eurimbula QLD 4677, Australia

Bustard Head

Lady Elliot Island
Gladstone, QLD, Australia

Lady Elliot Island

Keepers

We need your help in compiling a list of keepers for this lighthouse. If you have any information then send it to keeper@lighthouses.org.au.

Please include this lighthouse’s name, the keepers full name and what years they were keepers. Also include the same information for any other lights they were on.

Technical Details

First Exhibited29th June 1868
ArchitectHennet Spinks and Co Bridgewater England
StatusActive
LocationLat: 24° 01.3393'S Long: 151° 45.8472'E
Original OpticChance Bros 2nd Order
Current OpticVega VRB-25
AutomatedFeb 1985
Demanned14/7/86
ConstructionWhite round cast iron segmental tower, Chance 9'6" Dia. lantern and red dome
Height17 m
Elevation102 m
RangeNom: 19 nm Geo: 25 nm
CharacterFl. W. (2) every 10 secs
Intensity81,620 cd
Light Source12V 100W C8 Halogen
Power SourceSolar/Diesel
OperatorAMSA
NotesAs at June 2023

  NB: Information is historical data and is not for navigational purposes.

Access

The lighthouse grounds are open all year round accessible only by boat (or LARC).

Tours

LARC tours External link  from the nearby town of 1770 have a day tour to the lightstation and offers access to the tour.

Accommodation

No lighthouse accommodation is available

Museum

One of the keepers cottages and the powerhouse are open as a museum.

Friends Group

Bustard Head Lighthouse Association
Stuart Buchanan
PO Box 90
Samford QLD 4520
Phone: (07) 3289 1827

Links

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Lighthouse/Bustard-Head-Lighthouse-2149721225044090/  External link
https://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/150-years-milestone-for-agnes-lighthouse-with-dark/3451325/  External link

Sources