If you are planning a trip to Fraser Island one spot surpasses all others when it comes to history and spectacular views.
Standing proud at the northernmost point of Fraser Island is the Sandy Cape Lighthouse. The tallest standing lighthouse in Queensland, it was built in 1870 and is still active to this very day.
Residents and frequent visitors of Fraser Island may view Sandy Cape as just another part of the beautiful scenery but remain unaware of its rich history.
Image via commons.wikimedia.org
5 Facts About Sandy Cape History
1. Committees searched high and low
After the formation of Queensland in 1859 a matter of great importance was the need to build lighthouses in the most prominent spots around the state. The man tasked with this high stakes job was Commander George Heath, the very first Portmaster of the newly named sunshine state. The search began around the 6973 kilometre Queensland coast for the potential places to build brand new lighthouses.
2. It was the standout choice
After a search by Commander Heath, two independent search committees and the state engineer, a unanimous sigh of relief was let out on finding the northernmost point of pristine Fraser Island. The perfect spot for lighthouse construction, Fraser Island was large enough to accommodate ships which would be required to transport heavy materials for its construction and perfectly positioned to provide ample warning to incoming ships of a nearby shore.
3. Construction was a race
Sandy Cape was originally in a race to the finish with the team constructing the Bustard Head Light 350km north of Fraser Island. It was originally planned that Sandy Cape would be both the first and tallest lighthouse in Queensland but after some financial complications set it’s timeline back Bustard Head Light was finished in 1868 with Sandy Cape finished two years later in 1870.
4. Horses lent a hand
Built before cranes and heavy duty vehicles made life a little easier, the materials used to bring Sandy Cape to life were shipped to the island before being dragged piece by piece to the building site by horses and carriages.
5. It took four families to keep going
Along with the construction of the lighthouse itself lighthouse keeper residences were built from weatherboard and tin beneath it/ The residences were built for the head keeper and his family as well as three assistant keepers and their families to live close enough to Sandy Cape to keep the illumination lit and rotating around the clock.
5 Facts About Sandy Cape Today
Image via parks.des.qld.gov.au
1. It still stands the tallest
The second lighthouse ever built in Queensland, Sandy Cape is an impressive 33 metres tall and is built almost entirely of cast iron plates which have been maintained and replaced over the last 150 years.
2. 40 km reach
As Sandy Cape is an active lighthouse it still does an important job for ships passing along the Queensland coast. Ships and vessels as far as 40km from shore are able to see the Sandy Cape light with a distinct white flash which appears every 10 seconds.
3. Remaining WWII bunkers
During WWII the Sandy Cape lighthouse acted as a radar station for the RAAF. About 30 soldiers were stationed there during the war and their bunkers remain intact on the island for visitors to take a closer look.
4. A one-dollar selling price
On days where money troubles have you down, remember that you could theoretically afford an entire lighthouse! In 1997 the Commonwealth transferred ownership of Sandy Cape and the lightstation reserve back to the Queensland Government for the staggering price of…$1! Keep an eye on the Fraser Island real estate market in case an opportunity like this comes up again, but odds are the current owners (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) are likely to hold onto this Fraser Island treasure for a long while to come.
5. It’s open to the public
The Sandy Cape lighthouse is kept in excellent condition and is open to the public whenever the weather and conditions allow. The bottom level of the lighthouse has been transformed into a museum of artefacts and allows visitors a peak at the solar system which keeps the lighthouse flashing all year long.
An important part in Queensland and Fraser Island history, the Sandy Cape lighthouse is a true beacon in every sense of the word. A beacon of light for passing ships, and one of celebration of local history.
If you would like to see these magnificent beasts for yourself, go to our accommodation page and get in touch now.