Location:

Caloundra Lighthouses are a heritage-listed pair of lighthouses above Kings Beach, Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

GPS: Lat: 246° 80’ S : Long: 153° 14’ E

First Lit: July 1896 (replaced 1968)

Tower height: 12m

Original Lens: 2nd Order Chance Bros. Dioptric

Range: 21 nml (39 km)

Characteristic: Decomissioned

History:

The first, known as the Old Caloundra Light, was designed by Francis Stanley and built in 1896; the second, New Caloundra Light, was built in 1968.

The Caloundra Head Lighthouses played an integral role in Queensland’s system of coastal navigation aids from the 1890s to the 1970s and remain prominent landmarks from Moreton Bay and in the Caloundra district. From construction of the first lighthouse in 1896 through to the decommissioning of the second (1968) lighthouse in 1978 the lights on Caloundra Head guided mariners to the northern entrance to the North West Channel – the safest, most reliable and consequently the most used entry channel to the Port of Brisbane.

With the advent of hostilities in south-east Asia and the Pacific in 1940 during World War II the operation of all Australian coastal lights was controlled by the Royal Australian Navy. With Brisbane becoming a major disembarkation point for soldiers and supplies for the war effort, the North West Channel through Moreton Bay became the only entrance to the Port making it a well used and vital route. For security purposes ships entering and leaving the channel had to travel in convoys and it was a common sight to see a host of vessels waiting off Caloundra Head to form a convoy before continuing to the Port of Brisbane or their next destination. For security purposes the channel was moved further east, away from the Bribie Island coast.

For the greater part of World War II the Royal Australian Navy set up an observation post within the grounds of the Caloundra Head Lighthouse reserve. Twenty-four hour watches were kept, and display of the light to shipping was controlled.

In 1967, a new signal tower and lighthouse was erected for the Caloundra Harbour was erected next to the old lighthouse on Canberra Terrace. The old light was discontinued in 1968.

The old light remained until 1970 when under the threat of demolition the Golden Beach Power Boat Club acted and relocated the lighthouse to Woorim Park adjacent to their new clubhouse site.

No funds were made available and the move was made totally by volunteers. Due to the poor condition of the metal cladding it was rendered with concrete to seal it.

After 30 years the Caloundra Lighthouse had deteriorated to the point where it existence was threatened.

A movement, made up of residents and the Council, worked towards it restoration and return to its original location. After several years little has eventuated due to lack of funds. After widespread community support a $ 50,000 grant from the local council enabled plans to proceed however high drama occurred when on 22 March 1999, an attempt was made to relocate the light tower back to its original location. The lantern was successful removed but when the tower was being positioned to be placed on a low loader for transportation, the timber framework gave away and it dropped to the ground, causing considerable damage. Fortunately the tower was not a write off and was insured. Once the insurance assessment was made the tower was braced and repairs were undertaken.

On 11 June 1999, the tower was placed on a float and transported to the original site in Canberra Terrace. The tower was then lifted off the float and lowered onto its original site next to the 1969 lighthouse. Later that year after the lantern room had been restored, glazed and painted it was taken to the repaired tower and reinstated. An open day was held in March 2001 to celebrate the conclusion of a long and arduous journey.

Despite no longer operating as lighthouses, community support for the conservation of both structures has ensured their survival, while the image of the 1896 lighthouse, Caloundra’s oldest surviving structure, has endured as one of the most significant symbols of the town.