Located on Tasmania’s spectacular eastern coast within Freycinet National Park, Cape Tourville Lighthouse overlooks the pristine waters where the Tasman Sea meets the rugged Freycinet Peninsula. This distinctive cylindrical concrete tower serves as a vital navigational aid along Tasmania’s eastern seaboard, forming a crucial link in the chain of coastal lights that includes Eddystone Point to the north and Iron Pot to the south.

Originally this stretch of coast was presided over by one of the first lights built by the fledgling Commonwealth Lighthouse Service after it came into being in 1915. Lemon Rock, the site of the light at Cape Forestier, is a very small granite islet, about 80 metres high, connected to Cape Forestier by rocks which are submerged at high tide. Access to the rock was extremely weather dependent with a ladder up the near vertical face of the rock. Supplies such as acetylene gas cylinders were hauled to the top by a flying-fox system.

The Lemon Rock light was one of only a few lights which were just a lantern, without the usual lighthouse tower or resident keeper. When first lit on Friday 5 October, 1917, the Group Flashing white light with a Red sector was powered by a bank of 28 acetylene gas cylinders, the white light visible for 20 miles and red, 10 miles.

Because of the extreme difficulty of access, the light was discontinued in May 1971, at the same time the newly built Cape Tourville Lighthouse commenced operations.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse occupies a dramatic cliff-top location some 5km north of Lemon Rock and continues to provide mariners guidance along what historically has been a challenging section of Tasmania’s coastline. The lighthouse marks the eastern entrance to Great Oyster Bay and warns vessels of the hazardous Nuggets reef system that has claimed numerous ships since the earliest days of colonisation.

Its establishment represented a significant advancement in Australia’s lighthouse network, being among the first generation of fully automated, unmanned lighthouses that transformed coastal navigation systems throughout the country.

Cape Tourville Lighthouse exemplifies the functional modernism of mid-20th century lighthouse architecture. The 10-meter cylindrical concrete tower stands in stark contrast to the ornate granite structures of earlier lighthouses, reflecting a pragmatic approach focused on operational efficiency rather than architectural aesthetics. Despite its utilitarian design, the lighthouse has become an iconic feature of the Freycinet landscape, its clean white silhouette striking against the dramatic coastal backdrop.

Unlike its heritage predecessors, Cape Tourville’s construction was relatively straightforward, utilising modern building techniques and materials. The prefabricated concrete structure was erected efficiently on its spectacular cliff-top site, approximately 100 meters above sea level. While lacking the handcrafted stonework of colonial lighthouses, the tower’s construction nevertheless represented a significant engineering achievement given its remote location and challenging site conditions. The automated system was designed to function unattended for extended periods, with scheduled maintenance visits rather than continuous keeper presence.

Throughout its operational history, the lighthouse has undergone several technological upgrades while maintaining its original automated design philosophy. Solar power conversion in the 1990s significantly enhanced reliability and sustainability, with photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems ensuring continuous operation regardless of mainland power supply. The original lighting system has been upgraded several times, incorporating increasingly efficient LED technology while maintaining the characteristic light pattern that mariners recognize.

Unlike traditional lighthouse stations like Eddystone Point, Cape Tourville was never designed to support keeper families, having been conceived from the outset as an automated facility. This modern approach reflected the dramatic transformation of Australia’s lighthouse service in the mid-20th century, as technological advances made remote operation both possible and economical. The absence of keeper’s quarters or support buildings emphasizes the lighthouse’s purely functional role.

Despite its unmanned status, Cape Tourville’s exposed position subjects it to considerable environmental challenges. The lighthouse endures the full force of Tasman Sea weather systems, with easterly gales frequently battering the structure with winds exceeding 100 kph. The tower’s robust concrete construction and minimal external components were specifically designed to withstand these conditions with minimal maintenance requirements, a design philosophy that has proven highly successful throughout its operational history.

The waters visible from Cape Tourville have witnessed several notable maritime incidents, including the tragic loss of the coastal freighter North Esk in 1965, which contributed to the eventual decision to establish the lighthouse. More recently, the area has been the scene of dramatic rescues involving recreational vessels caught in sudden weather changes – incidents that continue to highlight the vital importance of the lighthouse’s warning beacon along this spectacular but potentially dangerous coastline.

Cape Tourville’s relatively recent construction means it lacks the rich folklore of colonial lighthouses, but it has established its own place in local maritime tradition, particularly among the fishing community. Commercial fishermen operating out of nearby Bicheno and Coles Bay regard the lighthouse as a crucial navigation reference point, with many vessels timing their return journeys to coincide with the lighthouse’s characteristic flash becoming visible above the horizon – a modern continuation of seafaring traditions stretching back centuries.

The lighthouse’s most significant historical contribution lies in its role during severe weather events, particularly the devastating bushfires that have periodically threatened the Freycinet Peninsula. During the extensive fire seasons of 2006 and 2016, the lighthouse served as a critical communications relay point, with emergency services utilizing the structure and its power systems to maintain radio contact with fire crews working in otherwise isolated locations throughout the national park.

Though lacking the heritage classification of Tasmania’s colonial lighthouses, Cape Tourville has become one of the state’s most visited maritime lighthouses due to its accessible location within the popular Freycinet National Park. The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service has developed an excellent walkway around the lighthouse precinct, providing spectacular views of the coastline and information about both the lighthouse and the area’s natural features. This 600m boardwalk has become one of Tasmania’s most popular short walks, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually.

Today, Cape Tourville Lighthouse continues to function as an active navigational aid while simultaneously serving as a significant tourist attraction. The lighthouse’s spectacular location, offering panoramic views of the Freycinet coastline including the internationally renowned Wineglass Bay, has made it an essential stop on Tasmania’s east coast touring route.

Having operated reliably for over 50 years, Cape Tourville Lighthouse represents the successful transition of Australia’s lighthouse network into the modern era. Its unobtrusive design and automated operation exemplify the practical approach to maritime safety that has characterized Australian lighthouse development since the 1970s. While lacking the architectural grandeur Cape Tourville’s operational efficiency and spectacular setting have secured its position as both a vital navigational aid and one of Tasmania’s most photographed maritime structures.

Technical Details:

First Exhibited: 1971

Architect: Commonwealth Lighthouse Service

Status: Active

Location: Lat: 42° 07.3233′ S Long: 148° 20.4833′ E

Current Optic: Modern LED beacon

Automated: 1971 (from inception)

Construction: Cylindrical concrete tower

Height: 10 m

Elevation: 100 m

Range: Nominal: 10 nml Geographical: 19 nml

Character: Flashing white light: every 15 seconds

Intensity: 120,000 cd

Operator: AMSA, Freycinet National Park managed by Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service