Western Channel Pile Light, Navigation lighthouse in Sydney Harbour, Australia
The Western Channel Pile Light is an octagonal white tower with two galleries and a lantern standing above Sydney Harbour. The structure rests on steel piles and marks the western edge of the Sow and Pigs Reef while operating on solar power.
It was built in 1924 to replace a marker buoy and make passage through the reef safer for ships. After collapsing in 2006 when piles failed, it was rebuilt using its original lantern and returned to service in 2008.
Locals call this structure the West Wedding Cake because of its octagonal shape and double-tiered balconies rising above the water. The nickname shows how people in Sydney relate to and remember this distinctive landmark in their daily lives.
The best views come from surrounding walking paths or from the water, depending on tides and weather conditions. Plan for flexible timing since harbour conditions vary throughout the day and the light changes at different times.
When operating, it sends light signals visible for up to 9 nautical miles, guiding ships through one of the region's busiest harbours. This range makes it a reliable reference point for various types of vessels navigating the area.
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