Lady Elliot Island Light, Heritage lighthouse in Burnett Heads, Australia
Lady Elliot Island Light is a white octagonal concrete tower with a red band near the top, standing at the entrance of the Burnett River. The structure operates automatically today and visitors can see it from the exterior while the interior remains closed to the public.
This lighthouse was built in 1866 to guide ships entering the Burnett River safely through its waters. It served this navigation role actively until 1971, when automation allowed the light to be operated remotely without a keeper on site.
The lighthouse stands as a reminder of how maritime trade shaped this region's development when you visit the waterfront location. Walking around the structure, you can sense the historical importance this beacon held for sailors navigating these waters.
You can walk around and view the lighthouse from outside, though the tower interior is not open for entry. The waterfront location makes it easy to see the structure from different angles and to understand its position marking the river entrance.
The four white light flashes that appear every twenty seconds are visible from about 18 nautical miles away across the ocean. This regular pattern was essential for sailors to identify which lighthouse they were approaching during nighttime navigation.
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