Low Isles Light

Low Isles Light is a white tower with a red dome topped by a lantern room, standing on a small island off Port Douglas. The structure features porthole windows and galvanized iron construction, with the entire site surrounded by coral reefs and tropical vegetation.

Construction finished in 1878 as the first lighthouse built in Far North Queensland to guide vessels through dangerous waters. Its establishment marked a turning point for maritime safety in this treacherous region.

The lighthouse occupies a small island and represents the maritime importance of Far North Queensland to seafarers. Visitors today can walk around the site and see how ships needed guidance through the surrounding coral reefs to travel safely.

The lighthouse grounds are open year-round, with regular boat tours departing from Port Douglas to reach the island. Visitors should prepare for sun and heat while wearing comfortable shoes, as the path to the lighthouse crosses natural terrain.

The facility switched to solar power in 1993, making lighthouse keepers unnecessary after they had staffed the station for more than a century. This marked a significant shift toward automating navigation aids in Australia.

Location: Queensland

Inception: 1874

GPS coordinates: -16.38406,145.55988

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22