Booby Island Light, Heritage lighthouse in Torres Strait, Queensland, Australia

Booby Island Light is a white conical tower with a red dome located on an island in the Torres Strait, Queensland. The structure is built from timber and galvanised iron and was designed to guide ships through the western entrance to the navigation channel.

The lighthouse was built in 1890 by the Rooney brothers from Maryborough and became an important navigation aid for ships in the Torres Strait. The construction included houses for the keepers and their families who lived on the island during their service.

Before the lighthouse existed, Booby Island was known as a maritime charity station: ships passing through the Torres Strait stopped to leave provisions in a cemented cave for castaways. A French account of 1882 describes a cistern of fresh water, barrels of biscuits, flour, preserved meat, wine and brandy kept there for shipwrecked crews.

Landing on the island requires a special permit, and both the tower and the site are closed to the public. Access is by boat only. The light is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the site is managed by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

In the 19th century, the island served as a refuge for shipwrecked sailors, with supplies stored there specifically for those cast ashore. This practical measure reflected the real dangers ships faced in these waters.