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.
The Kaurareg people, the traditional owners of the western Torres Strait, call this island Ngiangu after a figure from their stories. The place holds deep meaning for local communities whose connection to the land spans many generations.
The island is remote and can only be reached by boat, which requires special preparation and depends on sea conditions. The best time to visit is during calmer periods when the crossing is safer and more comfortable.
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.
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