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Bustard Head Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 10s🇦🇺Queensland's East Coast, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Bustard Head Lighthouse

Constructed in 1868, Bustard Head Lighthouse stands 58 meters tall, with its light positioned 102 meters above sea level. This cast iron tower, assembled from prefabricated bolted segments, exhibits two white flashes every 10 seconds, visible for 19 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the southeast tip of a headland within Eurimbula National Park. Its design and construction method mark it as one of the earliest in Australia using this technique, with a similar structure found only at Sandy Cape. The light station also functions as a relay for several other lighthouses and a radio check post.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is the second-oldest lightstation in Queensland and the first built after the state's formation in 1859. It is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register.

Background
Bustard Head Light is an active lighthouse located on the southeast tip of Bustard Head, a headland, about 20 kilometres (12 mi) northwest of Seventeen Seventy, in the Australian state of Queensland, within the Eurimbula National Park and locality of Eurimbula. Built in 1868, it is the second-oldest lightstation in the state, following Cape Moreton Light, and the first to be built in Queensland after its formation in 1859. It is also one of the first in Australia to be constructed using bolted prefabricated segments of cast iron, and one of only two such lighthouses in Queensland, the other being its sibling, Sandy Cape Light. It serves as the central relay for Dent Island Light, Pine Islet Light and Lady Elliot Island Light and as the radio check post for Cape Capricorn Light, Sandy Cape Light and Double Island Point Light. Bustard Head was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, in honour of a bustard which was shot and eaten by the landing party at the location.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl.(2)W. period 10s
Focal Height
102m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1868
Heritage Status
listed on the Queensland Heritage Register

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K2964
NGA No.
10452
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5002095 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
58m

Location

City
Queensland's East Coast
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-24.0223°
Longitude
151.7645°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Bustard Head Lighthouse at night?+
Bustard Head displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 10s — 2 white flashes every 10 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Bustard Head Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Bustard Head Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is South Trees at 27.4 NM to the WNW. Other ports served include Port Curtis (30.2 NM WNW), Barney Point (30.4 NM WNW), Gladstone (31.8 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Bustard Head Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Bustard Head Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Bustard Head Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Bustard Head Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.