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Cape Don Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇦🇺Northern Territory, AUOperational

Constructed between 1915 and 1917, this lighthouse is located on the Cobourg Peninsula in Australia's Northern Territory. It stands at a focal height of 50 meters and emits a white light with a single flash every 12 seconds, visible for 20 nautical miles. The station was manned by keepers until 1983, who also maintained meteorological records. The lighthouse complex includes the tower, three residences, and other service buildings. It is named after General Sir George Don.

Why it matters: This lighthouse marks the entrance to the Dundas Strait, an important route to Darwin and Melville Island.

Background
Cape Don Light is an active lighthouse located on Cape Don, at the tip of the Cobourg Peninsula, Northern Territory, Australia, in Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, marking the entrance to the Dundas Strait. It is Australia's northernmost traditional lighthouse. The station served on the important route to Darwin, between the peninsula and Melville Island. The tower was constructed in 1915–1917, during the "Golden Age of Australian Lighthouses" (1913–1920), and the tower was manned until 1983. During the entire period that the tower was manned it also maintained meteorological records which were well placed to assist in cyclone development tracking. The complex consists of the lighthouse, three residences and ancillary buildings. Cape Don was named by Phillip Parker King in 1818, as a compliment to General Sir George Don, the Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar.
Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 12s
Focal Height
50m
Geographic Range
20NM
City
Northern Territory
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-11.3079°
Longitude
131.7651°
Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Year Built
1917
Admiralty No.
Q3314
NGA No.
9548
Wikidata
Q5034749
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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How do mariners identify Cape Don Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Don displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash 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 Cape Don Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Don Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Cape Don at 1 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Black Point (24.6 NM ENE), Raffles Bay (36.5 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Don Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Don 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 Cape Don Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Don 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.