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Cape Nelson Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 20s🇦🇺Shire of Glenelg, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cape Nelson Lighthouse

The Cape Nelson Lighthouse, a cylindrical stone tower completed in 1884, stands 32 meters tall and is painted white with a red lantern roof. Its light emits four white flashes every 20 seconds, visible for 22 nautical miles. Situated 13 kilometers south of Portland, Victoria, the structure is built from stone. The keeper's houses are protected by a distinctive rubblestone wall, designed to mitigate the effects of frequent high winds in the area. Recent work in 2022-23 involved a significant exterior restoration and repainting of the lighthouse.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's unique rubblestone wall demonstrates an adaptive architectural response to the local environment, and the site's conversion into a state park enhances its cultural and tourism value for the region.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 20s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Fl(4) W 20s
Focal Height
75m
Geographic Range
22NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1884

Significant events: exterior restored and repainted in 2022-23

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portland(7.5 km)
Admiralty No.
K2136
NGA No.
8064
ARLHS No.
AUS-041

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
32m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
stone

Structure: round bluestone tower, painted white; lantern roof is red

Location

City
Shire of Glenelg
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Victoria
Sea Region
13 km (8 mi) south of Portland, Australia
Latitude
-38.4309°
Longitude
141.5429°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cape Nelson Lighthouse at night?+
Cape Nelson displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 20s — 4 white flashes every 20 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cape Nelson Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cape Nelson Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 6.1 NM to the NE. Other ports served include Port Fairy (32.7 NM E), Warrnambool (44.3 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cape Nelson Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cape Nelson 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 Nelson Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cape Nelson 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.