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Cliffy Island Lighthouse

Fl W 5s🇦🇺Victoria, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cliffy Island Lighthouse

Built in 1884, this lighthouse stands on Cliffy Island, a steep-sided island that forms the peak of a submerged granite mountain in Bass Strait. It emits a white flash every five seconds. The light source and its Fresnel lens are positioned 52 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 15 nautical miles. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority operates the lighthouse, while the Victoria Department of Conservation and Natural Resources manages the site. Access to the island is restricted to helicopters, and the location is not open to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse warns vessels of submerged rocks within Bass Strait.

Background
The Cliffy Island Lighthouse is located atop Cliffy Island, a steep-sided island which is the summit of a granite submarine mountain in the Bass Strait. Cliffy Island is located about 32 kilometres directly south of Port Albert, and roughly 38 kilometres to the northeast of Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse in Victoria, Australia. The lighthouse warns approaching vessels of rocks in Bass Strait by emitting a flash of white light every five seconds. The focal plane of the lightsource and Fresnel lens is situated 52 metres above sea level. The site is managed by the Victoria Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, while the lighthouse itself is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). The island is accessible only by helicopter, and the entire site is closed to the public.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl.W. period 5s
Focal Height
52m
Geographic Range
15NM

Location

City
Victoria
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-38.9511°
Longitude
146.7057°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1884

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K2500
NGA No.
7204
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5133116 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Cliffy Island Lighthouse at night?+
Cliffy Island displays the characteristic Fl W 5s — 1 white flash every 5 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 Cliffy Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cliffy Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Welshpool at 18.7 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Barry Beach (20.8 NM NW), Berrys Creek (43.9 NM NW), Flynn (47.1 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cliffy Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cliffy Island 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 Cliffy Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cliffy Island 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.