Get the MarineRadar appSatellite AISSatellite live trackingTrack any shipLive alerts112,000+ ships trackedDownload free

Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse

Fl White/Red/Green 2s🇦🇺AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse

This steel, cylindrical skeletal tower stands 9 meters tall on the west side of Moreton Island, approximately 4.1 km from Bulwer. Its distinctive red and white checkerboard pattern serves as a large daymark. The light emits a white, red, or green signal with a flash of one color every 2 seconds. The station was first established in the 1860s, with its original cast iron structure replaced in 1874. By 1901, the entire light station was moved inland due to coastal erosion, and it was automated in 1950. The site is open to the public, although the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This light functions as a leading light, guiding vessels arriving and departing the port of Brisbane.

Background
Cowan Cowan Point Light, was also known as Cowan Cowan Light or Cowan Point Light, was located on Cowan Cowan Point, on the western shore of Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red/Green 2s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Fl W R G 2s
Focal Height
9m
Light Range
10NM (18.5 km)
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1860

Significant events: station established 1860s, original cast iron lighthouse replaced 1874, light station moved 1901, automated 1950

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red and white checkerboard pattern
Material
steel

Structure: square cylindrical skeletal tower carrying a large daymark colored in a red and white checkerboard pattern

Location

Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Queensland
Sea Region
west side of Moreton Island, just off the beach south of Cowan Cowan Point, marks leading light for vessels arriving and departing Brisbane
Latitude
-27.1425°
Longitude
153.3631°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bulwer(4.1 km)
Admiralty No.
K2859
NGA No.
111-5844
ARLHS No.
AUS-295
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q12055566 →
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Australia, see nearby vessels in real time, and explore 14,900+ navigation aids in the app.

Nautical mapNearby vesselsVoyage planning
Get the App

Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 9 meters and a nominal range of 10 nautical miles (approximately 18.5 km), Cowan Cowan Point is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse at night?+
Cowan Cowan Point displays the characteristic Fl White/Red/Green 2s. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bulwer at 4 NM to the N. Other ports served include Sandstone (12.9 NM WNW), SCARBOROUGH (14.6 NM WSW), Chermside (17.9 NM SW), Port of Brisbane (17.9 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Cowan Cowan Point 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 Cowan Cowan Point Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Cowan Cowan Point 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.