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Goose Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 10s🇦🇺Tasmania, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Goose Island Lighthouse

Constructed in 1846 using masonry and convict labor, this white tower stands 36 meters tall. Its light emits two white flashes every 10 seconds, visible for 18 nautical miles. The lighthouse was unstaffed starting in 1931, with power now supplied by solar panels after a period using a wind generator from 1985 to 1990. The original Fresnel lens is no longer in place and is displayed at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania in Hobart. The structure is visible from 319 to 161 degrees, though partially obscured by nearby islands.

Why it matters: This site experienced a pirate raid on March 31, 1857, and retains relics from its staffed era, including a wooden tramway and lightkeepers' graves.

Background
The Goose Island Lighthouse is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and has been unstaffed since 1931. It was originally constructed in 1846 with the use of convict labour. On 31 March 1857 the station was raided by pirates. From 1985 to 1990 a wind generator was used as a power source for the light, today the electricity is generated by solar panels. The tower was built as a 30-metre (98 ft)-tall rubblestone construction employing a Fresnel lens, which today is on display in Hobart at the Maritime Museum of Tasmania. The focal plane of the light source is located 36 m above sea level, the light's characteristic is a double flash every ten seconds. Goose Island contains historic relics from the time when the lighthouse was staffed, such as the remains of a wooden tramway used to supply the lighthouse, as well as the graves of light keepers, or members of their families, who died by drowning.

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
36m
Geographic Range
18NM

Location

City
Tasmania
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-40.3116°
Longitude
147.8011°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
36m
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: White masonry tower; 98. Visible 319°-161°. Partially obscured beyond islands

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K3600
NGA No.
6644
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q15221869 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Goose Island Lighthouse at night?+
Goose Island 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 Goose Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Goose Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is CAPE BARREN at 10.8 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include FLINDERS ISLAND (21 NM ENE), Bridport (45.6 NM SSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Goose Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Goose 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 Goose Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Goose 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.