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Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse

Iso Red 2s🇦🇺Mackay, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse

Also known as: Mackay Main Breakwater (Bagley Point)

This concrete lighthouse, built in 1996, stands 5 meters tall with its focal plane at 8 meters. It is painted white and topped with red. The structure is a cylindrical concrete tower, located on the south main breakwater of Mackay Harbour. Its light emits a single red flash every 2 seconds, visible for 9.7 nautical miles. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower itself remains closed. A plaque on the lighthouse honors Charles F. Bagley, recognizing his contributions to the harbor's development.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels safely into and out of Mackay Harbour, a major port for Queensland's export industries. The red light serves as a critical visual marker for ships navigating the busy approach.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Iso Red 2s
Flash Type
Isophase
Light Color
Red
Interval
2s
Raw Code
Iso R 2s
Focal Height
8m
Geographic Range
9.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1996

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with a red top
Material
concrete

Structure: round conical concrete tower painted white with a red top

Location

City
Mackay
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Queensland
Sea Region
south (main) breakwater of Mackay
Latitude
-21.1066°
Longitude
149.2332°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mackay(0.1 km)
Admiralty No.
K3035
NGA No.
10268
ARLHS No.
AUS-190
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse at night?+
Mackay Main Breakwater displays the characteristic Iso Red 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 red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 4 nearby ports. The closest is Mackay at 0.3 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Hay Point (10.6 NM SSE), Pleystowe (12.4 NM WSW), HAMILTON ISLAND (48.3 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mackay Main Breakwater 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 Mackay Main Breakwater Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mackay Main Breakwater 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.