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

North West Cape Lighthouse

Fl W 3s🇦🇺Western Australia, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About North West Cape Lighthouse

This hexagonal steel tower, standing 997 meters tall, was built and first lit in 1967. Its focal plane is 129 meters above sea level, providing a geographic range of 21 nautical miles. The light displays an isophase white, red, and green pattern on a 6-second cycle. The structure is white and is part of a large hexagonal array of naval communications towers. Although operational, the light was temporarily extinguished in 2024.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Iso.W.R.G. period 6s
Focal Height
129m
Geographic Range
21NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1967

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
Q1710
NGA No.
9276

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
997m
Tower Shape
hexagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
steel

Structure: White tower; 997. Temporarily extinguished (2024). Fl.W. period 10s

Location

City
Western Australia
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-21.8062°
Longitude
114.1600°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
Live tracking · 50,000+ mariners

Find North West Cape Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near AU, 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 do mariners identify North West Cape Lighthouse at night?+
North West Cape displays the characteristic Fl W 3s — 1 white flash every 3 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 North West Cape Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
North West Cape Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Exmouth at 8.9 NM to the S. Other ports served include Pyrenees (16.1 NM N), Nganhurra (21.3 NM NNW), Ningaloo Vision (24.8 NM N), Van Gogh Terminal (24.8 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is North West Cape Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, North West Cape 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 North West Cape Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near North West Cape 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.