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North West Island Lighthouse

Fl White 5s🇦🇺City of Karratha, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About North West Island Lighthouse

A white fiberglass tower stands 5 meters tall on North West Island, reaching a focal height of 17 meters. Established in 1968, this light emits a single white flash every 5 seconds. Its geographic range extends to 12.4 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the northernmost of the Montebello Islands, within the City of Karratha region. The nearest port facility is Varanus Island Terminal, 17 kilometers away.

Why it matters: This light marks the northernmost point of the Montebello Islands, serving as a critical navigational aid for vessels traversing these waters.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 5s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
5s
Raw Code
Fl W 5s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1968

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Varanus Island Terminal(17.0 km)
Admiralty No.
Q1691.98
NGA No.
9328
ARLHS No.
AUS-278

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
5m
Tower Color
white
Material
fiberglass

Structure: white fiberglass tower

Location

City
City of Karratha
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Western Australia
Sea Region
North West Island, the northernmost of the Montebello Islands
Latitude
-20.3600°
Longitude
115.5243°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify North West Island Lighthouse at night?+
North West Island displays the characteristic Fl White 5s. 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does North West Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
North West Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is CAMPBELL at 12.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Varanus Island (17.8 NM S), Barrow Island (24.4 NM S), Stag Platform (41.1 NM E), Cape Preston (46.9 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is North West Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, North West 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 North West Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near North West 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.