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Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse

Fl (2) White/Red 10s🇦🇺AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse

This white fiberglass tower stands 9 meters tall and is mounted on a square platform supported by piles. It is situated off the west end of Vernon Island in Australia's Clarance Strait, a channel between the mainland and Melville Island. The light, positioned 9 meters above sea level, emits two white or red flashes every 10 seconds, offering a geographic range of 10 nautical miles. This automated light guides vessels through the waters connecting the Beagle Gulf to the Van Dieman Gulf. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The Northwest Vernon Island light is essential for navigating the Clarance Strait, warning mariners of the navigational hazards posed by the nearby Vernon Islands.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White/Red 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl(2) WR 10s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Location

Country
🇦🇺Australia
Sea Region
Clarance Strait, between the mainland and Melville Island, connecting the Beagle Gulf to the Van Dieman Gulf, off the west end of Vernon Island, Australia
Latitude
-12.0488°
Longitude
130.9962°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Darwin(27.5 km)
Admiralty No.
Q3317.5
NGA No.
9538

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
fiberglass

Structure: white fiberglass tower mounted on a square platform supported by piles

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse at night?+
Northwest Vernon Island displays the characteristic Fl (2) White/Red 10s — 2 white/red 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. The white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Palmerston at 26.8 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Darwin (27.6 NM SSW), Melville Island (30.2 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Northwest Vernon 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 Northwest Vernon Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Northwest Vernon 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.