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

Penrith Island Lighthouse

Fl (3) White 15s🇦🇺Mackay Regional, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Penrith Island Lighthouse

The Penrith Island Lighthouse is a square masonry tower standing 4 meters tall and painted white. Its light is positioned 150 meters above sea level, emitting a white flash every 15 seconds. This lighthouse is situated on Penrith Island, approximately 80 kilometers east of Mackay, Queensland. The structure itself is made of masonry. The lighthouse maintains an operational status, guiding vessels through the surrounding waters. A former Fresnel lens from this lighthouse is now on display at the Townsville Maritime Museum.

Why it matters: The lighthouse assists mariners navigating the waters of the South Cumberland Islands, a protected wilderness area. Its operational light ensures safe passage in a region where alternative navigational aids may be limited.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
150m
Geographic Range
29.6NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Fresnel lens on display at Townsville Maritime Museum

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hay Point(36.3 km)
Admiralty No.
K3049
NGA No.
K3049
ARLHS No.
AUS-192

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
4m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white
Material
masonry

Structure: square masonry tower painted white

Location

City
Mackay Regional
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Queensland
Sea Region
Penrith Island, about 80 km east of Mackay, Australia
Latitude
-21.0093°
Longitude
149.9044°

Nearby Vessels

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

Find Penrith Island Lighthouse on the live nautical map

Plan voyages near Australia, 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 Penrith Island Lighthouse at night?+
Penrith Island displays the characteristic Fl (3) White 15s — 3 white flashes every 15 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Penrith Island Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Penrith Island Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is Hay Point at 36.9 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Mackay (38.3 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Penrith Island Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Penrith 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 Penrith Island Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Penrith 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.