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Point Cartwright Lighthouse

Fl (3) WR 15s🇦🇺Queensland's East Coast, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Point Cartwright Lighthouse

This lighthouse became operational in 1978. Its focal plane stands 53 meters above sea level. The light emits two white flashes or two red flashes every 15 seconds, depending on the sector. It has a geographic range of 7 nautical miles. The structure is situated near the Mooloolah River's mouth on Australia's Queensland East Coast.

Why it matters: The lighthouse marks the entrance to the North West Channel, a key waterway for Moreton Bay and the Port of Brisbane, and guides vessels into Mooloolaba Harbour.

Background
Point Cartwright Light is an active lighthouse located on Point Cartwright, a point near the mouth of the Mooloolah River, in Mooloolaba, Queensland, Australia. It marks the entrance to the North West Channel, a deep water channel into Moreton Bay and the Port of Brisbane, and provides guidance into the Mooloolaba Harbour.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) WR 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
WR
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl.(2)W.R. period 15s
Focal Height
53m
Geographic Range
7NM

Location

City
Queensland's East Coast
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-26.6796°
Longitude
153.1385°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1978

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K2907.8
NGA No.
K 2907.8
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7207976 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Point Cartwright Lighthouse at night?+
Point Cartwright displays the characteristic Fl (3) WR 15s — 3 wr 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 wr color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Point Cartwright Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Point Cartwright Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mooloolaba at 1 NM to the SW. Other ports served include SUNSHINE COAST (3.5 NM NW), Coolum (8.3 NM NNW), CALOUNDRA (8.6 NM S), NOOSAVILLE (17.4 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Point Cartwright Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Point Cartwright 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 Point Cartwright Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Point Cartwright 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.