Point Gellibrand Lighthouse
Location & Light Range
About Point Gellibrand Lighthouse
Also known as: Point Gellibrand (Williamstown) (Time Signal)
The Point Gellibrand lighthouse, established in 1840, is situated at the south end of Nelson Place in Williamstown, Victoria. The current square, tapered bluestone tower was constructed in 1849 and stands 17 meters high. A timeball mast was added in 1853, which operated until 1926. The station experienced periods of inactivity between 1859 and 1934, and again from 1987 onwards. It was reconverted to a lighthouse in 1934 with an added brick section, though this extension was removed during restoration work between 1989 and 1990, returning the tower to its late 19th-century appearance. The timeball apparatus is still operational.
Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for its historical dual function as a navigational aid and a time signal station, with the timeball apparatus being a rare example of early maritime technology.
Tower & Structure
- Tower Height
- 17m
- Tower Shape
- square
- Tower Color
- unpainted
- Material
- stone
Structure: tapered square bluestone tower carrying a timeball mast
Location
- City
- Melbourne
- Country
- 🇦🇺Australia
- Region
- Victoria
- Sea Region
- Point Gellibrand at the south end of Nelson Place in Williamstown, Victoria, Australia
- Latitude
- -37.8668°
- Longitude
- 144.9127°
References & Identifiers
- Nearest Port
- Melbourne(1.5 km)
- ARLHS No.
- AUS-170
Construction & History
- Year Built
- 1849
- First Lit
- 1840
Significant events: station established 1840, inactive 1859-1934, inactive since 1987, timeball apparatus added 1853, timeball in use until 1926, reconverted to lighthouse 1934, tower extension removed 1989-90, tower restored to late 19th century appearance 1989-90
Visiting
- Open to public
- Site open, tower closed
Nearby Vessels
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