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Rocky Islet Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇦🇺AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rocky Islet Lighthouse

Also known as: #Rocky Islet (Archer Point Range Front)

This white, round iron and wood tower stands 18 meters tall, with its light positioned 20 meters above the water. Built in 1979, it features a solar-powered lens emitting a white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 13.2 nautical miles. The structure consists of a wood frame clad in galvanized iron sheets, topped with a lantern and gallery. In 2018, the lighthouse received new paintwork on both its interior and exterior. While the site is open to visitors, the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: The lighthouse guides vessels through the waters near Port Douglas, approximately 60 km north of Cairns.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
20m
Geographic Range
13.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1979

Significant events: Steve Irwin killed nearby in 2006, interior and exterior painted in 2018

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
iron, wood

Structure: wood frame tower covered by galvanized iron sheets, with lantern and gallery; solar-powered lens

Location

Country
🇦🇺Australia
Sea Region
Low Isles, near Port Douglas, about 60 km north of Cairns
Latitude
-16.6849°
Longitude
146.2481°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cairns(29.9 km)
Admiralty No.
K3194
NGA No.
9896
ARLHS No.
AUS-102
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rocky Islet Lighthouse at night?+
Rocky Islet displays the characteristic Fl White 10s. 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 Rocky Islet Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rocky Islet Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Cairns at 30.9 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Yorkeys Knob (31.6 NM WSW), Port Douglas (46.9 NM WNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rocky Islet Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rocky Islet 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 Rocky Islet Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rocky Islet 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.