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Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Fl W 10s🇦🇺Queensland's East Coast, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Constructed in 1870, Sandy Cape Light stands 128 meters tall on the northernmost point of K'gari, off Queensland's East Coast. This white, cylindrical tower emits a single white flash. With a focal height also at 128 meters, its geographic range extends to 21 nautical miles. The lighthouse was one of the earliest in Australia to utilize prefabricated cast iron segments for its construction. It remains an active aid to navigation, identified by NGA list number K 2932 and Admiralty number K2932.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, signifying its historical and architectural importance.

Background
Sandy Cape Light is a heritage-listed active lighthouse located on Sandy Cape, the most northern point on K'gari, Queensland, Australia. It stands about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) southwest of the northeastern tip of the island. It is the tallest lighthouse in Queensland. Built in 1870, it is the second major lighthouse to be built in Queensland after its formation in 1859. It is one of the first lighthouses in Australia to be constructed using bolted prefabricated segments of cast iron, and one of only two such lighthouses in Queensland, the other being its sibling, Bustard Head Light.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl W 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
1 flash
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl
Focal Height
128m
Geographic Range
21NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1870
Heritage Status
listed on the Queensland Heritage Register

References & Identifiers

Admiralty No.
K2932
NGA No.
K 2932
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7417192 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
128m
Tower Color
white

Location

City
Queensland's East Coast
Country
🇦🇺AU
Latitude
-24.7300°
Longitude
153.2086°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Sandy Cape Lighthouse at night?+
Sandy Cape displays the characteristic Fl W 10s — 1 white flash 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.
Which ports and harbors does Sandy Cape Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Sandy Cape Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 2 nearby ports. The closest is HERVEY BAY at 37.3 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Bundaberg (44.7 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Sandy Cape Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Sandy Cape 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 Sandy Cape Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Sandy Cape 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.