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South Channel Range Front Lighthouse

Fl White 3s🇦🇺AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About South Channel Range Front Lighthouse

Also known as: South Channel Range Front (South Channel Pile Light, Rye Channel) (relocated)

Constructed in 1874 of wood, this octagonal light tower stands 9 meters tall and is centered on the roof of a 1-story keeper's house, itself mounted on wood pilings. Originally guiding ships on the South Channel in Port Phillip Bay, its light is a white flash every 3 seconds. The lighthouse was deactivated in 1985 but was later removed and restored in 1998. Following restoration, it was relocated to its current site approximately 3 km north of Rye and reactivated. The tower remains closed to visitors, though the surrounding site is accessible.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is one of only two surviving cottage pile lighthouses in Australia, representing a rare architectural style.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl W 3s
Focal Height
9m
Geographic Range
10NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1874

Significant events: deactivated 1985, reactivated 1998, removed and restored 1998, relocated 1998

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
9m
Tower Shape
octagonal
Tower Color
white
Material
wood

Structure: light tower centered on the roof of a 1-story octagonal wood keeper's house, mounted on wood pilings

Location

Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Victoria
Sea Region
Port Phillip Bay, about 3 km north of Rye, guiding ships on the South Channel
Latitude
-38.3386°
Longitude
144.8186°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sorrento(3.4 km)
Admiralty No.
K2325.5
NGA No.
7523.4
ARLHS No.
AUS-150
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify South Channel Range Front Lighthouse at night?+
South Channel Range Front displays the characteristic Fl White 3s. 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 South Channel Range Front Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
South Channel Range Front Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sorrento at 3.4 NM to the W. Other ports served include Flinders (12.8 NM SE), FLINDERS (12.9 NM SE), Balnarring (14.9 NM E), Drysdale (15.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is South Channel Range Front Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, South Channel Range Front 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 South Channel Range Front Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near South Channel Range Front 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.