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Swain Reefs Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇦🇺Livingstone Shire, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Swain Reefs Lighthouse

Also known as: Swain Reefs (Hixson Cay)

This lighthouse is a white, cylindrical fiberglass tower standing 17 meters tall, situated on a square platform supported by piles. It is located at the extreme southeastern end of the Swain Reefs, part of the outer Great Barrier Reef. The tower exhibits a white light with one flash every 10 seconds. The site is open to visitors, though the tower itself is closed to the public. The nearest port is Barney Point, approximately 121.7 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse warns mariners of the extensive Swain Reefs, aiding navigation through one of the world's most complex and ecologically sensitive marine environments.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Location

City
Livingstone Shire
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Queensland
Sea Region
Swain Reefs, at the extreme southeastern end of the outer Great Barrier Reef, on a reef near the southern tip of the reefs
Latitude
-22.3325°
Longitude
152.7304°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Barney Point(121.7 km)
Admiralty No.
K3014.5
NGA No.
10311
ARLHS No.
AUS-122

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
17m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
fiberglass

Structure: round square fiberglass tower mounted on a square platform supported by piles

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Swain Reefs Lighthouse at night?+
Swain Reefs 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.
Is Swain Reefs Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Swain Reefs 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 Swain Reefs Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Swain Reefs 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.