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Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red 30s🇦🇺Shire of Glenelg, AUOperational

Location & Light Range

About Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse

Also known as: Whaler's Bluff (Whaler Point, Portland Bay)

Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse, a cylindrical stone tower standing 12 meters tall, was first lit in 1859. Originally built on Battery Point south of Portland, the lighthouse was relocated in 1889 to its present site on a bluff at the end of Lighthouse Street. The tower is painted white with red trim, and its lantern room is entirely red. Its focal height reaches 41 meters, casting a white light with three flashes every 30 seconds, supplemented by red flashes directed over a nearby reef. The keeper's houses are no longer present, leaving the lighthouse as the sole historic structure. The site is accessible to the public, but the tower remains closed.

Why it matters: The lighthouse's red flashes specifically warn mariners of a reef to the east. Its relocation in 1889 demonstrates its continuous importance for maritime safety.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red 30s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
30s
Raw Code
Fl(3) W 30s with R over reef
Focal Height
41m
Geographic Range
17.2NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1859

Significant events: relocated 1889

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
12m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white with red trim
Material
stone

Structure: round stone tower with lantern and gallery, painted white with red trim; entire lantern is red

Location

City
Shire of Glenelg
Country
🇦🇺Australia
Region
Victoria
Sea Region
bluff at the end of Lighthouse Street on the north side of Portland, Australia
Latitude
-38.3373°
Longitude
141.6091°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Portland(1.9 km)
Admiralty No.
K2138
ARLHS No.
AUS-168
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse at night?+
Whaler's Bluff displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red 30s — 3 white/red flashes every 30 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. The white/red color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 3 nearby ports. The closest is Portland at 0.8 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Port Fairy (29.4 NM E), Warrnambool (41.3 NM E). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Whaler's Bluff 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 Whaler's Bluff Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Whaler's Bluff 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.