Kiama
Chance Brothers Lighthouse
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Date of lens manufacture
1886
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Date of lighthouse construction
1887
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Country
Australia
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Commissioning body
NSW Government
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Order of lens
4th order
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Fixed or revolving lens
Fixed
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Active/Inactive
Active
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Describe the character of light
Grp. Fl. White (4) 20 secs
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Describe the lighthouses daymarks
White masonry tower.
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Which aspects of the lighthouse (other than the lens) were manufactured by Chance brothers
4th Order Chance lantern
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Describe the history of the lighthouse
Continuous local commercial pressure especially after the construction of Kiama Harbour led to tenders being called for the construction of the lighthouse in 1886. The manmade harbour serviced Kiama’s supply of crushed blue metal and paving blocks for the streets of Sydney. The tower, built on Blowhole Point, is constructed of brick and rendered outside with concrete. The original apparatus was an oil burner with a catadioptric fixed lens producing a 600 candela green light that was visible for nine miles. This was upgraded to the local town coal gas in 1908 with an intensity of 1,500 candelas and a range of fifteen miles. This was further upgraded to acetylene gas and group flashing in 1920. At this point the light was demanned, though Brewis stated in 1913 that the light was unwatched, the keeper’s cottage being vacant. In 1969 the light was converted to 240v mains electricity with battery back up. The light source was converted to LED array in 2018. The original Chance 4th order lens remains in use.
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Current management body/ ports authority
NSW Maritime
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Historical preservation societies/manager/operator
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Is the site vulnerable to coastal erosion?
no -
Have you experienced any affects of climate change on the lighthouse?
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Observations on the condition of the lighthouse?
The lighthouse is an active light and is maintained by NSW Maritime. It remains in good condition.
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Is the site open/closed to the public
Open
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Is the tower open/closed to the public
Closed
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Latitude and Longitude
Lat. 34°40'18.41"S Long. 150°51'45.43"E
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On-site bookable accommodation available
no -
Associated web addresses
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Other details
The lighthouse stands adjacent to the Kiama blowhole. The reserve is open all year round, just a short walk or drive from the Kiama town centre.
ARLHS AUS-236; Admiralty K2598; NGA 6496.
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Which resources did you use to research this lighthouses?
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Where?
