Point Hicks Lighthouse

1888

1887 - 1888, first illuminated 1 July 1890

Australia

Public works department, Melbourne

1st order

Revolving

Active

Fl.(2)W.R. period 30s, fl, about 3s.

White concrete lighthouse, 38 m height

Presume pedestal and clockwork mechanism

Originally called Point Hicks, then later named Cape Everard, the former name was reinstated in 1970, ending a long running controversy over the name of Captain Cook’s first landfall in Australia.

The Point Hicks Lighthouse was built in 1887-88, and was first lit in May 1890. In a break with tradition at the time, the tower was constructed of concrete. The two keepers quarters were built from timber.

The kerosene lamp and clock mechanism were upgraded to electric operation with the connection of mains power in 1965. The light was more recently converted to solar power.

The lighthouse is believed to be haunted by the ghost of former Lightkeeper Christofferson.

A unusual feature of the light tower is its cast iron spiral staircase, which has162 steps cantilevered from the walls, rather than the traditional stone steps which are built around a central column.

Originally access to Point Hicks was by sea. In 1920 a return trip, by land to Cann River, 47 kilometres away from the light station, took two days. By 1946 the journey had been reduced to 36 hours by a combination of horse and jeep. During the early 1950s it was still a 12-hour ordeal. Today, the journey is possible in 50 minutes but is still treated with respect.

The light was known as Cape Everard from 1843 until 1970 when it was changed back to Point Hicks. It seem that there was some doubt to whether this was Cook’s first landfall in Australia, in 1770, because Cook had not taken account of crossing the International Date Line when recording his log. Therefore it was not challenged when the cape was latter named Everard. In the lead up to Cooks bi-centenary research was undertaken and the case was presented successfully to restore the rightful name.

The area remains largely unchanged from the time it was first sighted back in 1770.

AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority) / Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria

Road and bridge damaged in 2020 bushfires to access to the lighthouse is closed. Repairs hopefully will be completed by early 2024.

Access to lighthouse closed due to road/bridge damage. Lighthouse maintained by AMSA and AMS (Australian Maritime Services)

Closed

Closed

https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/croajingolong-national-park/where-to-stay/point-hicks-lighthouse. Accomodation may be closed due to recent bush fires

There is an obelisk commemorating Captain James Cook's first sighting of mainland Australia at this point in 1770 (named after officer on board the Endeavour, John Hicks) on the rocks in front of the lighthouse. This location was also known of as Cape Everard, renamed back to Point Hicks in 1970.

https://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/11/23/3374121.htm https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/croajingolong-national-park/where-to-stay/point-hicks-lighthouse https://www.australiangeographic.com.au/travel/travel-destinations/2010/07/australias-iconic-lighthouses/ http://www.haldane.ausvic.net/lighthouse.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Hicks

January 1911

Solar powered ML300 placed on the balcony rail