Opened by Sir William Denison (then Governor of New South Wales) in 1858, this distinct red and white vertical striped lighthouse was originally powered by a high-tech kerosene lantern. The lighthouse was built in response to two significant losses of life near South Head - firstly in 1857, the 'Dubar' (on it last leg from England), when 121 of the 122 people on board lost their lives, and soon after, the 'Catherine Adamson' when 21 lives were lost near North Head just two months later.
Since 1933, this lighthouse has been automated and is now powered with a 12 volt, 55 watt Quartz Halogen Lamp (similar to a down light in a kitchen)
Now I'm confused ... I don't think I have ever noticed this Christmas candy coloured lighthouse.
ReplyDeleteOh and I forget to mention its name: Hornby Lighthouse....
ReplyDeleteIt's a beauty.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo (as usual!) - thank you for the story, I didn't know about that lighthouse, and me a Sydney-sider born (cringe). Oh and it's the Dunbar, btw.
ReplyDeleteyes thanks for the correction, always welcome :)
ReplyDeleteGet a great view of the Hornby Lighthouse from North Head. Loving this walk through your eyes, Jo.
ReplyDelete