Cape Wickham Lighthouse

Cape Wickham Lighthouse is Australia's tallest lighthouse, located at Cape Wickham on King Island, Tasmania.

It stands at 48 metres tall and is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register. Visitors have the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse, which has eleven timber flights of stairs.

Built with locally quarried stone, the lighthouse was initially staffed by a superintendent until it was automated in the 1920s. The superintendent faced challenges due to a lack of supplies and conflicts with hunters and other inhabitants of the island.

Established in 1861, Cape Wickham Lighthouse was a response to the sinking of the barque Cataraqui, which resulted in the loss of 400 lives. Concerns were raised during its construction that the lighthouse might cause more shipwrecks than it prevented, as it was designed to warn of danger rather than guide ships to safety. Despite these concerns, the lighthouse was completed, although shipwrecks continued until the completion of the Currie Lighthouse in 1879.

After its automation, the lighthouse was maintained by the lighthouse keeper from nearby Currie. It was officially opened by Australian Governor-General Quentin Bryce in 2011, during the preparations for its 150th anniversary. Surrounding the lighthouse are the remains of various buildings, including a small church, and gravestones of those shipwrecked in the area.

If you plan to visit Cape Wickham Lighthouse, be prepared to climb the stairs to reach the top. Comfortable shoes and plenty of water are recommended. The lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramic views of the wild coastlines, making it a must-see for those interested in lighthouses or maritime history