Cape Cleveland Lightstation

The Cape Cleveland Light Station overlooks Cleveland Bay and the Port of Townsville. It was built in 1879 and was the first navigation light to guide mariners into Townsville. It was part of a network of navigation lights guiding shipping into Queensland ports. Shipping was the main form of transport for decades. Railways in Queensland were built inland from the various ports and relied on shipping to link the coastal towns. This light station is one of a number of prefabricated light stations, which were designed by the office of Queensland’s Colonial Architect. It was a timber-framed structure clad in galvanised iron sheeting; a design unique to Queensland. Another prefabricated light station was assembled simultaneously on Dent Island in the Whitsunday group. Cape Cleveland originally had three light keeper’s cottages. Two of the cottages were replaced, and the third removed, in 1953. The lens on the light was replaced in 1956. The light station was automated and de-staffed in 1987. The site is now surrounded by the Cape Bowling Green Conservation Park, and the light station is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Local tour companies offer boat and helicopter trips to the light station.