- Address: Old South Head Rd, Vaucluse NSW 2030, Australia
- Date of construction: 1878-1880 (modern building)
- Height: 26 m
- Material: Sandstone
- Architect: James Barnet
Macquarie Lighthouse is the first lighthouse on the continent of Australia , which for several decades has been pointing the right direction to the sailors, not letting them get off the right track. The lighthouse was built 2 km from the South Cape. The beginning of the construction of the lighthouse of Macquarie is considered to be 1791 - it was then that modern navigation equipment was installed in the designated place, and the construction of the lighthouse itself was completed in 1818.
Stages of construction
The construction of the lighthouse was led by the exiled architect Francis Greenway, and the first stone was laid by the then governor of New South Wales, Lachlan Macquar, in 1813, who gave the name to the structure under construction. Already in 1818 the lighthouse of Macquarie lit the first lights, but, unfortunately, the building did not serve long service, tk. was built of sandstone, which due to excessive sea moisture began to break down. The government repeatedly took measures to strengthen the walls, but the metal hoops could not save the situation, so already in 1881 the construction of a new lighthouse building began.
The construction of the new lighthouse was led by the architect James Barnett. It is noteworthy that the exterior of the new lighthouse was completely copied by the old lighthouse of Macquarie, but materials for construction were used by others-more wear-resistant, and the functionality of the lighthouse was significantly extended-the capacity of the light chamber and the dimensions of the room for equipment placement were increased.
Another important milestone in the history of Macquarie Lighthouse was the complete automation of the new building, all works in this direction were completed by 1976, but now the Macquarie lighthouse does not perform its basic functions and is replaced by a more modern lighthouse near the lighthouse of Macquarie, staff left this place in 1989.
The Lighthouse of Macquarie these days
Currently, the building of the lighthouse is under the protection of Australia's Maritime Security, and although it has not operated for more than 2 decades, but as early as 2008, its image was adorned with the coat of arms of the city university. On the adjacent to the Makkuori lighthouse territory there are 2 buildings: 1 house belonged to the lighthouse keeper, another to his assistant. It is noteworthy that in 2004 the caretaker's house was put up for sale in an auction, the starting price was 1.95 million Australian dollars.
How to get there?
You can get to the Makkuori lighthouse by buses No. 380 and 324 to the stop with code 203064, then on foot or by taxi.
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