Back in time

Ever wanted to know what if would feel like to be transported back 150 years? Well the team at 1770 LARC! Tours create this experience at least 3 times a week, on a specialised tour of Queensland’s first coastal Lighthouse.

A beautifully scenic amphibious ride from the Town of 1770 will take you right to the footsteps of the impressive 33 foot tall, solid iron lighthouse. The entrance door is crowned with a plaque “Hennet & Spink Manufacturers, Bridgewater 1866,” guests subconsciously bow their heads under as they enter the ground floor.

Step inside

Once inside it feels as though the atmosphere has changed. It’s a little bit cooler and the air is oddly a little thicker. Edged on the wall are copper oil cans used to refill the first wick burner lantern and an original mail sack hangs next to a shelf homing maritime flags.

Showcased in the center is the original clockwork machinery used for rotating the lens. Driven by heavy weights and chain that descended through the center of the tower. Every two hours without fail during the night, a lighthouse keeper had to turn the crank handle to wind the weights back up to the lantern floor ensuring the safe passage of passing ships.

The ascent up the spiraling iron staircase is accompanied by real stories of the families that first attended the station. The trials and tribulation of surviving in a remote location. How the families coped with, schooling, childbirth, changing lifestyles along with unsolved mysteries of abduction, murder and drownings.

360° views

At the top a heavy door swings open to a landing 320 feet above sea level. The ocean appears never ending and the inlet to Jenny Lind Creek has a marbled effect. Listening to tales of shipwrecks and maritime miracles whilst locating the dangerous rocks scattered in front of the headland, gives a clear insight to the necessity of the light.

And that’s not all…

Accompanying the Lighthouse are 2 restored light-keeper’s cottages, an engine room and the resting place for 12 previous occupants of the station. Brimming with historical artifacts, maritime treasures, and enough mysteries to sink a ship (literally) it’s an experience not to be missed.