Significant restoration works have now begun at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. The restoration is undertaken by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) as part of its nationwide maintenance and conservation program for lighthouses across Australia.
The restoration works are expected to be completed in March 2022. During this period, the Lighthouse tower will be closed and guided tours will be suspended. The precinct, however, will remain open to visitors, who will continue to have access to the Lighthouse grounds, a viewing platform and award-winning interpretive centre housed in one of the original lighthouse keepers’ cottages. The Cape Leeuwin Café will also remain open during this period of work.
The restoration works are vital to ensure the longevity of the Lighthouse as a marine safety aid and culturally significant tourist drawcard. Specialist engineers and trades have been engaged by AMSA to:
- Remove all external and internal paint to reveal the limestone back to the original stone.
- Remove, restore and reinstall internal stairs and landings.
- Update the electrical system vital to the tower’s function.
- Reinforce and strengthen the balcony that has provided an important and impressive lookout for keepers and tourists over the years.
- Repair and reinforce the platform and pedestal that supports the massive rotating lens that was originally manufactured in Birmingham, England by the Chance Brother in the late 1800s.
- During these works, the lens will be stopped and a temporary light will be erected to flash with the same signal frequency to ensure that shipping is always protected.
The works at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse follows extensive restoration works carried out by AMSA at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in 2019. See a photo of what the works looked like at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse when they were being carried out.