Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse - TAS

This light is unique as it is Australia’s most southerly lighthouse.It is on Maatsuyker Island, 10 kilometres off the southern most coast of Tasmania, and is lashed by the unobstructed force of the Roaring Forties coming across the Southern Ocean from as far away as Africa. The Lighthouse is situated on southern tip of island for best visibility and all round view.Alternate sites that were considered were the Mewstone and South West Capes. Maatsuyker was selected in 1888 by Hobart engineer, Meech.Completed in 1891, the tower is also unusual in that it was built with a with red brick cavity wall. The tower was rendered and painted white.The original light assembly (prism, clockwork, astragal and copper dome) were bought from Chance Brothers of Birmingham.All the materials were brought from Hobart and hauled up a steep horse powered tramway at Haulage Cove, on the relatively sheltered east side of the island. Haulage Cove is the only place where a safe landing may be made on the island, and even this is subject to weather conditions.The tower has three internal floors made of Mintaro (SA) slate. The uppermost floor (11 cm thick), which is reached by a wrought-iron staircase, supports the prisms and the lens-clock mechanism. The weight of the light gear exceeds two tonnes.The National Film & Sound Archive has a short movie of the island from 1949