A beacon of hope against the vastness of Moreton Bay. That’s what the Cleveland Point Lighthouse represents. Standing proudly on the northeastern tip of Cleveland Point this historic structure has guided mariners for over a century.
The Cleveland Point Lighthouse wasn’t always the elegant hexagonal tower we see today. In 1847 a simple beacon marked the point. It was a wooden pole with a kerosene lamp a rather humble beginning for such a significant landmark. Francis Edward Bigge a Member of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales paid for this initial beacon as part of his efforts to promote Cleveland as Moreton Bay’s port.
The original beacon was eventually replaced in 1864-65 by a more substantial wooden structure the lighthouse we see today albeit in a slightly different location. Built with a timber frame clad in weatherboards it was and still is one of only two surviving lighthouses of this unique hexagonal design. The other is the Old Burnett Heads Light. This new lighthouse shone a kerosene light visible for 14.5 kilometers.
Imagine the lives touched by the Cleveland Point Lighthouse. The hardworking lighthouse keepers like Alfred Winship the first keeper and James Troy who served for an incredible 50 years the longest tenure of any single lighthouse keeper in Australia. Their dedication ensured safe passage for countless ships navigating Moreton Bay’s treacherous waters. The lens was upgraded twice once in 1874 and again in 1879. Electricity replaced kerosene in 1934 a significant modernization for the time.
In 1976 a new concrete pile light replaced the old wooden structure. The original lighthouse was moved a short distance away where it remains a testament to maritime history. The new light was removed in 2009 to make way for the filming of The Chronicles of Narnia The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Today the Cleveland Point Lighthouse stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It’s a symbol of resilience ingenuity and the human drive to conquer even the most challenging of environments. The lighthouse is open to visitors though you can’t go inside. It offers a captivating glimpse into the past and a reminder of the vital role lighthouses once played in shaping our maritime history.