On Australia’s most easterly point, atop a bald, rocky headland, sits the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse. Offering sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean and a unique historical insight into the region, the Byron Bay lighthouse is one of the town’s most visited attractions.The Cape Byron Lighthouse was constructed at the turn of the 20th Century to minimise shipping hazards along the dangerous stretch of coast. The plans were drafted by Charles Harding in the style of his mentor, colonial architect James Barnet.
Because the Cape Byron Headland sits 94 metres above sea level, the lighthouse did not need to be tall. Instead, the plan was for a 22-metre high structure with a panoramic vantage point.
Construction began in 1899 when contractors levelled the site. It is believed that this process destroyed a ‘dancing circle’ used by the regions traditional custodians, the Bundjalung of Byron Bay, the Arakwal Bumberlin people.
After two years of concrete block construction and more than £20,000 spent, the lighthouse was completed with a powerful, concentric six-wick kerosene burner.
