Whalers Bluff Lighthouse

The Whaler’s Bluff Lighthouse guides vessels past the treacherous Whaler’s Reef into the Portland Harbour.

History

The Whalers Bluff Lighthouse was originally erected with keeper’s quarters on Battery Point in 1859 and was know as the Portland Bay Lighthouse.

It was first lit in that year.

The lantern is catadioptric made in England.

The lighthouse relocated, stone by stone, to it’s current position on North Bluff (now Whaler’s Bluff) in 1889 to make way for gun emplacements on Battery Point.

Another reason given for the relocation was that it was less vulnerable to attack on Whaler’s Bluff.

Dacre Smith in his book notes an interesting written direction at the time of the relocation:

“Lighthouse keepers are not, without authority, to permit views of defence works to be taken from the lighthouse towers or premises by photographers or others, and no information shall be supplied respecting such defence works”.

Access

The lighthouse grounds are open all year round. The tower is not open to the public.

Tours

No tours are available.

Accommodation

No lighthouse accommodation is available.

Keepers

We need your help in compiling a list of keepers for this lighthouse. If you have any information then send it to keeper@lighthouses.org.au.

Please include this lighthouse’s name, the keepers full name and what years they were keepers. Also include the same information for any other lights they were on.