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| Cape Cleveland lighthouse. Photo courtesy of Liz Downes. |
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| Cape Bowling Green lighthouse E.R. (Bob) Hayles Album NQ Photographic Collection, ID 3658 |
The Cape Bowling Green lighthouse, built from local timber and clad with iron plates imported from Britain, became operational in 1874. Due to its location on the low-lying sandy terrain which characterises this cape, it was to have an unsteady existence. The lighthouse was moved in 1878 after storms eroded the beach. In 1903 it largely escaped damage inflicted on the ancillary buildings by Cyclone Leonta but a year later it came close to collapse when gales washed large amounts of sand from its foundations. In 1908 it was dismantled and rebuilt on firmer ground, and although automated in 1920, here it remained until 1987. The next stage in its history caused great controversy with accusations of theft and skullduggery levelled at the Federal Government.
Without consultation a team was sent in, with some degree of secrecy, to dismantle the lighthouse as speedily as possible. It was destined to adorn the site of the National Maritime Museum under construction at Darling Harbour. Outraged cries from the Queensland Government at this “savage act of vandalism against the history and heritage of North Queensland” came too late – the deed was done, the lighthouse was gone. In its place stood a skeletal light tower which remains today and doubtless is better suited to its terrain. It took less than 3 weeks to dismantle but 7 years to reassemble in its new home. The full story, told by one of those directly involved, can be read here. You can view the impressive structure in its new location here.
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| Cape Cleveland lighthouse, mid 1930s Townsville Region Collection NQ Photographic Collection, ID 28344 |
More easily observed by most Townsvilleans is the lighthouse on Cape Cleveland – there’s no chance of that being stolen from under our noses. From the Strand at night it is hard to miss the regularly pulsing light (one flash every 7.5 seconds) coming from the low promontory at the end of the Cape.
Constructed in the traditional manner of galvanised iron cladding over a timber frame, the lighthouse became operational in 1879. An underground cable connected it to the mainland. In 1892 the keeper lost communication with both port and city for months after the cable broke. During World War 2 the lighthouse site became an important observation post for enemy aircraft and provided warnings of at least one Japanese raid in 1942.
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| Cape Cleveland lighthouse, mid 1930s Townsville Region Collection NQ Photographic Collection, ID 28342 |
The original keeper’s cottage and outlying buildings were replaced in the 1950s, and now house a small historical display, but the lighthouse itself has well and truly stood the test of time. In 1987 the light was converted to solar power and the lighthouse was de-manned. Since 2016 locals and visitors have had a new opportunity to appreciate and admire this historic beacon. In conjunction with custodian, Ray Boundy, SeaLink Ferries run cruises to the Cape, allowing passengers to land and make the short climb for spectacular coastal views and an up-close-and-personal lighthouse encounter.
The tea and scones are not bad either!
Story by Miniata
References
Queensland Parliamentary Debate
(Hansard) 8/10/1987, pp 2957-8. https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/hansard/1987/1987_10_08.pdf
Lighthouses of Australia Inc. Bulletin
Vol. 9, No. 4 July/August 2006 http://www.lighthouses.org.au/lights/Bulletin/0607/cape_bowling_green.htm
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