It is hard to imagine the life of a lighthouse keeper. Often the image that comes to mind is the lonesome keeper, isolated, windswept, trudging up the stairs up the light tower. Well, imagine no longer. The two grand old ladies from different eras – the old and the new Caloundra lighthouses - will be open to the public for inspection. Built in 1896, the old Caloundra lighthouse and the lighthouse keepers house, served as a telegraph station, a post office, and a school.
The building was constructed from wood, and coated with galvanised sheeting. The domed lantern on top was originally lit with a kerosene-fed wick lamp which directed shipping traffic towards the North West Channel into Moreton Bay. The lighthouse warned sailors, especially at night or in a storm, to straighten their position so they didn’t hit shore.
The symbol of Caloundra State High School, and the inspiration for the name behind the Caloundra Rugby Union Club, was saved from demolition. After a chequered history of relocation, deterioration, approval processes, and raising finance, the oldest surviving building in Caloundra, was returned to its original site on Canberra Terrace to stand as a sentinel side-by-side with the new Caloundra lighthouse.
Schedule a visit to the Caloundra lighthouses to picture the life of the lighthouse keeper, embrace local history and witness amazing views of the coastline.
Unique attractions including zoos, aquariums, fun parks, water parks and plenty of action; the Sunshine Coast is proud of the exciting and fun experiences that can be found on the new Attractions Trail.
It is hard to imagine the life of a lighthouse keeper. Often the image that comes to mind is the lonesome keeper, isolated, windswept, trudging up the stairs up the light tower.
The Original Eumundi Markets pulse with a vast array of goods and food; all guided by the ethos of “we make it, bake it, grow it, sew it”.