The Fresnel lens from one of the State’s oldest working lighthouses, Geraldton’s 135-year-old Point Moore Lighthouse, will go on permanent display at the Western Australian Museum – Geraldton from December 20.

The project was made possible through funding from the City of Greater Geraldton, in-kind assistance from Geraldton Port Authority for the installation of the lens and Diab Engineering sponsorship.

Once installed, it will be the first fully-functioning exhibit in the Museum, giving an insight into the history of the development of Geraldton as a fishing, passenger and industry port.

WA Museum – Geraldton manager Leigh O’Brien said the relocation and installation of the lighthouse’s original 1876 ‘second order’ lens will provide a context for the appreciation of technological advancement in navigation.

“The lighthouse and the lens are emblematic of the growth of a new colonial town in WA and is one of the earliest built examples of shipping infrastructure still operational in the region,” Ms O’Brien said.

“The City of Geraldton has grown up around the Point Moore lighthouse. This iconic landmark is a pivotal point in many people’s experiences and memories of daily town and nautical life in Geraldton.

“The striking red and white building has been reproduced in street sculptures, letterboxes, water fountains and logos, regularly inspiring local artists and photographers in their landscape works.”

The blanks that helped set the group flash pattern have also been transferred to the WA Museum meaning the lens can be displayed in its correct working configuration.

On completion in 1878, Point Moore was Australia’s fourth tallest lighthouse at 34 metres, lit for the first time on 19 March 1878. It has been in continuous operation since that time.

The Point Moore lighthouse remains the oldest surviving Western Australian lighthouse under Commonwealth control, placed on the WA Heritage Council’s Register of Heritage Places in May 2001. The Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern light in 2009 and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority gifted the lens to the WA Museum. 

Media contact:
Niki Comparti
Western Australian Museum
6552 7805
Niki.comparti@museum.wa.gov.au