Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
150 years keeping the Warrnambool Harbour safe
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When Warrnambool was first established in 1847, settlers expected the bay to provide a safe harbour; but it was soon realised that the waters were anything but calm.
Located within the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village is a maritime precinct overlooking the treacherous Lady Bay, including two historic lighthouses that still are still used as maritime navigation aids today. The Lady Bay Lighthouse Complex (H1520) was built in 1858–59 of basalt quarried on the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne.
Lighthouses were a vital part of the maritime infrastructure of a colony that was largely dependent on shipping for its communication with the metropolis, for its migrant intake and for its trade with the other Australian colonies and the rest of the world.
Image 1 of 0Lady Bay Lighthouse Complex (kitchen)
Flagstaff Hill was also the centre for the Warrnambool Garrison and you can still tour the battery and guns which stand as a symbol of Victoria's wealth and determination to protect itself from the perceived threat of invasion in the 1880s. The guns are scientifically significant as reminders of a time when these weapons were advanced forms of artillery.
The light was originally powered by oil, then gas and later electricity. In 1988, the lighthouse was converted to solar power. In 1993, the solar panel was removed and replaced by a 240 volt battery charger. Lighthouses of Australia Inc.
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