Historical Lighthouse - QLD

The Old Burnett Heads Light is a historic, timber-framed lighthouse constructed in 1873 to guide maritime traffic safely into the mouth of the Burnett River. Standing at approximately 6.8 metres tall, this unique hexagonal structure is clad with weatherboards. It represents one of only two surviving lighthouses of this specific timber-clad design remaining in Queensland. Originally built at Cowan Cowan on Moreton Island before being shipped to the south head of the river, it was manned continuously by a resident lightkeeper. In 1932, its lighting system was upgraded from kerosene to automated acetylene gas operation.The structure served the local shipping industry for 99 years before being decommissioned in 1971. At that time, a modern, automated concrete tower replaced its operational role at the river entrance. To ensure its long-term preservation, community efforts successfully relocated the timber building one kilometre inland to Lighthouse Park, situated on the main street of Burnett Heads. Today, the fully restored landmark stands as a significant piece of regional heritage. While it is closed most of the time, local groups open the structure for public inspection and interior tours on the fourth Sunday morning of every month