The lighthouse that stands near the end of Commercial Road has a history to match its status as a landmark of Port Adelaide’s waterfront.
First lit in 1869 near the mouth of the Port River, it replaced a succession of lightships that had operated from the same location since 1840. At the turn of the twentieth century, the Port Adelaide lighthouse was dismantled, and its components separated and used as part of two other beacons.
The lantern, which was erected on a screw pile light at Wonga Shoal, was later lost in an accident. By contrast, the steel tower assembled at South Neptune Island remained in use until 1985, when it was deactivated, disassembled, and moved back to the Port. Following a period of restoration, the lighthouse was erected on its current site in 1986 and is currently managed by the South Australian Maritime Museum.
---
When you get to the lighthouse you might want to take a seat, look out on the water, and have a think.
We placed this cache in 2016 to help celebrate and take part South Australia's History Festival. Check out our other caches, which are all based around South Australia's exciting and interesting history.