NSW State Heritage Register — statement NSW State Heritage Register — statement of

NSW State Heritage Register – statement of

heritage significance

The following statement is taken from the Cape Byron Lightstation listing on the NSW State heritage register (place ID: 02023):

The Cape Byron Lightstation (including moveable items) is of state heritage significance as one of the last major lightstations that completed the ‘highway of lights’ that has illuminated the NSW

coastline since the 19th century. Among the final components of the string of lights that provided protection, navigational guidance and safe passage to the important colonial shipping industry, the Cape Byron Lightstation is a representative example of the system

of lightstations that collectively reflect the logistical management and technical evolution of coastal infrastructure in NSW.

The design and layout of the Cape Byron Lightstation is architecturally consistent with the earlier stations but implemented technical advancements, such as precast concrete block construction and the Henry-Lepaute feu eclair lens system on a rotating mercury float mechanism, which were available at the turn of the 20th century. Today, these aspects of the Cape Byron Lightstation are considered to be rare in NSW.

The Cape Byron Lightstation includes three original moveable items which contribute to the significance of the site, including the 15 inch Chance Bros & Co red sector light (1889) on a cast iron pedestal; original curved timber desk (1899-1901); and clockwork winch used to drive the lens carriage (1901).

The spectacular scenery and beauty of the Cape Byron Lightstation, its siting on the most eastern point of the Australian mainland and the convergence of the natural and cultural environment on the headland is of great aesthetic significance. The evocative image of the tower standing against the expanse

of the Pacific Ocean resonates with the NSW community, making the lightstation an important landmark and tourist destination in

the state. What is now a recognisable and well known image both locally and internationally, the Cape Byron Lightstation is the most highly visited lightstation in Australia.

The Cape Byron headland is also of great traditional and contemporary significance to the Arakwal people. As custodians of their country, the Arakwal people hold an important and active role in the joint care and management of the reserve (which incorporates the lightstation) and undertake educational initiatives at the site to promote and raise awareness of the Aboriginal

cultural heritage of the cape. Named Walgun (meaning ‘The Shoulder’), today the Cape Byron headland is a place where both the traditional and contemporary cultural of the Arakwal people is practiced and celebrated.