Historical information

The first Gabo Is. lighthouse was originally a wooden structure built in 1850s, and the replaced in 1862 by a very impressive pink granite lighthouse, with the granite sourced from the island. This lighthouse functioned as a manned light from 1850s to 1893 when it was converted to solar power in 1993. It is the second tallest lighthouse in Australia. This piece of granite is from Gabo Island. Gabo Is. is off the eastern coast of Australia, located near Mallacoota, and was originally 'discovered' by Capt. James Cook in 1770. It is a well-known landmark with a long and significant history for the shipping industry, for the security of Australia, and as a tourist venue in it most recent uses. The Lighthouse is now heritage listed.

Significance

This item is significant because it is a piece of granite similar to that used in the construction of Gabo Island Lighthouse in 1862.