About

Honouring the Past, Restoring the Future

Preserving Pine Islet Lighthouse for generations to come.

Pine Islet Lighthouse is more than just a structure—it’s a unique piece of history, as the only intact kerosene-powered lighthouse in the world. It represents a time when lightkeepers played a crucial role in maritime safety.

Today, our mission is to restore and preserve this iconic light and share its story with the world.

our mission: Protect, Preserve, Inspire

The Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society Inc. is committed to restoring and maintaining this unique landmark. Our work ensures its rich maritime history is not only preserved but continues to inspire future generations. Through restoration, education, and community engagement, we’re bringing this lighthouse back to life.

A Light That Stood the Test of Time

Key moments in the lighthouse’s journey

Date	Milestone	Details
1st Sept 1877	Article in the Sydney Mail & News south Wales Advertiser	“The steamer, SS Normanby, on a northern trip left Moreton Bay on August 11 at 10pm, immediately after receiving her mails. Made a good run to Keppel Bay and after a detention of 2 hours resumed her passage at 10am Monday 13th” At 9.30pm she suddenly struck a rock.’ The article goes on to describe how the ship was saved.This rock was subsequently named Normanby Rock.
	Proposed Lighthouse	A lighthouse at Pine Islet was first proposed in a report to the Queensland Parliament on 26 July 1881, by Commander George Poynter Heath, the first Portmaster of Queensland. Pine Islet, part of the Percy group, is located at Lat 21degrees 39 min S Long 150 deg 14min E, approximately 65nmi (120km) SE of Mackay.
18th August 1882	2nd Proposal	Commander George Poynter Heath, the first Portmaster of Queensland.
30th June 1883	Tenders	Tenders were called at the end of June 1883 , for the construction of lighthouse and lighthouse keeper cottages, for both Pine Islet Light and Double Island Point Light.
1883 – 1884	Contract awarded to WP Clark	The contract for both light stations, for the cost of £6900, was awarded to W. P. Clark, who had already constructed Queensland’s first lighthouse since Queensland’s formation. This was Bustard Head Light (in 1868).
18th July 1885	Pine Islet light house commissioned.	“the primary function of the Lighthouse is to mark the inner passage along the Qld coast.”The light had a red shade, external to the lens, to mark the direction of Normanby Rock, 1.6 km south-west of the lighthouse.
1923	Apparatus converted from oil wick	In 1923 the apparatus was converted from oil wick to incandescent kerosene vapour burner.
1934	Kerosene vapour burner updated.	This kerosene vapour burner was upgraded in 1934 with the installation of a refurbished lantern from North Reef Light.
27th Aug 1985	Original Lighthouse Decommissioned	The last operating kerosene lighthouse in Australia was decommissioned, to be replaced by an automatic signal in a modern fiberglass tower. Named “the Tupperware light” by the keepers. The original structure was destined to be pushed into the sea.
12th Nov 1986	Original tower dismantled.	The original tower was dismantled by the Department of Transport and Communications from 2nd October to 12th November 1986
Dec 1986	Components moved to Middle Percy Island	In December 1986 the lighthouse was lifted off Pine Islet by helicopter in ½ tonne parcels and taken over to Middle Percy Island. Then stored in Mackay
3rd Apr 1987	Mackay wins ownership of the last kerosene powered Lighthouse in Australia	It was announced on 3rd April 1987 by Cr Gordon White, chairman of the steering committee, that Mackay harbour was the chosen site.
26th Sept 1987	1st sod turned	Capt. Tom McLean turned the first sod on the site on 26th September 1987.
18th Aug 1989	Reconstruction begins	Reconstruction of the original tower at Mackay Harbour started after a two-year delay
20th Jan 1996	Pine Islet Lighthouse fully functional	The lighthouse was restored to fully functional status and officially opened on 20th January1996, making it the last operational kerosene light in the world.
Sept 2002	Moved to Mackay Marina Precinct	It was announced that a marina was to be built at the harbour and the lighthouse was to be moved once again to be incorporated into these plans. The light, mechanisms and tower were moved intact to its present site in September 2002.
29th Dec 2002	Lighting of the light	To celebrate the new position The light was lit, there, for the first time on 29th December 2002.
2004	New coat of paint	A new coat of paint was applied by Bulk Ports in March 2004
2022	Pine Islet Light to shine again	After 20 years of limited care, the current group of volunteers are working towards restoring the tower, mechanisms and the light to a fully functional kerosene powered lighthouse.When achieved, we believe that Pine Islet Lighthouse will be the only light of it’s kind with the ability to function under kerosene power – in the world.

Passionate volunteers leading the way

The People Behind the Light

The Pine Islet Lighthouse Preservation Society is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers who share a passion for history, heritage, and preservation. Their combined efforts are driving the restoration project forward, ensuring this lighthouse remains a landmark for years to come.