Cape Byron Light

Cape Byron Light, built in 1900-1901.

The whole area of Cape Byron is a popular whale watching spot during
migration seasons.  The rest of the year, it's an overlook with fantastic views.

The clock mechanism that used to turn the lens is inside this
central shaft.  It was was replaced by an electric motor in 1956.

Climbing the stairs up to see the lens

The view from the top

Looking south down the coast over the visitors parking area.

The city of Byron Bay, southwest from the lighthouse.

Looking north to Queensland

In the bay is the Julian Rocks Nguthungulli Nature Reserve. There is an
Aboriginal legend regarding the rocks, of star-crossed lovers and a sunken canoe.

Originally a kerosene burner and later a halogen lamp, it was just recently
changed to an LED light within the past year.

The original Fresnel lens is two meters in diameter, weighs 8 tonnes, and is
made up of 760 pieces of polished prismatic glass.  It floats on top of a bed
of mercury to prevent friction as it rotates.

Heading down again down the slate stairs.

Apparently the Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre is located
at Cape Byron: it may well be one of the buildings near the parking lot.

We were lucky enough to see two manta rays skirting the
reef from the top of the cliff: although they looked
a bit like moving shadows.

It was a pretty windy day. Unfortunately, someone lost their hat on the
hillside and they were trying to retrieve it with a fishing pole.

The lighthouse from the Cape Byron walking track

The lens is almost better viewed from outside.  It is the only
lens of this type in Australia.

A lone fisherman out on the rocks