Lighthouse keepers cotage

1858 The Victorian government proposed to build Port Fairy lighthouse and Residence. They were designed by the Victorian public works department. In 1859 Victorian Government bought Light house keeper’s compound for £100. 

 

The Light house keepers cottage took 8 months to build from blue stone from the Quarry on the south side of island. The buildings in the compound included the Light house keeper’s and assistant’s paired cottage, work and store rooms with standard plan similar to Warrnambool.

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The life of a lighthouse keeper in the 1800s was often solitary and demanding, marked by both routine responsibilities and the challenges of isolation.

 

Daily Responsibilities:

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• Maintaining the Light: The primary duty was to ensure the lighthouse light was operational. This involved regularly trimming wicks, cleaning lenses, and managing the oil or fuel used for the light.

• Weather Monitoring: Keepers had to monitor weather conditions closely, as storms could affect visibility and navigation. They often recorded weather patterns and tides.

• Signal Operations: Besides the light, keepers operated fog signals, bells, or horns to warn ships of nearby hazards during poor visibility.

• General Maintenance: Lighthouses required constant upkeep, including painting, repairing structures, and maintaining the surrounding grounds.

 

There are only remnants left of the lighthouse keepers cottage left today as it was demolished in
1956 after substantial vandalism and the reused stone placed on the training wall path.

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