Cape du Couedic

Infobox_lighthouse
name=Cape du Couedic
location=Kangaroo Island, Australia

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caption=
coordinates = coord|36|03.5|S|136|41.9|E|region:AU-SA_type:landmark
yearlit= 1909
yeardeactivated=
automated=1957
intensity= 38,000 cd
elevation= 103 m
range=convert|17|nmi|km|0
foundation=
construction=Sandstone
shape=Conical
marking=Unpainted sandstone tower, white lantern room with red roof
height=25 m
lens=Chance Brothers Fresnel lens
characteristic=Fl. (2) 10 s
admiralty=K2010
NGA=8148
ARLHS=AUS-030

Cape du Couedic is the south-western point of Kangaroo Island, off the coast of South Australia. Cape du Couedic was named in 1803 by French explorer Nicolas Baudin in honour of his friend and famous French sea captain Charles Louis, Chevalier du Couedic de Kergoualer (1740-1780).The Cape du Couedic Lighthouse is a prominent landmark. Constructed between 1906-1909, it consists of a tower built from 2,000 pieces of local stone, together with three four-roomed cottages to house the head keeper and two assistants with their families. The light characteristic shows two flashes every ten seconds, emitted at a focal plane height of 103 metres. A Fresnel lens made by Chance Brothers is used there. [cite web|url=http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/lighthouse/sa.htm|author=Rowlett, Russ|title=The Lighthouse Directory]

For many of its early years the site was inaccessible by land. Stores, materials and equipment brought by boat were hauled up to the lighthouse by a flying fox winching system originally powered by a pair of horses.

Today the lighthouse is automated and visitors to the area can stay in the old keepers' cottages.

References