Barrenjoey LH during 2017 ILLW by Philip VK2FPLW (now VK2APL)

(August 2020 update: unfortunately, due to a last minute logistical problem, the Society is unable to activate Barrenjoey Lighthouse for this year’s Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend. All the best to everyone activating the other lighthouses around the world, and we’ll see you on air next year!)

Since 2003, the Society has participated in International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, an event that aims to raise awareness of the history and importance of lighthouses and lightships in our lives.

Barrenjoey Lighthouse at sunrise during 2017 ILLW. Photo by Philip VK2FPLW

Thanks to the invaluable assistance of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Society is able to set up a temporary shortwave radio station at Barrenjoey Lighthouse for the event.

This beautiful and historic lighthouse, designated AU0046 for the event, is located at Barrenjoey Head, just north of Palm Beach on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, New South Wales in Australia.

Historic Barrenjoey Lighthouse with “squid pole antenna” in the foreground

The aim is to make radio contact with as many similar radio stations around the world. This year, about 389 lighthouses and lightships will be on air, including 52 in Australia.

How many stations we contact depends on many factors, especially the ionosphere! Our current radio contact record is over 300 stations (many at lighthouses) on every continent except Australia.

The station, VK2MB/LH will be on air from mid-morning on Saturday 19 August 2017 until early or mid-afternoon on Sunday the 20th.

More information:

Resources for next time:

  • If you’re visiting Barrenjoey Lighthouse, you might want to check out the tidal times for Palm Beach – anything above about 1.6m will cut off your access to the path up to the headland, unless you bring your wellies or don’t mind getting your feet wet! 🙂