Jarman Island Lighthouse

Jarman Island Lighthouse, located near Cossack in Western Australia (WA), is among the Pilbara region’s most significant historic landmarks. The lighthouse operated from 16 May 1888 until the light was extinguished on 15 May 1985. Since then maintenance of the structure has been minimal, resulting in major deterioration of its metal fabric. With the assistance of Federal and State Government grants, the Shire of Roebourne was able to undertake the conservation of the lighthouse structure at a cost of approximately $250,000.

A unique lighthouse design

One of only two sea lights of its kind in Western Australia (WA) the Jarman Island Lighthouse is a segmented pre-fabricated cast iron tower that was imported in kit form from England. The other cast iron lighthouse, manufactured by Chance Brothers, is located at Point Moore near Geraldton. Cast iron towers were established as a viable way of getting lights to remote areas. The new design technique was innovative and represented a new era in lighthouse construction. As they were pre-fabricated, they could be constructed in remote areas with much more ease than one built of stone.

The complete lighthouse, except for the lens which seems to have been sent separately, was packed and shipped to WA from England in 1888. The tower body of the Jarman Island lighthouse is composed of plated cast iron, a little more than one inch (28 mm) thick, flanged and bolted on the inside giving a smooth face to the exterior. This type of construction was developed so that salt laden aerosols or spray would not get a foothold and cause corrosion at the joints.

Constructing the lighthouse

The resident engineer for Australia’s North West, W. L. Owen, and chief government architect George Temple Poole, were responsible for the design and construction of WA’s Jarman Island lighthouse. Their team of construction workers included prisoners from Malaysia, the Philippines, China and Arabian countries, as well as members of Cossack’s pearling fleet, which was laid up for the duration of the cyclone season.

The rubble and concrete duplex keeper’s quarters were also erected in 1888 and are typical of other buildings around Roebourne of that era. Pre-cast concrete blocks were used for the corners, doors and windows.

History of the light

The original light was a flashing second order lantern with a four wick Douglas burner, fuelled by kerosene or paraffin oil. This was replaced in 1910 by a 55 mm incandescent lamp featuring a vaporised kerosene mantle. In 1917, WA’s Jarman Island lighthouse was fitted with an AGA acetylene gas lamp, activated by a sunvalve.

Restoration

Now successfully restored to its former glory, the Jarman Island Lighthouse also features substantial remains of the light keeper’s quarters and other items of historic significance to WA. These remnants tell the story and reflect the lifestyle and challenges confronted by those pioneers who embarked on the development of Cossack. Proposals have been made to replace the roof of the light keeper's quarters in order to protect the remaining wall structures and secure the building.

Contact the Karratha Visitor Centre by email or call +61 8 9144 4600 , or contact the Roebourne Visitor Centre by email or call +61 8 9182 1060 for further information about the Jarman Island Lighthouse in Western Australia (WA). Alternatively, visit the Lighthouses of Australia website.

Some information presented in this website has been sourced, with permission, from the Shire of Roebourne website.