A cherished piece of coastal history on the Bellarine Peninsula has unexpectedly fallen silent. The iconic foghorn at the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse will not sound to mark New Year's Eve due to a mechanical failure, disappointing locals and visitors alike.
Mechanical Failure Halts Historic Signal
The distinctive sound, a familiar and comforting presence for the community, was stopped by a broken motor. Parks Victoria, which manages the historic site, confirmed the issue. A spokesperson stated that specialist parts are required to repair the aged machinery, and these are not immediately available.
The failure means the horn will not operate for its traditional New Year's Eve sounding, an event that has become a unique part of the local celebration. The lighthouse and its foghorn are not just navigational aids but are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the coastal town.
A Beloved Icon with a Rich History
The Point Lonsdale Lighthouse is a significant landmark, guiding ships through the treacherous entrance to Port Phillip Bay, known as The Rip, for over a century. Its foghorn has served as an audible warning during poor visibility, its sound echoing across the heads for generations.
For residents and regular visitors, the horn's sound is more than a practical signal; it's the sound of home and a constant in the coastal soundscape. Its absence on a night of celebration like New Year's Eve will be keenly felt by the community who gather to hear it.
What Happens Next?
Parks Victoria has assured the public that repairs are a priority. The organisation is actively sourcing the necessary components to get the historic equipment functioning again. However, no specific timeline for the restoration has been provided, given the vintage nature of the machinery.
This incident highlights the challenges of maintaining ageing heritage infrastructure. While the lighthouse itself remains operational, the failure of the foghorn motor underscores the need for ongoing specialist care and investment to preserve these important pieces of Australian maritime history.
For now, the heads at Point Lonsdale will greet the New Year in an unusual quiet, as authorities work to restore the voice of this much-loved coastal sentinel.
