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Iron Pot

The Iron Pot Lighthouse, Iron Pot, Australia

Iron Pot is a small, flat sandstone island with an area of 1.27 ha in south-eastern Australia. It is part of the Betsey Island Group and is located near the entrance to the River Derwent, approximately 11 kilometres southeast of Hobart, Tasmania. The island is home to the Iron Pot Lighthouse, Tasmania’s first lighthouse, which was constructed in 1832 and played a pivotal role in guiding vessels through the mouth of the River Derwent.[1] [2]

History

The Iron Pot Lighthouse was the first lighthouse to be built in Tasmania and one of the earliest navigational aids in Australia. Originally powered by whale oil, the lighthouse was later converted to solar power. The structure itself is an iconic feature of the island, constructed from locally sourced sandstone.[2] The island was named "Iron Pot" due to an early iron brazier that was used for signalling ships before the lighthouse was erected.[3]

Flora and fauna

Despite its small size and harsh environment, the island supports a range of flora and fauna. The vegetation is primarily composed of invasive species such as boxthorn (Lycium ferocissimum) and lupins (Lupinus). The island is an important breeding site for various seabird and wader species. Little penguins (Eudyptula minor) nest in burrows on the island, and other recorded breeding species include the Pacific gull (Larus pacificus), silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae), pied oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris), and black-faced cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens).[1]

Lighthouse

Main article: Iron Pot Lighthouse

The Iron Pot Lighthouse originally operated using a fixed light powered by whale oil, which was later upgraded to a revolving light powered by kerosene. In 1921, the lighthouse was converted to automatic operation using acetylene gas, reducing the need for a permanent lighthouse keeper. In 1977, the lighthouse was fully converted to solar power, marking a significant advancement in its operational processes.[4]

Access and tourism

While Iron Pot is uninhabited, it is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical significance and proximity to Hobart. Guided tours of the island are offered by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, departing from Constitution Dock in Sullivans Cove. Visitors are able to view the historic lighthouse and the old derrick crane used to unload supplies onto the island. Access to the island is limited due to its small size and the surrounding shallow waters, making it best approached by boat from nearby South Arm.[5]

Cultural references

Iron Pot has been referenced in various local legends and maritime folklore. The name of the island has also appeared in Tasmanian art and literature, reflecting its iconic status as one of Tasmania’s oldest navigational landmarks.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b Brothers, Nigel; Pemberton, David; Pryor, Helen; & Halley, Vanessa. (2001). Tasmania’s Offshore Islands: Seabirds and Other Natural Features. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: Hobart. ISBN 0-7246-4816-X
  2. ^ a b Stevenson, John (2004). The History of Tasmania's Lighthouses. Hobart Maritime Press. ISBN 978-0-646-45013-7. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  3. ^ "Iron Pot Lighthouse". Lighthouses of Australia. 29 January 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  4. ^ Stanley, David (2015). The Lighthouse Guide: Tasmania's Beacons of the Sea. Tasmanian Maritime Heritage Society. ISBN 978-0-9924238-0-2. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  5. ^ "Iron Pot Cruise". Pennicott Wilderness Journeys. Retrieved 30 October 2024.
  6. ^ White, Patricia (2018). Maritime Tasmania: A Journey through the Island's Seafaring History. Forty South Publishing. ISBN 978-0-6482130-4-4. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)

43°03′31.4″S 147°25′01.9″E / 43.058722°S 147.417194°E / -43.058722; 147.417194

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