The original Archer Point Light, 1917Plans for the original lighthouse, 1882
The station was established in 1883. The original lighthouse was a timber frame lighthouse covered in rolled galvanised iron sheeting, much like Low Isles Light[3] and Flat Top Island Light. It had four floors including the gallery floor, with ladders leading from one floor to the next.[4]
Together with a lighthouse on Rocky Island, now disused, the original light served as a lead light between Hope Islands and the mainland to the south, and between some reefs and the mainland to the north.[2]
In 1975 the current lighthouse was built, and was automated and electrically operated to begin with. The base of the old lighthouse still exists at the location.[2] The original lenses are now on display at the Queensland Maritime Museum.[5]
The light characteristic shown is four flashes separated by two seconds, every twenty seconds, White at 153°-276°, 305°-313° and 334°-338°, Green at 276°-305° and 320°-334°, Red at 313°-320° and 338°-358° (Fl.(4)W.R.G. 20s).[7] The white sector indicates the clear passage into the channel, while the red and green sectors indicate the ship is outside the channel.[2]
The site and the light are operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The site is open to the public, accessible by a gravel road, but the tower is closed.[3]
