Breaksea Island Lighthouse

Breaksea Island is 12 kilometres (7 mi) south-east of Albany, Western Australia. A light station was first established on the island in 1858. A 13m high octagonal cast iron tower was imported from England and a wooden structure to house the two keepers and their families was buit around the tower. Work was carried out by convict labour. This lighthouse was replaced by the current tower in 1901. The lantern from the first tower went to Cape Inscription; the destination and make of the lens is uncertain.

The new tower and two keepers cottages were built with stone quarried on the island. The opening ceremony was performed on 15 February 1902 by the Governor of Western Australia, Sir Arthur Lawley. The Notice to Mariners stated that the light would be a fixed dioptric white light of the first order, with a focal plane 390ft above high water. The station also served as a Lloyds signal station.

The supply of fresh water was a problem on the island and rain was collected from the roofs of the buildings. Landing on the island was difficult and in the early years of the second lighthouse goods were transported from the landing to the station by donkey.

The lighthouse was converted to acetylene and automated in 1926 when the light on Eclipse Island was lit.