Old Water Wheel

Lighthouse Waterwheel

Useful Information

Location:	Cape Leeuwin. 5km south of Augusta.
Open:	no restrictions [2007]
Fee:	free [2007]
Classification:	Tufa Deposits
Light:	n/a
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As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1895	lighthouse and waterwheel errected.
01-DEC-1896	lighthouse turned on.
1925	petroleum lamp replaced by electric light.
1928	water wheel abandoned.

Description

The Old Water Wheel is special. It was errected together with the lighthause, to pump water to the house of the lighthouse keeper. But it was soon abandoned, and the water was transported to the house by other means. But the water still flew over the now useless wheel, depositing limestone on the wooden wheel. The karst water is rich in limestone, which was deposited whlie flowing over the wheel. And after eighty years the whole construction is covered by a thick layer of dripstone. Obviously a fantastic motive for photographers.