KING Island Walks operator Ian Allan plans to reintroduce King Island lighthouse tours.
Last November, the King Island Council sought Expressions of Interest from “suitably skilled, motivated and experienced operators for provision of tours of the Currie Lighthouse” as tours ceased a number of years ago.
As the new lighthouse tour business operators are serving councillors and a third, Cr. Anna Hely is connected to the tourism sector through her tourism business, the council’s General Manager Kate Mauric recommended that discussion around the Expression of Interest and award of the contract required a closed council meeting. The council then voted that the closed meeting be recorded and made available to the public.
Mayor Blackie said they envisioned tours being another popular tourist attraction. “King Island Walks said it will begin running tours when the repairs and painting are complete,” he said. The lighthouse is a landmark full of history, romance, and memories.
The cast iron lighthouse was built in England, was assembled on arrival in 1879 and was first lit in 1880. It was used until 1989. In 1995 the light was switched back on and is a beacon of light, even though modern navigational aids are more likely to be used by those on the water.
Repairs and maintenance work, delayed by the pandemic and border closures began in February 2022. It was patched, painted, nuts and bolts replaced.
Further repairs and internal painting are being undertaken and while a bit behind schedule are expected to be completed within weeks.