International Lighthouse Weekend

This coming 12th International Lighthouse Weekend is a global event intended to raise the profile of lighthouses, light vessels and other navigational aids and thereby promote our maritime heritage.

Lighthouses all round the country are getting involved, with the 1884 Cape Otway Lighthouse hosting after-dark tours, while the historic Green Cape Lighthouse will light its old lamp on both Friday and Saturday nights. Contact your nearest lighthouse to see what's on. 

Meantime, families are invited to join the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour for a packed day of fun on Sunday August 18 as it celebrates International Lighthouse Weekend.

Families will be able to climb up the spectacular Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse and admire the museum's historic lightship CLS4 Carpentaria.

The lively costumed guide, Captain Rocky Runaground, will regale families with tall tales of wild storms, shipwrecks and haunted lighthouses at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. And there will be film screenings of the popular children's show Round the Twist, about a family who move to a haunted lighthouse,  between 10.00am and 2.00pm in the museum's theatre.

Children can also build their own lighthouse models and souvenirs in our craft activities. They will discover the history of these beacons that keep ships safe through interactive games, and can experiment with reflectors and circuits to piece together a lightkeeper's lantern. Children's activities cost $8.50 per child (includes all the other activities and museum entry).

The family fun day runs from 10.00am to 4.00pm and is included in general museum entry -- $7.00 adult, 3.50 child/concession, $17.50 family.
The Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour is open each day from 9.30am to 5.00pm. For more information visit www.anmm.gov.au/events or call (02) 9298 3777.