Wadjemup Lighthouse

Originally known as the Rottnest Island Light Station.

1936 - The Wadjemup Lighthouse is connected to power.

19 February 1942 – The Rottnest Lighthouse was required to remain, as it wasn’t known when shipping would continue. It was seen as most essential that ships were kept moving. Despite this, it was also put forward that the lighthouse served as a navigational beacon to help identify the location of the port to potential enemy submarines. The Navy Board was to be consulted on the issue (NAA: A1196, 12/501/94).

21 March 1943 – An alarm sounded at 2100 in the Bickley area. The lighthouse was reported to be out at 2105. AA fire from the direction of Fremantle (AWM2020.71.7562).

10 September 1943 – The light on the main lighthouse failed to function as a result of engine trouble (AWM2020.71.7563).

References

AWM2020.71.7562 - 10 Garrison Battalion - January to August

AWM2020.71.7563 - 10 Garrison Battalion - September to December 1943

NAA: A1196, 12/501/94 – Command Planning Committee – Western

Wadjemup Lighthouse - Pumphouse

Satellite imagery shows this tin shed has remained in its exact position since pre-1955. A pipeline from the pumphouse was constructed all the way up the hill, to the south west corner of the block the Wadjemup Lighthouse sits on. From there, it presumably feeds into the water tanks.

It's quite amazing to see an intact tin shed lasting that long, considering how many sheds would've blown away or suffered some form of impact damage with or without a storm, during that time.

It would be quite safe to say that the location of the pumphouse appears to be well protected from the wind, as well as perhaps those who tend to damage and forcibly bust into places.