From proposals to lighthouse goats, residents have shared their favourite memories of Cape Byron Lighthouse

As the landmark has been named Heritage Lighthouse of the Year, people have shared their special memories of visiting Cape Byron’s famous landmark.

Cape Byron Lighthouse and the goats at the lighthouse in years gone by. Pictures: Liana Boss, contributed

From getting engaged to admiring the infamous goats, Northern Rivers residents have many fond memories of visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, which attracts half a million visitors a year, was recently named the 2021 Heritage Lighthouse of the Year by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation.

Robyn Duffield was among the readers who recalled a special memory at the landmark.

“My husband proposed to me there,” she said.

Paul Nicholls had a similar experience, having gotten married at the lighthouse cottages.

WATEGOATS: The Lighthouse goats have been the stuff of legends over the years. They were originally owned by Mr F.W. Gulley the licensee of the Pier Hotel from 1904. At some point after that they simply wandered off from the town and took up residence on the cliff face. In April 2013 there was an unsuccessful attempt made to rescue what was believed to be the last goat from the cliff face under the Lighthouse. The art gallery at Byron Bay Library, The Lone Goat Gallery, is named after that goat. Photo Contributed

10 comments by readers mentioned the goats, which were first introduced to the headland by a lighthouse keeper and were ultimately removed by authorities.

Lyn Wilson recalled the “big goat halfway down the cliff” and a bird pinching someone’s food.

Jan Brne also remembered the goats and said it took authorities “a long time to get rid of” the last goat.

“Was lovely when the whole family of goats was there,” she said.

Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Peter Klaus remembered working on the lighthouse.

“In the very early 80s we patched up the battlements and resurfaced the dome on the small building beside it,” Mr Klaus said.

There were fond family-focused memories for Carina Jupe who recalled “sitting inside all weekend with my grandfather Fred Jupe learning about different ships etc when Marine Rescue was run from there around late 90s”.

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay. Picture: Liana Boss

For Cathy Ryan, it was always known as “Poppies Lighthouse”.

“It was the first landmark we looked for as kids back in the early 60s when travelling from Sydney to visit our grandparents,” she said.

Theresa Milgate Booth remembered visiting the lightkeeper and taking their nanny up in the back of their ute.

Michelle Edwards and Deni Emery both said they spent time sliding down the grass hill on cardboard.