Official opening of new Captain Cook Memorial and Point Danger Lighthouse

A crusty old lighthouse and marine rescue quarters on the Qld-NSW border has been given a major facelift including the addition of a swanky cafe with stunning ocean views. See the photos.

Official opening of the new Captain Cook Memorial and Point Danger Lighthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Picture: Supplied.

A Queensland-NSW border lighthouse as weathered as a barnacle-infested rock has been given a new lease on life with a major upgrade – and the beacon is shining brightly again.

Tweed and Gold Coast councils along with the NSW government funded the extensive $6.5 million refurbishment to the Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger, unveiling the works in an official ceremony on Tuesday.

First opened in April 1971 as a joint project between the City of Gold Coast, Tweed Shire Council and the Australian Government to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the voyage of Captain James Cook, the building was extended in 1990 to accommodate the volunteer Marine Rescue NSW service.

A new fit-out worthy of the views. Picture: Supplied.

But after ‘concrete cancer' was discovered in parts of the original building’s structure in 2022, proposals were put forward to give the site an extensive facelift.

The upgraded building boasts state-of-the-art new facilities for Marine Rescue NSW’s Point Danger Unit, which from January 2023 to June 2024 logged and monitored 27,763 crossings of the Tweed River bar and undertook 176 rescues, saving the lives of 318 people on the water.

Also included is the uber-trendy Black Dingo Cafe, with near-impossible-to-beat views over Duranbah Beach, the Tweed River and out to sea. The cafe has been off to a flying start since opening in late May.

The shabby old structure was in dire need of a facelift. Picture: File.

Surrounding the lighthouse, artworks from local Bundjalung/Yugambeh artist Christine Slabb adorn walls and walkways.

The upgrades have provided improved disability access and includes a ramp to the top viewing deck and accessible ablutions, the Tweed council said.

An additional 13 car spaces were created on the southern side of the lighthouse as part of the upgrade.

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the project was a “great example” of NSW and Queensland working together.

Gold Coast Deputy Mayor Donna Gates, Tweed Shire Council Mayor Chris Cherry, Tweed MP Geoff Provest and Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell at the official opening of the new Captain Cook Memorial and Point Danger Lighthouse on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Picture: Supplied.

“As well as playing a vital role to keep our communities safe, the site’s accessibility upgrades have ensured that even more people can explore this iconic lighthouse at Point Danger and behold the beautiful view over both sides of the border,” she said.

Tweed MP Geoff Provest said the lighthouse was a “major tourism drawcard” and the project was a boon for the local economy.

The NSW Volunteer Marine Rescue has swanky new quarters. Picture: Supplied.

“The project has delivered substantial economic benefits, with more than 100 jobs created during the design and construction phase and more than 20 local residents already employed by the new Black Dingo Cafe,” he said.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said: “With this upgrade it now has a new lease of life and will continue to be a focal point for future generations, as well as it’s practical uses, including for the wonderful work of the Marine Rescue Unit.”

Tweed Mayor Chris Cherry said she was looking forward to seeing the new and improved lighthouse “stand the test of time for decades to come”.

Got a story tip? Email [e-mail]