The ruins of Cape St George lighthouse remain a popular site for visitors interested in exploring its unique history.
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The lighthouse is perched on the edge of the spectacular cliffs between Booderee National Park and the ocean south of Jervis Bay’s Bowen Island.
It is a heritage-listed site and the most significant European historic site in Booderee National Park.
Built of massive sandstone blocks and standing almost 300 feet above the ocean, it guided shipping up the coast for many years, until it was replaced by the Point Perpendicular lighthouse in 1899 and destroyed in the early 20th century.
It was always believed the landmark was shattered and reduced to a tumbled ruin when it was shelled for target practice by a NZ warship during WWII.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Monday, November 18, 1895, that the lighthouse assistant was washed off the rocks at Cape St George and drowned.
The article read:
At 4pm yesterday a gloom was cast over Cape St George lighthouse when it was reported that Edward Bailey, first assistant lightkeeper, was washed off the rocks at a place called Governor's Head, about three miles from the lighthouse.
It appears that whilst he was fishing on the rocks a very large wave washed completely over the rock, carrying him away with its fury into the sea.
When striking the water he sank for a few minutes. He reappeared on the surface and tried to swim to the rocks, but finding his line was tangled around his legs and the other end was fastened on the rocks he called out to his son to cut his line.
This having been done immediately by the lad he tried again to swim to the rocks, and found he was free from the line. When getting halfway to the rocks he turned over on his side completely exhausted with the baffling of the waves.
He floated for a second, and then disappeared feet first. It is supposed he was taken by sharks, three having been seen in the vicinity a few minutes before the accident happened. The whole scene was witnessed by his sons, a lad of 10 years and one of 6, who were fishing with their father.”
A search was conducted, but his body was never found.
Mr Bailey, who had been a resident of Cape St George for 13 years, left behind a widow and 11 children.