Tasmanian Lighthouse Keepers, Families & Friends

30/12/2025

The true story of The Blythe Star is a great read. A historic Tasmanian story, co written by a survivor with several mentions of the last person on land to see the ship just hours before it sank. Tony Parsey and family were lighthouse keepers on Maatsuyker Island and like the crew from the moment the ship left for sea, Tony had concerns.

He logged it passing by, and soon heard of it missing at sea. If only the authorities believed that it was The Blythe Star he saw that day, people might not have died.

Well done to Mick Doleman for telling his story so bravely.

30/07/2025

Check out this lighthouse Pop up Museum, focussing on Tasman and Maatsuyker.
The last one this dedicated group of lovely people did, told stories alongside historic lighthouse keepers, carers and enthusiasts. Keep the lights burning 🙂

12/04/2025

Here is a photo taken about 1982 of my family at Maatsuyker Island, L to R, Rebecca, Emma, Robyn and Craig Parsey. This was the only way up onto the Island a Haulage way 1,400 ft long.

29/03/2025

52 years ago, Robyn and I with Craig and Emma were landed on Maatsuyker Island for the start of our lighthouse career. We left Dover about midnight on board the fishing boat "Kathleen Delmar" with all our possessions crammed down below and after a very rough trip arrived at day break. It was bleak cold and raining, all we could see from the boat was a steep wooden haulage railway disappearing up into the very low cloud.I then thought what have I gotten my family into. After transporting our gear to the landing in a dinghy with a dangerous swell making things difficult we were standing on a a jetty in probably one of the most remote parts of Australia, certainly the southern most Lightstation in Australia, soaking wet. Then up the 1300ft tramway to the start of a fantastic five year career in Tasmanian lighthouses. A most memorable time in our lives.
Written by Tony Parsey

20/03/2025

Friends of Maatsuyker Island and Tasman Island are holding an afternoon at the Geilston Bay Boat Club on Sunday the 30th March at 3:30pm to share stories and experiences as lighthouse people.

This is open to anyone with an interest or direct experience.

Come along and hear from those who have been lighthouse keepers, and who have wild weather tales to share.

Tickets can be purchased for a very small fee through this link.

Friends of Tasman Island - Wildcare Inc
Cape Bruny Lighthouse Tours
ABC Hobart

Wildcare Groups 'Friends of Maatsuyker Island' (FOMI) and 'Friends of Tasman Island' (FOTI) are joining for an afternoon of connections without the...

17/02/2024

This one hangs on my wall at home. Lightkeepers regularly had to practice their flags and signaling. I’m not exactly sure when this was taken but I reckon someone here will know.

08/11/2022

27/08/2022

Ironic that I sit on my bed writing some words for a private ceremony of John Cooks end of life, only to look up to see the lighthouse he was the last official keeper at for 16 years.