The original Low Isles Lighthouse Keeper's telescope finally made its way home on Friday after it was discovered in the roof cavity of the local Coast Guard a year ago.

Coast Guard officer, Peter Wright, said the artefact dates back to the turn of the 20th century.

"We didn't know the history of it until one of our members said that's where it came from.

"When we discovered the significance of it, the providence that comes with this...it belongs, not to us, but to the community and Low Isles."

The telescope will form part of the collection at the Museum on Low Isles.

Mr Wright said the Low Isles Lighthouse was the last manned lighthouse in Australia, and its operators were highly skilled at their craft.

"They were like master mariners. They were the guys that logged and clocked vessels as they went past," he said.



Pictured: Peter Wright, David Burfield-North, and Darren McGinnes about to return the telescope to Low Isles.

The light emitted from the Low Isles Lighthouse was amongst the most powerful in Australia with a 30 mile loom brightening the night sky.

But Mr Wright said the significance of the telescope goes well beyond sentimental value. He said that piecing together our history has the ability to unite our community.

"Until we stop, collectively, as one community and reflect on where we've come from, we won't be better prepared to know where we're going. That journey, I think, will bring us together again.

"What we're trying to do is return things to where they belong...more importantly, putting this community's feet back on the ground."

If you have any historical maritime items that you would like to share with the community, or would like help in finding its origin, contact the Coast Guard on 07 4099 5392.