Four generations of the Lone Family returned to Low Isles last Saturday, a place with which the family has man ties, to remember the past and celebrate their history.

The family, aged from 86 years old to infants, set sail on Wavedancer to Low Isles from where Ernie Lone retired as head lighthouse keeper in 1985.

Mr Lone, now 86, was one of Australia’s longest serving lighthouse keepers who served continuously on various Queensland lighthouses for nearly 30 years from 1956.

Speaking of his father, John Lone said, “Dad first served on Low Isles in 1960 and again as head light keeper from 1967 until his retirement from the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service in 1985.

"During this time he was awarded the OAM for his service to the lighthouse service whilst serving on Low Isles.

"In the late 1970s in his position as head light keeper he was instrumental in the granting of approval for Jim and Jo Wallace to commence a tour operation from Port Douglas to Low Isles with the “M.V. Martin Cash” which later led to Jim and Jo’s Quicksilver catamaran operation.

"In those days all visitors to the island required the specific permission of the head light keeper.  My sister and I also lived on Low Isles in 1960 and did our schooling there by correspondence.”

Tony Baker, Quicksilver Group Managing Director said “What a wonderful story about this family’s history and connection with the idyllic coral cay of Low Isles.

"This was Quicksilver’s first destination in 1979 and we look forward to welcoming the Lone family back to a special place they called home for many years.”

Ernie Lone returned to Low Isles many times with his children and in later years the children returned with their children. He last visited Low Isles in 2000 when he and his late wife were invited to officially open the island’s Heritage Walk.

The landmark lighthouse has greeted guests since 1878 and became automated in 1993. Low Isles and its historic lighthouse have both been declared Commonwealth Heritage listed.