Lighthouses of Australia

Lighthouses of Australia

Australia’s rugged coastline is dotted with historic lighthouses that have guided sailors safely through treacherous waters for over two centuries. From the towering beacons along the Great Ocean Road to the remote sentinel lights on isolated islands, these lighthouses are not only vital navigational aids but also rich with history and stories of maritime adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or planning a coastal road trip, Australia’s lighthouses offer a unique glimpse into the nation’s maritime heritage.

Below is a comprehensive list of notable Australian lighthouses, organized by state, including their key features and historical significance.

Lighthouses of Australia – New South Wales

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Macquarie Lighthouse 1818 South Head, Sydney Australia’s first lighthouse; designed by convict architect Francis Greenway.
Norah Head Lighthouse 1903 Central Coast One of the last staffed lighthouses in NSW, now a museum.
Point Perpendicular 1899 Jervis Bay Built from local sandstone; offers panoramic ocean views.
Cape Byron 1901 Byron Bay Easternmost point of mainland Australia; popular tourist destination.
Barrenjoey 1881 Palm Beach Accessible via a scenic hike; featured in Home and Away.
Green Cape 1883 Ben Boyd National Park First concrete lighthouse in Australia; remote and historic.
Smoky Cape 1891 South West Rocks Tallest lighthouse in NSW; offers sweeping coastal views.
Montague Island 1881 Near Narooma Wildlife haven; access via guided tours.
Tacking Point 1879 Port Macquarie Among Australia’s oldest lighthouses; popular for whale watching.
Warden Head 1873 Ulladulla Moved from the breakwater to its current location in 1889.
Cape St George 1860 Jervis Bay Territory Decommissioned due to navigational confusion; now a dramatic coastal ruin.

Lighthouses of Australia – Queensland

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Cape Moreton 1857 Moreton Island Queensland’s oldest; built from local sandstone.
Bustard Head 1868 Near Gladstone Remote and scenic; restored as a heritage site.
Hinchinbrook Island 1925 Hinchinbrook Island Early automation; key for reef navigation.
Sandy Cape 1870 Fraser Island Northern tip of Fraser; accessible only by 4WD.
Cape Capricorn 1875 Curtis Island Located in a protected area; now automated.
Double Island Point 1884 Rainbow Beach Surrounded by national park and dunes.
Point Cartwright 1978 Sunshine Coast Modern lighthouse with scenic lookouts.
Caloundra 1896 Caloundra Oldest in the region; part of a local heritage centre.

Lighthouses of Australia – South Australia

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Cape Willoughby 1852 Kangaroo Island SA’s first lighthouse; has a visitor centre and tours.
Troubridge Island 1856 Yorke Peninsula Now decommissioned; accessible by boat for tours.
Cape Jervis 1871 Fleurieu Peninsula Aids navigation through Backstairs Passage.
Cape Borda 1858 Kangaroo Island Unique square tower; museum and historic site.
Cape Northumberland 1882 Port MacDonnell Southernmost in SA; the original tower is now a ruin.
Cape Spencer 1975 Innes National Park Still active; perched above dramatic cliffs.

Lighthouses of Australia – Tasmania

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Cape Bruny 1838 Bruny Island Tasmania’s oldest; first to be automated in the state.
Eddystone Point 1899 Northeast Tasmania Harsh weather conditions; remote and scenic.
Tasman Island 1906 Tasman Peninsula Located on sea cliffs; dramatic isolation.
Maatsuyker Island 1891 Off southern Tasmania Australia’s southernmost; last staffed lighthouse.
Cape Tourville 1971 Freycinet Peninsula Easily accessible; panoramic coastal boardwalk.

Lighthouses of Australia – Victoria

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Split Point 1891 Aireys Inlet Iconic black and white stripes; featured in SeaChange.
Cape Otway 1848 Great Ocean Road Oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia; historic telegraph station.
Point Lonsdale 1902 Bellarine Peninsula Crucial to Port Phillip Bay navigation.
Cape Schanck 1859 Mornington Peninsula Built from limestone; offers stunning views.
Cape Nelson 1884 Portland Still operational; sits in a scenic coastal reserve.
Cape Liptrap 1913 South Gippsland Victoria’s first automatic lighthouse.
Gabo Island 1862 Near Mallacoota Made from rare pink granite; historic and remote.
Point Hicks 1890 East Gippsland Marks the point where Captain Cook first sighted Australia.

Lighthouses of Australia – Western Australia

Lighthouse Year Built Location History & Notes
Cape Leeuwin 1895 Augusta Marks meeting of Indian and Southern Oceans.
Point Peron 1906 Rockingham Decommissioned in 1911; historic coastal site.
Rottnest Island 1849 Rottnest Island Important to Fremantle’s maritime navigation.
Cape Naturaliste 1904 Near Dunsborough Short, sturdy tower; offers guided tours.
Vlamingh Head 1912 Exmouth Overlooks Ningaloo Reef; WWII radar history.
Point Moore 1878 Geraldton Red and white stripes; oldest mainland WA lighthouse.

Australia’s Coastal Beacons – A Timeless Connection to Sea and Sky

From the rugged cliffs of Tasmania to the sun-drenched shores of Western Australia, the lighthouses of Australia stand as enduring symbols of maritime heritage, engineering brilliance, and coastal beauty. Whether still active or preserved as historic landmarks, each lighthouse tells a story of isolation, resilience, and guidance. Visiting these beacons offers more than a glimpse into the past — it invites you to experience panoramic views, spot wildlife, and connect with the rhythm of the sea.

So whether you’re a history lover, photographer, or coastal adventurer, Australia’s lighthouses promise inspiration at every turn of the tide.

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