Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

15 min to 30 min
15 min to 40 min

640 m
circuit

↑ 8 m
↓ -8 m

Easy track
Starting from the car park at the end of Leeuwin Road, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this walk explores Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and the lighthouse's buildings and grounds. The historic Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse stands on the tip of a spectacular peninsula, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a must-see as it is the tallest lighthouse on the mainland. Learn about the history of this place as you take in the rather soothing scenery. Climb to the top of the lighthouse and look out over the magnificent ocean, the crashing waves and the wilderness of the landscape. The grounds of the lighthouse are well-tended, with sealed paths from the main buildings to the lighthouse. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Show all
Downloads GPX PDF

+
-
Safer Bushwalks
Tips on staying safe on track
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
+
-
Getting There
Transport options and directions
Start (-34.3723674,115.1361373)
Mode Car
DirectionsFrom Brockman Highway, 10
  • Turn on to Bussell Highway, 10 then drive for 22.8 km
  • Turn left and drive for another 20 m
+
-
Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started
From the car park at the end of Leeuwin Road, Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, head through the wooden gate, passing a 'Welcome to Cape Leeuwin' sign. Head along the sealed path, passing through the cafe and welcome centre. Follow the sealed path on the other side, then turn left onto the bitumen road and continue straight ahead towards Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.....
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
There is a car park (about 65 m back from the start).
Cape Lighthouse Leeuwin Cafe (about 40 m back from the start).
Cape Lighthouse Leeuwin Cafe
Cape Lighthouse Leeuwin Cafe

Set in one of the heritage cottages overlooking Flinders Bay, the cafe offers coffees, scones, cakes and delicious light lunches. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows protect the cafe from the winds and rain, while you can admire the panoramic view.
+
-
Set in one of the heritage cottages overlooking Flinders Bay, the cafe offers coffees, scones, cakes and delicious light lunches. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows protect the cafe from the winds and rain, while you can admire the panoramic view.

Find the Interpretive Centre - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at the start.
Interpretive Centre - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Interpretive Centre - Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

The new Interpretive Centre, housed within one of the original lighthouses keepers cottages, is an outstanding interactive experience that celebrates the history and lives of all the lighthouse keepers that came before. Using artefacts and stories, interactive technology and a large-scale animated film, visitors can discover fascinating insights into the lives of the people who once lived at the lighthouse.
+
-
The new Interpretive Centre, housed within one of the original lighthouses keepers cottages, is an outstanding interactive experience that celebrates the history and lives of all the lighthouse keepers that came before. Using artefacts and stories, interactive technology and a large-scale animated film, visitors can discover fascinating insights into the lives of the people who once lived at the lighthouse.

After another 75 m continue straight.
After another 135 m veer left.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the eastern viewing platform. To start this optional side trip continue straight here. On returning from this side trip turn left when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 15 m veer right.
After another 15 m find the "Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse" (10 m on your right).
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. This historic lighthouse is open daily for tours. The top of the tower provides amazing views over the meeting place of the Indian Ocean to the west and the Southern Ocean to the south and east. The inside of the lighthouse used to be painted the traditional Maritime colours of red and green, but the lower floors have been repainted to make it easier for visitors to navigate the steps. Prepare for the exceptional view as your guide takes you to the top of the tower. With the tour price, you are also given excellent audio guides that share lots of informative history about the lighthouse, the keepers, and the times they lived.
+
-
Situated at the most south-westerly point of Australia, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia. This historic lighthouse is open daily for tours. The top of the tower provides amazing views over the meeting place of the Indian Ocean to the west and the Southern Ocean to the south and east. The inside of the lighthouse used to be painted the traditional Maritime colours of red and green, but the lower floors have been repainted to make it easier for visitors to navigate the steps. Prepare for the exceptional view as your guide takes you to the top of the tower. With the tour price, you are also given excellent audio guides that share lots of informative history about the lighthouse, the keepers, and the times they lived.

After another 2 m veer right.
Then find the "HMAS Nizam Memorial" (15 m on your left).
HMAS Nizam Memorial
HMAS Nizam Memorial

In February 1945, the HMAS Nizam was 11 miles off Cape Leeuwin when it was hit by a rogue wave, causing the ship to keel and throw ten sailors overboard. Although the area was thoroughly searched, no trace of the sailors was found. In 1991, a reunion of the "N" Class Destroyer Association in WA suggested that a memorial to those lost at sea be constructed at Cape Leeuwin. Since the memorial was unveiled in 1993, the February 11th ceremony has become an annual event here. The site is now recognized as an Australian War Memorial.
+
-
In February 1945, the HMAS Nizam was 11 miles off Cape Leeuwin when it was hit by a rogue wave, causing the ship to keel and throw ten sailors overboard. Although the area was thoroughly searched, no trace of the sailors was found. In 1991, a reunion of the "N" Class Destroyer Association in WA suggested that a memorial to those lost at sea be constructed at Cape Leeuwin. Since the memorial was unveiled in 1993, the February 11th ceremony has become an annual event here. The site is now recognized as an Australian War Memorial.

The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This little side trip takes you to the western viewing platform. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip veer right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 30 m turn right.
After another 15 m pass the "Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse" (9 m on your right).
After another 15 m veer left.
After another 135 m continue straight.
After another 135 m come to the end.

This little side trip takes you to the eastern viewing platform.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 35 m come to "Eastern viewing platform".
Eastern viewing platform
Eastern viewing platform

Behind the lighthouse, there are two wooden viewing platforms that provide expansive views out towards the ocean. Both of the viewing platforms feature interpretive signage and free binoculars. This is the eastern one of the two.
+
-
Behind the lighthouse, there are two wooden viewing platforms that provide expansive views out towards the ocean. Both of the viewing platforms feature interpretive signage and free binoculars. This is the eastern one of the two.

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 35 m to the main route.

This little side trip takes you to the western viewing platform.
Turn map Directions & comments
Start.
After another 30 m come to "Western viewing platform".
Western viewing platform
Western viewing platform

Behind the lighthouse, there are two wooden viewing platforms that provide expansive views out towards the ocean. Both of the viewing platforms feature interpretive signage and free binoculars. This is the western one of the two.
+
-
Behind the lighthouse, there are two wooden viewing platforms that provide expansive views out towards the ocean. Both of the viewing platforms feature interpretive signage and free binoculars. This is the western one of the two.

The end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 30 m to the main route.
+
-
Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse


Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length 640 m
Time 15 min to 30 min
Quality of track Smooth and hardened path (1/6)
Gradient Flat, no steps (1/6)
Signage Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required No experience required (1/6)
Weather Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
+
-
Articles
Discover more details to thrive on track
+
-
Reviews & Feedback
Share your experience
+
-
Weather & Alerts
Check forecasts & closures
Show Full Weather
Alerts and Closures
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
Show all alerts
+
-
Other Journeys
Discover nearby and similar journeys
Some of the information and maps on this page was generated using data from the awesome © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Please see how you can embed some widgets, access data and other stuff to that might be helpful.