Lighthouses of Australia Inc

Since the end of demanning of Australia's lighthouses in the 1990s, the control of many lighthouse properties has gone to state-based National Parks or conservation agencies. Many lighthouses are now accessible to the public as tourist attractions, and some lightstations are now available as bed-and-breakfast or self-contained accommodation, in the keepers' cottages or other buildings. Unfortunately, there are no lighthouses in Australia where you can stay in the lighthouse tower itself.

The following information details some of the lighthouses around Australia where accommodation is available.

Please note:  Lighthouses of Australia Inc (LoA Inc) itself is not responsible for any accommodation at any lighthouse in Australia, and cannot organise accommodation on behalf of any party. LoA Inc provides this information only as a guide, and cannot be held responsible if the information is inaccurate or invalid.

New South Wales

Cape Byron Lighthouse

Who: Byron Bay Headland Trust Phone: 02 6685 6552 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the lighthouse keepers quarters for 3-7 nights. Cottage One can accommodate 4 people, Cottage Two can sleep 6 people. Bookings: Bookings need to be made about 6 months in advance.  Rates: Rates vary from $600 for low season, Monday to Thursday stay, up to $3,100 for a week during high season.

Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Who: Lightstation keepers' cottages Phone: 02 6566 6301 Accommodation: B&B accommodation is available for up to two couples in the head keeper's house. Self-contained accommodation is also available in the two assistant keepers' cottages. Each cottage can sleep up to 6 people. There is a minimum 7-night stay in the cottages from Sep-Apr.  Bookings: Bookings well in advance are recommended. Rates: The B&B rates, inc. breakfast, are $110 for 1 person or $165 for 2. More info: Web: http://www.smokycapelighthouse.com/ Camping is also available - contact the National Parks & Wildlife Service on phone 02 6566 6621

Green Cape Lighthouse

Who: NPWS (Eden District) - Merimbula Phone: 02 6495 5000 (Fax: 02 6495 5055) Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the two fully self-contained assistant keepers' cottages. Each cottage can accommodate up to 6 people. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates vary depending on season and day of the week, and range from $165 - $248 per night. More info: Email: eden.district@npws.nsw.gov.au Web: NPWS Accommodation and Booking Information

Norah Head Lighthouse

Who: Central Coast Tourism Phone: 02 4343 4444 (Fax: 02 4343 4433) Accommodation: The cottage is heritage-listed and restorations have kept the original feel of the quarters. The accommodation is self contained with 3 bedrooms and sweeping verandah, full kitchen and laundry facilities, indoor bath & shower with outdoor toilet, lounge room with gas log fire TV/DVD and video. Cottage 1 has beautifully renovated is now available for week night and weekend accommodation.  A two night minimum only, applies during the week, the quarters has a fully renovated bathroom and indoor toilet and sleeps 8 people.  Includes: free tour of the lighthouse, fenced yard for children to play, fully functioning navigational lighthouse outside your door, onsite caretaker. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Cottage 3. Rates are from $250.00 per night week nights and $330.00 per night weekends. Christmas School Holidays 19 December to 26 January, $2000.00 per week. Cottage 1. Rates from $230.00 per night weeknights and $350.00 per night weekends.  From 20 December to 14 February, high season $2450.00 per week. More info: Email: info@centralcoasttourism.com.au Web: www.centralcoasttourism.com.au

Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse

Who: Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Accommodation Phone: 02 4997 6590 Accommodation: The Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse precinct offers 3 self-contained heritage cottages nestled on the hill below the lightstation. Built in 1875, they offer newly restored and beautifully appointed old world charm with modern conveniences. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: See website. More info: Email:stay@sealrockslighthouseaccommodation.com.au Web: http://www.srla.com.au

Victoria

Cape Nelson Lighthouse

STOP PRESS (MARCH 2005) The Cape Nelson Lightstation is no longer unavailable for tours or accommodation, as the resident caretakers are no longer onsite.  Parks Victoria is currently managing the lightstation, and at this stage, it is unknown if and when the station will reopen. Access to the grounds is still available.

Cape Otway Lighthouse

Who: Lightstation Keepers' Cottages - Apollo Bay Phone: 03 5237 9240 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in two double studios or in the Head Keeper's cottage that will accommodate from 2 - 16 people.  Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates for a minimum two-night stay vary from $165-$270 for the west studio and $400 per couple in the Head Keeper's cottage ($45 for extra person). The north studio apartment is available for $90 per night. More info: Web: http://www.lightstation.com Email: moreinfo@lightstation.com

Cape Schanck Lighthouse

Who: National Park & Wildlife Service Phone: (03) 5988 6184 or (03) 9567 7900. Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the two assistant keepers' cottages, which can each sleep up to 9 people. There is also an inspector's cottage suitable for a couple. Linen is supplied, but you need to take your own food. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates vary from $150 per person at weekends, and $100 per person during the week. More info: Web: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Web: http://www.austpacinns.com.au/ Email: lamp@austpacinns.com.au

Wilson's Promontory Lighthouse

Who: National Parks & Wildlife Service - Tidal River Phone: 1800 350 552 (Fax: 03 5680 9555) Accommodation: Dormitory-style accommodation for up to 27 people is available in three of the keepers' cottages. All bed linen (sleeping bags recommended) and food must be carried in on the 18 kilometre walk from Tidal River, and all rubbish must be carried out. Bookings: Bookings can be made up to twelve months in advance, and are essential.  Rates: Rates vary from $47-$87 per person per night, depending on the cottage and the day of the week.  More info: Web: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au Email: wprom@parks.vic.gov.au Camping is also available in the Wilson's Promontory National Park, but not at the lightstation.

Point Hicks Lighthouse

Who: National Parks & Wildlife Service Phone: 03 5158 4268 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the two assistant keeper's cottages for 2-7 nights. Each cottage can sleep up to 10 people. There is also a bungalow suitable for a couple. Linen can be rented, but you need to take your own food. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates vary by day of the week and season from $220-$280 per night for the cottages, and $80-$100 for the bungalow.  More info: Web: http://www.pointhicks.com.au/ Email: pointhicks@bigpond.com  Camping is also available in the nearby Croajingolong National Park camp ground.

Gabo Island Lighthouse

Who: National Park & Wildlife Service - Mallacoota Phone: 03 5161 9500 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in one of the assistant keeper's cottages for 2-7 nights. The cottage can sleep up to 8 people in 3 bedrooms. Linen is supplied, but you need to take your own food. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates vary by day of the week and season from $148-$190 per night, and there is a ballot for the Christmas and Easter periods. More info: Web: http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Tasmania

Cape Bruny Lightstation

Who: Lightstation Keeper's Cottage Phone: 03 6298 3114 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in one of the keeper's cottages, which can accommodate up to 6 people in three bedrooms Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: The cottage is available for $150 per night.

She Oak Point & Middle Channel Lights, Tamar River

Who: Real Estate Agent Phone: 03 6382 1399 or 0418 300 036 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the keeper's cottages of both leading lights on the Tamar River. Belfont Cottage, next to the Middle Channel light, has been separated into two halves, with each self-contained section containing a double bedroom, a twin bedroom, and a fully equipped kitchen. Full breakfast provisions are provided. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Each half of the cottage can be booked for $130 per day, with an extra person per cottage $30.

Low Head Lighthouse

Who: Low Head Pilot Station Phone: 0417 503 292 Accommodation: Accommodation is not available at the Low Head Lightstation, but is available at the nearby Pilot Station. Four self-contained houses can sleep up to 13 couples. All food needs to be brought with you. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Rates are $80-$90 per couple per day, plus $25 for each additional person, or $80-$90 per house per day, if booked for three or more days. More info: Email: pilotstation@lowhead.com

Swan Island Lighthouse

Who: Swan Island Lighthouse Keepers cottage Kerri & Ray Kennewell Phone: (03) 6357 2211 or satellite mobile phones: 0401 333 301 or 0412 680 219 Accommodation: Sleeps up to four, fully self contained, set up as private units, with own bathrooms & kitchens, water views. Food must be brought to the island - either bring your own, or pre-order at an extra cost. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Cost per week start from $1000.00 per person including flights from Bridport. Transfers from Launceston airport can be arranged at an extra cost, approx $150.00 subject to change without notice. More info: Email: paradiserentals@bigpond.com

South Australia

Cape Borda Lightstation

Who: Department of Environment & Heritage Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in a three-bedroom assistant keeper's cottage which sleeps 6, the relieving keeper's cottage which sleeps 2 and a small hut, which sleeps 2. Bring your own food and linen. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Assistant keeper's cottage - $120 for two adults, $15 for additional adults and $7.50 for children, per night. Relieving keeper's cottage - $75 per night. The hut - $30 per night.  More info: Web: Kangaroo Island Heritage Accommodation  (298 KB PDF) Email: kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au

Cape du Couedic Lightstation

Who: Department of Environment & Heritage Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in three 3-bedroom cottages, which can each accommodate up to six people. Bring your own food and linen. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: $120 for two adults, $15 for additional adults, and $7.50 for children, per night per cottage. More info: Web: Kangaroo Island Heritage Accommodation (298 KB PDF) Email: kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au

Cape Willoughby Lightstation

Who: Department of Environment & Heritage Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the two assistant keepers' cottages, each of which has four bedrooms, and can sleep 8 people. Bring your own food and linen, although linen can be supplied for $15 per person. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: $120 for two adults, $15 for additional adults, and $7.50 for children, per night per cottage. More info: Web: Kangaroo Island Heritage Accommodation (298 KB PDF) Email: kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au

Troubridge Island Lighthouse

Who: Chris and Judy Johnson, Troubridge Island Hideaway Phone: 08 8852 6290 Accommodation: Accommodation for a group of up to 10 people is available in one of the four-bedroom keepers' cottages. Bring your own food and linen. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: $80 for adults and $30 for children, with a minimum charge of $320, which includes transfers to and from the island.

Point Lowly Lighthouse

Who: Uniting Church Phone: Whyalla Office - 08 8645 0100 (between 10am and 1pm) Accommodation: The two keepers' cottages are owned by the Uniting Church, and are available for rent. There are 29 bunk beds in each cottage. Bring your own food, linen and pillow. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: $19 per adult and $10 per child.

Western Australia

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Who: Lightstation Keepers' Cottages Phone: 08 9755 3955 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in two 3-bedroom keepers' cottages, with each cottage able to sleep up to 8 people in bunk beds. Bring your own food and linen. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: n/a

Bathurst Point Lighthouse, Rottnest Island

Who: Lightstation Keepers' Cottages Phone: 08 9432 9111 Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the two assistant keepers' cottages, with one cottage sleeping 4 people, the other 6 people. Linen is supplied, bring your own food. Bookings: Bookings need to be made well in advance. Rates: $315 and $400 per night respectively for each cottage. Winter rates are 20% less.

Cape Leveque Lighthouse

Who: Lightstation Keepers' Cottages Phone: 08 9192 4970 Accommodation: The lightstation has been taken over by the local Bardi Aboriginal people, who run the Kooljaman Wilderness Lodge. Accommodation is available in cabins or tents. Bring your own perishable food and drinks. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: $110-$190 per night for two adults for a cabin, with additional persons $20. Camping is available for $14 per night for adults and $7 for children.

Queensland

Cape Capricorn Lighthouse

Who: Lightstation Keeper's Cottage Phone: 07 4125 3447 or 0418 740 067 Accommodation: Self-contained accommodation for up to 12 people is available in one of the keeper's cottages. Bring all food or have meals provided. Bookings: Advance bookings are essential, particularly if food is required. Rates: $200 per day for the cottage.

Northern Territory

Cape Don Lighthouse

Who: Cape Don Experience Phone: 08 8979 0030 Accommodation: Accommodation for up to 12 people is available at the lightstation, with two of the keeper's cottages being used as a wilderness lodge. Bookings: Bookings are essential. Rates: Daily rate inclusive of all meals and activities is $395 per person per day. More info: Web: http://www.ozhorizons.com.au/nt/darwin/capedon/capedon.htm  Email: capedon@altnews.com.au

Much of the information detailed above was sourced from John Ibbotson's excellent book, Lighthouses of Australia: A Visitors Guide, published in 2003. Australian Lighthouse Traders 4/19 Elm Street Surrey Hills VIC 3128 Phone: 0412 165 262 Email: lighthouses@mira.net Website: www.lighthouses.com.au

Copyright © All rights reserved.