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Lighthouse Accommodation in Australia

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.

NSW VIC TAS SA

WA

 QLD NT
Cape Byron Cape Nelson Cape Bruny Cape Borda Cape Naturaliste Cape Capricorn Cape Don
Smoky Cape Cape Otway Tamar River Cape du Couedic Bathurst Point    
Green Cape Cape Schanck Low Head Cape Willoughby Cape Leveque    
Norah Head Wilsons Prom Swan Island Troubridge Island      
Sugarloaf Point Point Hicks   Point Lowly      
  Gabo Island          
  Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village - Lady Bay          

New South Wales

Cape Byron Lighthouse
Who: Byron Bay Headland Trust
Phone:  
Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the lighthouse keepers quarters for 3-7 nights. Cottage One and Two can both sleep 6 people.
Bookings: Advanced bookings are recommended. 
Rates: Rates vary from $900 for low season, Monday to Thursday stay, up to $3,500 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.
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
Who: Lightstation Keepers' Cottages
Phone: 03 5523 5119
Accommodation: Accommodation is available in the Keepers' Cottages. 
Bookings: Bookings are essential.
Rates: For rate details please phone or send us an email.
More info:

Web:
Email: 

The Café Isabella is in the former stables and serves lunch, morning and afternoon tea daily 10:00am to 4:00pm.

We conduct tours of the lighthouse daily at 11:00am and 2:00pm or by appointment.
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
Wilsons 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 Wilsons 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
Lady Bay Lighthouses
Who: Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village
Phone: See website for details.
Accommodation: The Lady Bay Lighthouses at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village will have accommodation available to stay on site and overlook Lady Bay.

Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse Lodge will be opening in March 2010 and provide some of the best quality lighthouse accommodation along the Great Ocean Road. .
Bookings: Bookings are essential.
Rates: Rates available on website.
More info: Web: http://www.flagstaffhill.com

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 for Environment & Heritage
Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381
Accommodation: Accommodation is available at this classic lighthouse location in three cottages. The heritage lighthouse-keepers cottage has 3 bedrooms and can accomodate up to 6 people, the relieving keepers quarters has 1 bedroom and can accomodate 2 people. The Hut can sleep 1-2 people. Linen and towels supplied (except for woodward hut), bring your own or we can supply for $17 per person.
Bookings: Bookings are essential.
Rates:

Cape Borda Lighthouse-keepers Cottages
Flinders Light Lodge, Hartley Hut and Woodward Hut

Flinders Light Lodge
$155 per night for 2 adults
$24 per additional adult / per night
$15.50 per additional child / per night
Hartley Hut
$103 per night for 2 adults
$24 per additional adult / per night
$15.50 per additional child / per night
Woodward Hut
$18.50 per adult / per night
$9.00 per child /per night
(Bring your own linen or $17.00 for us to supply)

More info: Web: Kangaroo Island Heritage Accommodation  (298 KB PDF)
Email: kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au

Cape du Couedic Lightstation

Who: Department for Environment & Heritage
Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381
Accommodation: Accommodation is available in three beautifully restored lighthouse-keepers cottages which have 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. Linen and towels supplied. Bring your own food.
Bookings: Bookings are essential.
Rates:

Cape du Couedic Lighthouse-keepers cottages
Troubridge, Karatta and Parndana Lodge


$155 per night for 2 adults
$24 per additional adult / per night
$15.50 per additional child / per night
More info: Web: Kangaroo Island Heritage Accommodation (298 KB PDF)
Email: kiparksaccom@saugov.sa.gov.au

Cape Willoughby Lightstation

Who: Department for Environment & Heritage
Phone: 08 8559 7235 or 08 8553 2381
Accommodation: Accommodation is available in two spacious and fully furnished lighthouse-keepers cottages which have 5 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 people. Linen and towels supplied. Bring your own food.
Bookings: Bookings are essential.
Rates:

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse-keepers cottages
Seymour and Thomas Cottage

$155 per night for 2 adults
$24 per additional adult / per night
$15.50 per additional child / per night
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

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