It’s next stop Antarctica, at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, perched on the most south-westerly tip of Australia. Cape Leeuwin is a short drive from Augusta, an easy day trip from Margaret River, and well worth stopping by. The historic lighthouse, which happens to be the tallest on mainland Australia, marks the meeting point of the Indian Ocean and ferocious Southern Ocean. Families can expect a few fun hours of history, wild coastal scenery and a little bit of adventure.
Built in 1895, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, stands 39 metres high in the heart of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. From the carpark, you’ll feel the wind pick up as waves roll in from three sides. Families can choose between a fully guided lighthouse tour or a heritage pass that gives access to the grounds and museum only. The ‘Heritage pass’ is a small fee to wander the grounds, interpretive museum and look out points, or hop on a full lighthouse tour to climb to the top. The views of the rugged coastline are spectacular. Because of the strong winds and exposure, lighthouse climbs can occasionally be cancelled in poor weather, so it’s worth checking the official website before you go, especially in winter.
Your visit begins at the gift shop and Cape Leeuwin Café. This is where you buy your tickets and use the toilets before heading up to the lighthouse. It’s about a five-minute walk on a gentle incline to the base of the tower. Prams are fine for the paths and grounds, but they can’t go inside the lighthouse itself, so keep that in mind if you’re visiting with babies or toddlers. Be sure to say hi to the pirate cow too!
Families can choose between a fully guided lighthouse tour or a heritage pass that gives access to the grounds and museum only. The self-guided audio tour is available in several languages (including English, Mandarin, German, French and Malay) and is a great option for grandparents or anyone who would rather not tackle the stairs. The lookouts provide stunning views and between May and August there’s a chance of seeing whales on their migration.
The fully guided lighthouse tour runs roughly every 30 minutes and lasts about half an hour. Your guide shares stories about life as a lighthouse keeper, the many shipwrecks along this treacherous stretch of coast and the vital role the light still plays today. Climbing the tower is a real adventure for kids, but do be aware that children must be at least four years old to join the lighthouse tour, and children under four are not permitted to climb the tower. Inside, 176 narrow, winding steps spiral up to the top balcony. There is a sturdy handrail, and there are small landings and windows along the way that make good “breather” stops for little legs. Young climbers will manage the ascent with encouragement and a few pauses, and reaching the balcony at the top feels like a real achievement.
The reward is absolutely worth it. From the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of the cape, the endless ocean and the wild coastline stretching away in both directions. You can clearly see the line where the two oceans meet, often marked by different colours or swirling currents. On clear days you might spot dolphins and whales. It’s quite windy, so hold onto hats and phones, and keep a firm grip on little hands.
After the climb, it’s lovely to wander the coastal paths around the lighthouse and the Interpretative Centre which was once the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage.
This held the kids’ attention with several interactive exhibits.
There’s a short, but fascinating film about the building of the lighthouse, as well as ‘talking’ photo frames telling stories from the past.
Back near the cottages, the Cape Leeuwin Café is a welcoming spot to refuel with coffee, or a light snack while you soak up the views from the comfort of indoor seating.
The gift shop stocks maritime-themed souvenirs, books and small treats for the kids to remember their visit.
The heritage listed treasure is operated by Capes Foundation, a division of the not-for-profit Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association, so your visit helps support conservation and education in the region. If you’re planning to visit some of the nearby caves, it’s worth checking for combined passes that includes both lighthouses, cave experiences and more, as these can offer good value for families.
Allow a couple of hours to make the most of your visit, especially if you’re doing the climb and exploring the grounds. Sturdy, closed-in shoes are recommended for the stairs, and a windproof jacket – even in summer as the cape can be breezy and much cooler than inland. During school holidays and long weekends, advance booking is recommended to secure a tour time that suits your family.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is one of those iconic WA outings that manages to be both educational and exciting. Between the towering lighthouse, the dramatic meeting of two oceans and the chance to step into the shoes of a lighthouse keeper for a little while, it’s a memorable experience for both kids and adults, and a must-do stop on any southwest family getaway.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Address: Leeuwin Rd, Augusta WA 6290
Opening hours: Daily, 8:45am – 5:00pm (last entry 4:30pm; closed Christmas Day). Tour times and conditions can vary, so check the website before your visit.
Website: Capes Foundation – Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
