Name and Location

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse stands at the southwestern tip of Australia, marking the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans. Its location is Leeuwin Road, Leeuwin WA 6290, Australia (plus code J4GP+2G), with coordinates 34°22′30″ S, 115°08′11″ E.

Construction and History

Commissioned in 1895, the lighthouse was first lit on November 10, 1895. It was named after the Dutch ship Leeuwin, which charted part of this coast in 1622. The light operated with resident keepers until automation in the late 20th century, and is now unmanned. The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse has been listed on the Western Australia State Register of Heritage Places and classified by the National Trust.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is a cylindrical tower with a balcony and lantern, constructed from locally quarried limestone with a rendered finish. It stands 39 meters tall, with a focal height of 56 meters above sea level. The architecture style is typical of late-Victorian masonry lighthouses built during the 19th century.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic is a single white flash every 7.5 seconds (Fl W 7.5 s), with a nominal range of 25 nautical miles in clear weather. The sectors where the light is visible are between bearings 141°–261°, with darkness elsewhere. The Admiralty number is Q1794, and the NGA list is 111-8872.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open daily from approximately 9 am to 4:30 pm, closed on Christmas Day. Guided lantern-room tours climb the full 175 steps to the gallery. An on-site museum displays original keeper’s quarters, historic lens, and engine room artifacts. Amenities include picnic tables, interpretive signage, toilet block, and a small entry fee applies.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is set within Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, with rugged coastal heath and granite boulders dotting the headland. The views over the Southern Ocean and Cape Leeuwin-Flinders Sea Meet point are breathtaking. Nearby attractions include Augusta townsite, Jewel Cave, Canal Rocks, and Margaret River wineries.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse operates under the management of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (light) and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (grounds). The site features an AIS base station (MMSI 005030148), enhancing vessel traffic monitoring.