Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tour: Climb to the top

Climb to the top of a working lighthouse and see where two oceans meet

A half-hour fully-guided tour takes you up the spiral staircase inside Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, the tallest on mainland Australia, to views of the Southern and Indian Oceans meeting at the cape's tip. Your guide shares the stories of the lighthouse keepers and the maritime history of this working landmark, built from local limestone in 1895. Children from age 4 are welcome. The tour suits all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

• Climb spiral staircase inside lighthouse
• Learn maritime history and lighthouse stories
• Enjoy views from the top of tower
• Spot dolphins and whales (seasonal)
• Explore restored keepers’ cottages and grounds
• Relax with coffee and refreshments at cafe

The experience

You start at the base of the limestone tower and begin the climb up the spiral staircase with your guide, who walks you through the maritime history of Cape Leeuwin as you ascend. The lighthouse was constructed in 1895 and still functions as a vital working beacon for vessels navigating the treacherous waters where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. Along the way, you'll hear about the hardships faced by the early lighthouse keepers and their families who lived on this remote peninsula at Australia's most south-westerly point.

At the top, the view opens across the immense ocean, crashing waves and rugged coastline. Dolphins are regular sightings from the tower, and between May and September you may spot whales migrating past the cape. The half-hour tour gives you time to take in the scale of the landscape and understand why this location became one of the world's three great capes.

After descending, you can explore the grounds at your own pace. The beautifully restored keepers' cottages and the Interpretive Centre (housed in one of the original lightkeeper's homes) tell the stories of the men, women and children who once lived at the lighthouse. The Cape Leeuwin Cafe serves coffee and home-made refreshments if you want to linger.

What’s included

• Half-hour fully-guided tour of the lighthouse tower with a live guide in English.
• access to explore the grounds and the heritage site at your own pace.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day15 departure times: the first at 09:30, the last at 16:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (17 to 59 years) · Senior (60 and older) · Child (4 to 16 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Capes Foundation

Is this one for you?The guided climb means you get the stories and the history as you ascend (the keepers' lives, the maritime dangers, the craftsmanship of the 1895 build) instead of climbing alone and wondering what you're looking at. The guide does the work of making the place make sense.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 16 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

How long does the guided tour of the lighthouse take?

The fully-guided tour lasts half an hour, climbing the spiral staircase to the top of the tower and back down with your guide.

What can I see from the top of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse?

From the top you see the Southern and Indian Oceans meeting at the cape, the rugged coastline, and crashing waves. Dolphins are commonly spotted, and whales migrate past between May and September.

Is there anything else to do at Cape Leeuwin besides the lighthouse tour?

Yes. You can explore the restored keepers' cottages and the Interpretive Centre in the original lightkeeper's cottage, which tells the history of the families who lived at the lighthouse. The Cape Leeuwin Cafe is also on site.

When was Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse built?

The lighthouse was constructed in 1895 from locally quarried limestone and remains a working beacon for maritime traffic navigating the cape.