Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

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    Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

    Just off the pristine coast of Croajingolong National Park, you'll discover Gabo Island. Wild and remote, this island is surrounded by magnificent views and offers a unique day trip or stay.

    Just off the pristine coast of Croajingolong National Park, you'll discover Gabo Island. Wild and remote, this island is surrounded by magnificent views and offers a unique day trip or stay.

    Rich in cultural history, the island features the only operating island lighthouse in Victoria. Constructed from 1858 to 1862 using the distinctive pink granite found on the island, the 47 metre high Gabo Island Lighthouse is the second tallest lighthouse in Australia. 

    Take a picnic lunch and walk around the island, taking in the ruins, the radar station, the monument to the ship 'Monumental City' and the old cemetery.

    Ramble over the islands pink granite shoreline and rock pools, discover the amazing underwater world in the clear waters of Santa Barbara Bay or relax on the sandy beach and take in the spectacular views and surrounding seascapes.

    A haven for plants and animals, the island supports highly significant colonies of seabirds. Keep a lookout for passing whales, dolphins and seals. 

    Stay awhile in the historic assistant lighthouse keepers residence, and watch the penguins make their way to the shore after dark.

    Things to do

     
    Gabo Island Lighthouse at sunset.

    Accommodation on Gabo Island

    Accommodation on Gabo Island is in the assistant light keepers residence, catering up to 8 people with a 2-night minimum stay.
    Father and son bird watching on boardwalk

    Bird watching

    From bushland to wetlands and everything in between, parks provide habitat to an abundance of common and rare bird species. Go for a wander and see how many you can spot.
    A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

    Historic sites

    Journey back in time and visit some of the historic buildings of post European settlement in Australia, including huts, mansions and lighthouses.
    A couple walk down the track and away from the Lighthouse at Cape Schank on the Mornington Peninsula.

    Lighthouses

    Learn about the seafaring past of Victoria's rugged and unforgiving coastline at marine and maritime exhibits and sites.
    A couple in their twenties chat at the Lakeview lookout in the Grampians National Park.

    Lookouts

    Observe the dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery of Victoria from lookout vantage points dotted across state and national parks.

     

    Tours in the area

    Bushwalking, four-wheel driving, horse riding, kayaking, rock climbing and mountain biking are just some of the many activities you can experience in Victoria's parks.


    If you want to try something new or meet some like-minded people on your next visit to a park, contact a licensed tour operator.


    Parks Victoria licenses tour operators who are experts in these activities and more. They will help you get the most out of your visit.

    View all local tours

    How to get there

    Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

    When you're there

    Download the Visitor Guide for further information.

    When to go

    Summer is a terrific time to visit if you want to swim and snorkel in the waters of Santa Barbara Bay, relax on the sandy beach or perhaps drop in a fishing line. With temperatures generally around 20 degrees during the day.  Day visitor numbers increase on Gabo Island during summer.

    Little Penguins nest on the island and the best time to watch them coming ashore is after dark from August to December.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation on Gabo Island is in the assistant light keepers residence.

     

    Check availability

    Need to know

    Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

    Accessibility

    Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.

    Change of Conditions

    Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

    • Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

      Guest Transfer Changes and Scheduled Maintenance Works

      Due to COVID 19 social distancing restrictions, Gabo Island Caretakers are unable to transport guests to the accommodation facilities on the island. Guest will be required to walk approximately 2 km on a gently undulating unsealed track. All luggage will be transported by vehicle to the accommodation.

      Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve is closed for accommodation bookings from 1 September - 30 September 2020 for scheduled maintenance works.

    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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