Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

A dimly lit lighthouse perched on a cliffside overlooks the open waters as the sun sets against a purple sky.

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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.

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

 
The Lightouse at Gabo Island

Accommodation on Gabo Island

Accommodation on Gabo Island is in the assistant light keepers residence, catering up to 8 people with a 3-night minimum stay.
Still image from Diving with Long-nosed Fur Seals at Gabo Island 360 video part 2 video.

Swim with the seals at Gabo Island

Home to the second-tallest lighthouse in Australia, Gabo Island is a place that not many people have had the pleasure of visiting. Even fewer have been lucky enough to get under the water here, and with this 360-degree video you can experience diving here with playful Long-nosed Fur Seals.
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.
The lighthouse at Cape Otway in the Otway National Park.

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 and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

Gabo Island is located approximately 14-km from Mallacoota, 500-metres off the coast of Croajingolong National Park in far-east Victoria. Access to and from the island is weather dependent, by boat from Mallacoota or with a licensed commercial aircraft from Merimbula.

Three charter boat businesses operate out of Mallacoota offering day trips and transfers for overnight guests. These services are weather dependent, so consider being flexible with your plans:



Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

When you're there

Download the Visitor Guide for further information.

Related Sites

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.

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.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

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