Explore
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
Accommodation on Gabo Island
Bird watching
Historic sites
Lighthouses
Lookouts
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.
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:
- Wilderness Coast Charters – 0417 398 068 | wildcoast1@bigpond.com
- Kevin Lott – 0437 221 694
When you're there
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.
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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Gabo Island Accommodation
Parks Victoria is investing in updating the visitor accommodation on Gabo Island. While work is undertaken, new accommodation bookings will not be accepted. As the island is remote and subject to extreme weather, the anticipated completion of the accommodation update is December 2023. Bookings made prior to November 2022 are being honoured and booking holders have been contacted.Day visitors can access the island during this time but must adhere to all safety and directional signage.The accommodation update will be undertaken in consultation with heritage experts and delivered with consideration of all the environmental and cultural heritage sensitivities of this unique site.