Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

This area has additional visitor advice This area has reported issues This area is closed

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.

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

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

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 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 the all 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:

Mallacoota Fishing Charters and Tours
Gabo Island Escapes – (03) 5158 0605
Wilderness Coast Charters – (03) 5158 0701

Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve

When you're there

Download the Visitor Guide for further information.

Gabo Island Lighthouse Reserve visitor guide (PDF)

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.

Winter on Gabo Island can be exhilarating with storms and ever changing cloud formations dominating the sky. The ocean swells can be heard, crashing against the granite rock platforms whilst staying at your accommodation. Whales (Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks) are often sited passing by on their northern migration May to July. Artists will find endless inspiration in nature at this time of year. It can get very windy and wet so come prepared with warm clothes and wet weather gear.

Spring provides visitors with unique bird viewing experiences. A number of raptor species may be seen soaring above the island including White-bellied Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, Marsh Harriers and Brown Falcons. Little Penguins nest on the island and the best time to watch them coming ashore is after dark from August to December.

Whales (Southern Right Whales and Humpbacks) may be sighted passing by on their southern migration, October through to November.

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.