Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage

A small path leads up to an old cottage seated beneath a lighthouse, visible through an open wooden gate supported by a rustic rock fence.

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Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage

Book in for a couple of nights at the assistant lightkeeper's residence on Gabo Island and take your time exploring the island's unique cultural heritage and wildlife, and stunning landscapes.
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Gabo Island is wild and remote, offering visitors a diversity of unique experiences and a chance to unwind in isolation.

Come for a day trip or stay overnight in the historic assistant lighthouse keepers residence.

The cottage caters for up to 8 people with a 2 night minimum stay and features three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry and two bathrooms, with all linen provided. Lighthouse tours can be arranged as part of your accommodation package.

Explore the islands rich cultural heritage including the pink granite lighthouse constructed from 1858 to 1862, the monument to the ship "Monumental City", the historic jetty shed and the old cemetery.

Things to do

 
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.
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.

How to get there

Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage

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:


Overnight guests need to be aware that delays in arrivals or departures are occasionally experienced, due to inclement weather.  Visitors should contact their transport provider prior to departure to check that weather conditions are suitable. These delays may last for a number of days. It is strongly recommended that you take enough food supplies and personal medication to deal with such contingencies.

Please contact the lighthouse caretaker on (03) 5158 0255 to advise them of transport arrangements. The caretaker will pick you and your luggage up upon arrival.


Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage on Gabo Island

When you're there

Ramble over the islands pink granite shoreline and rock pools. Snorkel or swim in the clear waters of Santa Barbara Bay or relax on the small sandy beach and drop in a fishing line.

There is an abundance of birdlife from White-bellied Sea Eagles, Whistling Kites, Marsh Harriers and Brown Falcons that may be sighted throughout the day, to Short -tailed Shearwaters and Little Penguins seen after dusk.

Australian and Long-nosed Fur Seals lounge on the rocks below the lighthouse and keep a look out for passing pods of dolphins year round. Humpback Whales and Killer Whales are often sighted off Gabo island with the best viewing seasons October to November and May to July.

The views overlooking the nearby Croajingolong National Park are stunning and the surrounding seascape and sky provides an ever changing palate of colours and weather conditions.

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.

Need to know

Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage

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

    Gabo Island accommodation

    Parks Victoria is delivering a maintenance program for visitor accommodation on Gabo Island. Work will be undertaken to update electrical wiring, plumbing, masonry, and other general repairs. Accommodation will be closed while the work is completed and is expected to reopen in 2024.

    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.

Similar experiences

A mother, father and their two young daughts gaze out at the sea from the lookout point of the lighthouse.

Point Hicks Lighthouse

Situated deep within Croajingolong National Park, the Point Hicks Lighthouse now offers a unique holiday experience for those who want to stay in one of the keepers cottages, which are now comfortable, self-contained holiday accommodation.
The lighthouse keeper's cottage and lighthouse at Wilsons Promontory National Park.

Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

The perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged coastal environment while staying in self-contained dormitory-style or private cabin accommodation. The Lightstation can only be reached on foot (minimum 19.1km one way). The walk is challenging (5-6 hours), requiring a high level of fitness.
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