Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

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    Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

    Perched on a small peninsula jutting out into the wild seas of Bass Strait, the Wilsons Promontory Lighthouse and its historic residences are the southernmost settlement on the Australian mainland. Adding to its remote appeal, the lightstation is only accessible by foot, along the Southern Prom Circuit Hikes.

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    Built in 1859 from local granite, the Wilsons Promontory Lightstation is a perfect place to witness the Prom’s rugged and spectacular coastal environment while staying in the comfort of the historic cottages next to the lightstation.

    Begin your adventure from the Telegraph Saddle Carpark and climb through eucalypt forest and sandy, coastal tee-tree scrub to reach the lightstation. Or opt for the coastal route and traverse the granite strewn landscapes on your way to Oberon Bay, before cutting inland and heading towards the lightstation.

    In the 1800s supplies were delivered to the lighthouse by ship every six months and there was no communication with the outside world. Families, often with children, had the lonely but vital task of keeping the light burning, saving both ships and lives. Today, visitors can taste a little of the lighthouse keeper lifestyle by staying in cottages next to the lighthouse. The cottages are available for individual and group bookings for one or two nights.

    The three bookable cottages offer everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped shared kitchen with an oven, hotplates, microwave, fridge, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.

    Things to do in the area

    A couple follow the path on the Southern Circuit Overnight Hike.

    Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes

    Hike your way to overnight camping sites and sleep in bookable shady campsites with views of glassy torquoise water.
    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 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 watch the sunset at a picnic table on the edge of Lake Catani at Mount Buffalo National Park.

    Sunrises and sunsets

    Spectacular sunsets from the summits and to west, and picturesque sunrises in the east , top-and-tail your day the perfect way.
    Stargazing in the Murray Sunset National Park.

    Stargazing

    Escape the city lights to remote nature locations to see the spectacular starry southern night sky.

    How to get there

    Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

    Wilsons Promontory Lightstation is only accessible on foot. To reach the lightstation, visitors must hike from either Tidal River and via Oberon Bay or from the Telegraph Saddle Carpark. Visitors booked in on any of the overnight hikes at Wilsons Promontory National Park must sign-in at the Tidal River Visitor Centre before setting out.
    Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

    Sites

    When you're there

    Walk down to South Point the southernmost point of the Australian mainland. From here are group of islands and the closest at about 10km, Rodondo Island which as it turns out is actually in Tasmanian waters. So you can very definitely see Tasmania from the tip!

    Need to know

    Wilsons Promontory Lightstation

    Be prepared

    • Start your walk at least six hours prior to sunset. It is essential that all hikers arrive before dark.
    • The walk to the Lightstation is 19.1 km (one way) from Telegraph Saddle car park or 23.8 km (one way) from Tidal River via Oberon Bay.
    • Think long and hard about what you are capable of doing before you book accommodation at the Lightstation.
    • Try a practice walk of the same length along an undulating bush track whilst carrying a backpack to gauge your ability to walk this distance.
    • Carry sufficient drinking water for your walk.
    • Wear sturdy walking boots and carry a sun hat, sun screen and waterproof clothing.
    • Check the latest weather forecast.
    • Mobile Phone coverage cannot be relied upon.
    • Wilsons Promontory National Park will close on days of declared Code Red Fire Danger for the West & South Gippsland Total Fire Ban District.
    • A maximum two night stay applies to Lightstation accommodation.
    • You must check-in at the Visitor Centre at Tidal River prior to departure.
    • Check-in time is between 2.00 pm and 5.00 pm and check-out time is 10.00 am.
    • The cottages must be left in a clean and tidy condition.
    • Bring your own sleeping bag.
    • Alternatively, you can pre-book and pay for a doona through the Visitor Centre prior to arrival but you must bring your own sheets.
    • Pillows and pillowcases are provided.
    • You must supply your own towel, food and drinks. Carry lightweight food and remove excess packaging before you depart.
    • For the enjoyment of others the maximum group size is 12 people.

     

    Supplying and servicing the Lightstation

    • Due to the remote location and lack of vehicle access, the cost of supplying and servicing the Lightstation is not only considered in dollar terms but also in labour, time and resources.
    • A helicopter carries supplies to the Lightstation and carries out rubbish and other materials every six months. Some supplies can be taken out by boat however like the helicopter supply, this is totally weather dependent.
    • A diesel generator provides electricity for the Lightstation. Please help save power – turn off lights when not in use.
    • Gas bottles are the bulkiest and most costly resource transported to the Lightstation. Wear a jumper before using the heater. Please turn heaters off when not in use.
    • Hard rubbish from the Lightstation has to be removed by helicopter. Please take your rubbish away for recycling and disposal. “Carry out what you carry in”.
    • Organic waste (food scraps) can be placed in the compost bin, reducing the volume of waste to be taken away.
    • Carry water with you while hiking to the Lightstation. Water is available when you arrive at the Lightstation. Please use water wisely during your stay – short showers help.

     

    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.

    • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

      Sealers Cove Walking Track Closed

      Sealers Cove Walking Track and Boardwalk is closed between Telegraph Saddle and Sealers Cove until further notice.
      Sealers Cove Campsite is only accessible via Refuge Cove which is a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.

      Tidal River Boat Access Ramp Closed

      Due to recent altered river conditions, the Tidal River boat access ramp is closed until further notice.

      Little Oberon Bay Walking Track Closed

      Little Oberon Bay Walking Track is closed between Norman Point and Oberon Bay until further notice.

      Oberon Bay Campsite is only accessible via Telegraph Track. 

    Similar Experiences

     
    Three hikers walk along the beach at Wilson Promontory National Park.

    Wilsons Promontory Northern Overnight Hikes

    Up for more of a challenge? Try the Northern Circuit hiking and camping through the park.
    Four friends walk across the sand dunes along the Wildernous Coast Walk close to Mallacoota Inlet.

    Wilderness Coast Walk

    The Wilderness Coast Walk extends 100km from the eastern shores of Sydenham Inlet in Croajingolong National Park, to Wonboyn in the Nadgee Nature Reserve, New South Wales.
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    Great Ocean Walk

    The Great Ocean Walk extends just over 100km between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles near Princetown. The spectacular walk weaves its way through tall forests, coastal heathlands, wild rocky shores, river estuaries and windswept cliff-tops presenting amazing views.
    Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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