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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.
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
Wilsons Promontory Southern Circuit Overnight Hikes
Bird watching
Lighthouses
Sunrises and sunsets
Stargazing
How to get there
Wilsons Promontory Lightstation
Sites
When you're there
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 Catastrophic 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 at the Lightstation is between 2:00pm - 5:00pm and check out time is before 10:00am
- The cottages must be left in a clean and tidy condition.
- Bring your own sleeping bag.
- 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”.
- 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.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
The Sealers Cove Walking Track is currently closed
The Sealers Cove Walking Track is currently closed due to storm and flood damage.Funding has been secured to rebuild the two kilometres boardwalk, with a start/finish timeline for the project to be established shortly.Until then, access to Sealers Cove is only achievable via Refuge Cove, which is a 25km hike from Telegraph Saddle.Stockyard Campground & Toilet Block Closed
Stockyard campground and toilet block are closed until further notice.Tidal River water supply this summer 2023/24
This summer of 2023/24, the water storage (in tanks) at Tidal River is reduced compared with previous years. It means that while Parks Victoria repair the water storage, the system overall has less capacity.To help the system cope this summer, Parks Victoria is asking all visitors to help save water and reduce their water use during their stay.You can help by:• Filling up your caravan water tanks before arrival.• Taking shorter showers – 4 minutes or Iess.• Turning off taps when brushing teeth.• Using less water to wash dishes – use a tub.• Taking your laundry home for shorter stays.• Using a caravan dump point outside of the Prom for caravan waste.• Reporting leaks and running toilets to the Visitor Centre.Did you know?Tidal River Campground is ‘off-grid’. This means that all water and electricity come from inside the Prom. For water, the supply starts with water being drawn from the Tidal River catchment. It is then treated to a drinking water standard, stored in a series of tanks, and distributed around the campground for visitors to enjoy.Thanks for your cooperation.Attachments: FinaI TidaI River Fact Sheet Water SuppIy (301KB)
Change to Tidal River General Store opening hours
Tidal River General Store opening hours from 29 January to 1 April 2024:
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pmFriday: 9.00 am - 7.30 pmSaturday: Coffee window (only) from 7.30 am, Store open 9.00 am - 7.30 pmSunday: Coffee window (only) from 7.30 am, Store open 9.00 am - 5.00 pm