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

      Lighthouse Tours Currently Not Operating

      Lighthouse tours are currently not operating due to COVID-19 restrictions

      4WD Boat Launching Access - Norman Beach, Tidal River.

      Due to changes in river conditions, a 4WD is required for boat launching at Norman Beach. 

      Stay safe this summer around beaches

      Beaches may have hazards such as steep cliffs, slippery rocks, strong ocean currents, large waves, rips, and sudden changes in weather conditions. Stay safe on your day at the beach by only swimming where there are lifeguards and by staying in between the red and yellow flags. Always heed warning signs and advice even if you are not planning to go in the water and be aware of changing weather conditions. Always wear a lifejacket whenever boating, rock fishing, or using a watercraft.

    Similar Experiences

     
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    Wilsons Promontory Northern Overnight Hikes

    Up for more of a challenge? Try the Northern Circuit hiking and camping through the park.
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