Hike at a Glance
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Hike overview
The Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Walk offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the early lighthouse keepers. This 1.9-kilometre loop trail, rated moderate in difficulty, winds through a sheltered gully that once housed the original settlement of 1853. The walk takes approximately one hour to complete and begins near the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Visitor Centre. A small fee applies to enter the lightstation precinct.
The self-guided walk sheds light on the demanding routines and sense of isolation experienced by the lighthouse keepers. Brochures available at the Visitor Centre (open Thursdays through Mondays, with extended hours during school holidays) detail the seven marked points of interest along the trail, providing a deeper understanding of the settlement's history. Even when the Visitor Centre is closed, the walk remains accessible. Hikers can simply pay the fee at the designated box and explore the trail independently.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Cape Willoughby Conservation Park.
Cape Willoughby Lightstation is situated within Cape Willoughby Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. To reach the park, travellers can drive 27 kilometres southeast of Penneshaw on Cape Willoughby Road.
Reaching Kangaroo Island itself requires a ferry journey from mainland South Australia. The SeaLink vehicle and passenger ferry operates daily (excluding Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (a two-hour drive south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw. The ferry trip takes approximately 45 minutes, covering a distance of 16 kilometres.
While Penneshaw serves as the closest town to Cape Willoughby Lightstation, with a distance of about 27 kilometres northwest, Cape Willoughby itself lacks a nearby town centre. It’s nestled within the boundaries of Cape Willoughby Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
About the region
Cape Willoughby Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, boasts South Australia's oldest operational lighthouse. Steeped in maritime history, the site offers a window into the lives of the early lighthouse keepers and the stories of ships wrecked along its dramatic coastline. Visitors can also soak in the Cape's natural beauty.
The Cape Willoughby Lightstation offers guided tours only, ensuring a safe and informative experience. Children under five are not permitted on the climb unless secured in an approved baby harness or backpack. Tours run daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.
Alternatively, visitors can explore the lightstation precinct independently. The Cape Willoughby Visitor Centre, open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, provides an excellent starting point. Here, you can delve into the fascinating history of Cape Willoughby through interactive exhibits, including a replica First Order Lantern. While the Visitor Centre can be your starting point for independent exploration, keep in mind that climbing the lighthouse itself requires participation in a guided tour.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: American River, Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, Kingscote, Penneshaw
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Cape Willoughby Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.






