Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience a captivating journey through history with the Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Walk. This 2.4km moderate, Grade 3 circuit trail offers an insightful peek into the lives of early lighthouse keepers, winding through a gully that once housed the original 1853 settlement. Starting near the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Visitor Centre, the trail features seven marked points of interest, bringing the past to life in an unforgettable, hour-long trek.

Length:

2.4km

Duration:

1 hr

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 0m

Min elevation: 0m

Total Ascent: 0m

Start: Lightstation Carpark

End: Lightstation Carpark

Cape Willoughby Conservation Park

South Australia

Nearby town: Penneshaw

From state capital: 155km

Latitude: -35.842210226304346

Longitude: 138.13163191080096

Overview

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Region

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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.

Image: Samaronsonphotos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tips

A small fee applies to enter the lightstation site.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.

Gallery

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Walk map and GPX file
Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Walk (1.9km)

Cape-Willoughby-Lightstation-Heritage-Hike.gpx

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.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: American River, Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, Kingscote, Penneshaw

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.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Cape Willoughby Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

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.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

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Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Walk (1.9km)

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Acknowledgement of Country

Cape willoughby lightstation heritage walk (1. 9km)

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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Tips

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Walk (1.9km)