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.
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.
- A small fee applies to enter the lightstation site.
- Dogs are not permitted in this park.
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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.
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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.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
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What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.
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