Tour Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse at Augusta is the most south-westerly tip of Australia. This is also the point where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. There are regular tours of the lighthouse and interpretive centre and the views from the top of the lighthouse are amazing.

The lighthouse was first suggested in 1881, but in took another 15 years for it to eventuate. At that time, Western Australia was the poorest state in Australia and there were many disputes about the best place for the lighthouse. It was not until the Kalgoorlie-Coolgardie gold rushes that enabled the project to proceed, because there was no financial assistance available from the other states for something of this magnitude.

The tower and cottages were eventually built from 1895 to 1896. The original plans included two lights, the present light tower and in front of it a smaller one. The smaller one was never completed because it was thought a second light may cause confusion and draw ships closer to the Cape.

The Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was constructed of the local limestone. There was also a waterwheel and wooden flume constructed to bring fresh spring water to the lighthouse from a far distance away. This has since been calcified by the minerals and salts reminiscent of a limestone area known for its huge caves.

The original light source for Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was kerosene wick lamp revolving in a mercury bath. The light intensity was 250,000 candelas and was visible for 40km – this was the world’s largest at the time.

In 1925, the light was upgraded to vaporised kerosene with a mantle, with a light intensity of 780,000 candelas.

In 1925, the light was upgraded to vaporised kerosene with a mantle, giving a light intensity of 780,000 candelas. In 1955, a radio beacon was installed. In 1982 the light was converted from a manual operation to electricity replacing the clockwork mechanism and kero burner – one of the last in the world to be converted. The new 1,000 watt halogen lamp increased the candelas to 1,000,000. The light was automated in September 1992.

This famous maritime land mark at Augusta is an important meteorological site from which data is collected. It has seven floors and for those who want to count has 186 steps. The tower stands 39 metres high from ground level and 56 metres above sea level. The light shines over the rugged sea for 48 kilometres or 26 nautical miles.

Depending on the time of year you visit the Augusta area, as an added bonus during the winter and spring months the great whales migrate north from Antarctic waters to seek sanctuary and give birth in the waters surrounding this Cape. The most common are the humpback and southern right whales, however in recent years increasing numbers of the giant blue whale have been in the area as well. These magnificent mammals can often be seen up and down the coast – it is an experience you will never forget!

Have a look at where the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is part of our Best of the South 5 Day Tour.

Have a look at where Our Tours go in Western Australia.