
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Iconic lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views, guided tours, and prime whale watching opportunities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime whale watching season

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse
Best Time
Prime whale watching season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic lighthouse offering panoramic coastal views, guided tours, and prime whale watching opportunities.
"Brilliant experience with amazing views and a truly brilliant lighthouse tour."

🎯 Book Lighthouse Tour Online
Secure your spot for the lighthouse tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Fees apply for grounds and climb.
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Visit during migration season (May-Oct) for a chance to see whales from the balcony.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Tour
Lighthouse Summit
Ascend the historic lighthouse for panoramic views and learn its fascinating maritime history from knowledgeable guides.

Whale Watching from the Balcony
Lighthouse Balcony & Viewing Deck
Witness migrating whales from a spectacular vantage point, especially during the winter months.

Cape to Cape Track Views
Surrounding walking trails
Explore scenic coastal trails offering breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean and rugged coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Lighthouse Tour in Advance
Whale Watching Season is a Must-See
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Lighthouse Tour Online
Secure your spot for the lighthouse tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Fees apply for grounds and climb.
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Visit during migration season (May-Oct) for a chance to see whales from the balcony.
🚶♀️ Explore the Coastal Trails
Enjoy diverse walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels, offering stunning ocean views.
📸 Capture Dramatic Skies
Partially cloudy days create a dramatic, peaceful atmosphere for photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Lighthouse Tour Online
Secure your spot for the lighthouse tour in advance to avoid disappointment. Fees apply for grounds and climb.
🐳 Whale Watching Hotspot
Visit during migration season (May-Oct) for a chance to see whales from the balcony.
🚶♀️ Explore the Coastal Trails
Enjoy diverse walking tracks suitable for all fitness levels, offering stunning ocean views.
📸 Capture Dramatic Skies
Partially cloudy days create a dramatic, peaceful atmosphere for photos.
🏛️ Informative Museum Visit
Don't miss the museum for a fascinating glimpse into the lighthouse's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse for its breathtaking coastal views and the informative lighthouse tours. The opportunity to spot whales from the viewing decks is a major highlight, especially during migration season. While the heritage fee and separate tour cost are noted, most feel the experience is well worth it for the history and scenery.
"Great location with lots of different hikes suitable for any fitness level.
Only had two hours, but managed to see some whales at the whale watching outpost and also visited the historical lighthouse."
Baz Patel
"we visited Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. The sky was partially covered with clouds, giving the place a dramatic yet peaceful atmosphere. From the top, the views stretched endlessly over the coastline, turquoise waters meeting rugged cliffs, with waves rolling in the distance. The site is steeped in history, and as we explored, we learned about the lighthouse’s role in guiding ships and protecting sailors over the decades. Standing there, surrounded by fresh ocean air and the sound of the wind, it felt like stepping back in time while still being deeply connected to the beauty of the present moment."
ASTAIZA JUAN
"Great place to visit. The lighthouse tour is well worth taking to understand the history of the site.
Amazing place to see whales from the lighthouse balcony and also the viewing deck."
Nick Iles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is located in the South West of Western Australia, near Dunsborough. It's a scenic drive from Perth (approx. 3 hours) or a short drive from nearby towns like Dunsborough and Margaret River. Many visitors access it as part of the Cape to Cape Track or by car.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the lighthouse site, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Many local tour operators in the Margaret River region offer day trips that include a visit to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, often combined with winery tours or visits to Ngilgi Cave.
The area is best explored by car, allowing you to visit the lighthouse, nearby beaches like Bunker Bay, and the Ngilgi Cave. For the more adventurous, the Cape to Cape Track offers incredible hiking opportunities.
The lighthouse grounds and balcony are generally accessible, offering sweeping views. However, climbing the lighthouse itself involves stairs. Check with the site for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Tours typically run throughout the day.
There is a heritage fee to access the grounds. An additional fee applies for the guided lighthouse tour, which includes climbing to the top. Prices are generally under $20 for the lighthouse climb.
It is highly recommended to book your lighthouse tour tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons or school holidays, to secure your preferred time slot.
Local Advantage sometimes offers discounts for online bookings. It's worth checking their website or local tourism sites for any available promotions.
While there's a heritage fee for general access to the site and viewing areas, the lighthouse tour itself has a separate, higher fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take a guided tour to climb the lighthouse, explore the museum, enjoy the stunning coastal views from the balcony, and walk the surrounding trails, including sections of the Cape to Cape Track.
The lighthouse tour is generally suitable for children, but it involves climbing many stairs. The museum and grounds offer engaging experiences for younger visitors as well.
The lighthouse itself, the panoramic ocean views from the balcony, and the rugged coastline along the walking trails offer fantastic photo opportunities. Dramatic skies enhance the scenery.
Yes, guided tours are offered for the lighthouse climb. Additionally, the Cape to Cape Track provides numerous walking opportunities with breathtaking scenery.
The lighthouse has a rich history of guiding ships along the coast for over a century. The museum provides detailed insights into its construction, operation, and importance to maritime safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the lighthouse and coastline. Partially cloudy days can also create dramatic and atmospheric shots.
Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the lighthouse against the ocean backdrop, the rugged cliffs, and the expansive coastal views. Wildlife photography, especially whale watching, is also a highlight.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and around sensitive heritage sites. It's essential to check with the relevant authorities or the lighthouse management for current regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for whale watching. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing long exposures of the waves.
Photography rules inside the lighthouse may vary. Generally, photos of the exterior and views from the top are permitted, but check with your tour guide regarding interior photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance for whale watching during the season (May-Oct) – it's an incredible educational experience for children. The surrounding coastal trails are also suitable for family walks, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for spotting local wildlife. Pack snacks and water, and consider a picnic at one of the scenic spots nearby.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Beyond the track, the lighthouse grounds themselves offer shorter walking loops with stunning ocean vistas. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, and if visiting during the right season, the whale watching opportunities are unparalleled. The dramatic landscapes make it a photographer's paradise.
📸 Photographers
Aim for golden hour for the best light, and consider bringing a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for potential whale watching shots. The surrounding coastal trails also offer unique perspectives and opportunities to capture the raw beauty of the Western Australian coast.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Cape to Cape Track Experience
Hikers often describe the experience as breathtaking, with opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife and enjoy unparalleled ocean views. The trail is well-marked, but it's advisable to be prepared with appropriate gear, water, and knowledge of the terrain. Some sections are more challenging than others, making it suitable for various fitness levels.
Whether you're undertaking the full trek or just a day hike, the Cape to Cape Track offers an immersive way to experience the natural beauty of the region, with the lighthouses serving as iconic bookends to this spectacular coastal journey.
Whale Watching Wonders
Visitors often report seeing whales breaching, playing, and traveling in pods directly from the lighthouse balcony and nearby viewing decks. The dramatic coastline provides a stunning backdrop for whale watching, making the experience even more memorable. Local whale watching tours also depart from nearby areas, offering a closer encounter with these gentle giants.
To maximize your chances of spotting whales, it's recommended to check local whale sighting reports and visit during the peak migration periods. The combination of the historic lighthouse and the awe-inspiring presence of whales makes for an unforgettable visit.
The History and Significance of the Lighthouse
Visitors can delve into this history through the informative museum located at the site, which showcases artifacts and stories related to the lighthouse keepers and the ships they aided. The guided tours provide an in-depth look at the lighthouse's inner workings and its vital role in maritime safety over the decades.
Standing at the top of the lighthouse, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, one can truly appreciate the isolation and dedication of the keepers who maintained this beacon of hope for sailors. It’s a place where history meets natural beauty, offering a profound connection to the past.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit