Plan Your Visit: Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse 2026 Guide

Plan your visit

Drive south to the continent's edge. Prepare for high winds, 176 steps, and ocean views.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

1 Leeuwin Road, Augusta

GPS -34.37417, 115.13583

Open directions

Getting there

The precinct is self-drive only, with no public transport available.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Car: Drive south from Margaret River (approx. 40 minutes) or from Augusta (10 minutes) straight down Leeuwin Road.	10 to 40 minutes	Free parking	The site is self-drive only; limited long vehicle parking available, no caravans.

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The site is open daily all year round, except Christmas Day. Visit between May and December to spot whales. Winter visits require warm layers, as the cape is highly exposed.

What to bring

Windproof jacket (the cape is extremely exposed and windy year-round)
Enclosed footwear (essential for climbing the 176 steps)
Sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat with a chin strap for summer
Binoculars for spotting whales (May-December) and distant ships
Camera or smartphone (tripods and selfie sticks must stay in the car)
Water bottle for hydration on the grounds
Warm layers for winter visits
Motion sickness tablets (if combining the visit with a nearby whale watching boat tour)

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Children under 4 years old cannot climb the lighthouse tower.

Families with toddlers should buy the grounds-only pass and explore the museum instead.

How the day runs

How to structure your time at the cape.

The standard independent visit covering the tower, museum, and grounds.

10:00
Arrival and Photos
Park for free and photograph the limestone tower from the ground.
10:30
Guided Tower Climb
Take the 30-minute guided tour up the 176 steps to the balcony.
11:00
Lightkeepers' Museum
Spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring the interactive maritime history centre.
11:45
Meeting of the Oceans
Walk to the viewpoint to see the Indian and Southern Oceans meet.

Packing for the cape

Always bring a windproof jacket. The cape is completely exposed and experiences strong winds all year. Enclosed footwear is essential, as you cannot climb the 176 steps without it.

Leave tripods, camera stands, and selfie sticks in your vehicle, as they are not permitted inside the lighthouse. Pack binoculars between May and December to spot Southern Right and Humpback whales offshore.

Easiest way to do it

Close-up aerial view of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse against a dramatic sunset sky.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Fully-guided Tour

30 min 4.8 (142)

Half-hour fully-guided tour of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse tower.

From$16per person

Viator$16 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How far is Cape Leeuwin from Margaret River?

Cape Leeuwin is approximately a 40-minute drive south from Margaret River. From Augusta, it is just a 10-minute drive straight down Leeuwin Road.

Are dogs allowed at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse?

No dogs are allowed anywhere in the lighthouse precinct. You must leave pets at home or arrange proper care before your visit.

Is the road to Cape Leeuwin sealed?

Yes, Leeuwin Road is sealed all the way to the lighthouse. The site provides free parking, though long vehicle parking is limited and caravans are not accommodated.