Cape Willoughby Lighthouse: Tours, History and Getting There

TL;DR: Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was first lit in 1852, making it South Australia’s first lighthouse and the state’s oldest still operating. It’s at the eastern end of Kangaroo Island, about 30 km from Penneshaw. You can climb the 102 steps on a guided tour, follow the heritage trail or stay overnight in the old keepers’ cottages. It’s a wild, windy corner of the island, and well worth the drive.

You catch your breath at the top of the tower, the wind tugging at your jacket, and look east. There’s nothing between you and the mainland but Backstairs Passage, a stretch of water that’s been guiding ships past Kangaroo Island for well over a century. On a clear day, you can see across to the mainland. 

Welcome to Cape Willoughby, the eastern end of Kangaroo Island and home to South Australia’s very first lighthouse. Here’s what to see, how the tours work and how to get there.

What’s the History of Cape Willoughby Lighthouse?

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was South Australia’s first lighthouse, officially opening in January 1852. It was originally known as the Sturt Light, after explorer Charles Sturt, and was built using locally sourced granite and lime mortar.

The lighthouse was built to help ships safely pass through Backstairs Passage, an important shipping route between South Australia and the eastern colonies. Getting the thing built wasn’t exactly a quick job either. Construction took more than two years, with workers living in tents while they worked on the tower.

Three lighthouse keepers lived at the station with their families, keeping the light running around the clock. A small settlement grew around the lighthouse from 1853, and life out here was pretty isolated.

You can still see what’s left of that settlement today on the heritage trail.

The lighthouse was automated in 1974, and the last keeper left in 1992. The light is still operational today, although you’ll need to join a guided tour to climb the tower.

Can You Climb Cape Willoughby Lighthouse?

You sure can, as long as you join a guided tour.

There are 102 steps to the top, where you’ll get views across Backstairs Passage and the Kangaroo Island coastline. On a clear day, you can see across towards the mainland too.

There are currently two tour options:

Tour	Length	Time	Price
Historic Lighthouse Tour	45 minutes	10am and 1pm daily	$20.20 adult
Express Tour	20 minutes	3pm daily	$12.10 per person

Both tour prices include the $6.40 site entry fee. If you’re visiting without a tour, the site entry fee is $6.40 per adult.

The Historic Tour gives you more time to hear about the lightstation before heading up the tower. The Express Tour gets straight to the climb.

Fair warning: the stairs are steep. Take your time, hold the rail and don’t feel bad about stopping for a breather. There are some pretty good views to enjoy on the way up anyway.

Children under five aren’t permitted on the stairs unless they’re in an approved baby harness or backpack. Tours can also be shortened or cancelled in extreme weather or very hot conditions, so check before you go.

What Else Is There to See?

There’s more to Cape Willoughby than the lighthouse.

The Cape Willoughby Lightstation Heritage Hike is a 1.9 km moderate loop that takes about an hour. It heads through the sheltered gully where the original settlement stood, with a self-guided brochure explaining the different sites along the way.

If you don’t have time for the full walk, there’s also a short, wheelchair-accessible path to a lookout. It’s about 10 minutes return and gives you views towards the coast and Devils Kitchen, a rocky granite chasm below the cliffs.

Keep an eye out for wildlife while you’re wandering around, too. Kangaroos are common around the station, while the cliffs and surrounding waters are home to plenty of seabirds and marine life.

Cape Willoughby is also a good spot for whale watching. Humpback, southern right and killer whales can pass through Backstairs Passage, so it doesn’t hurt to have a quick look out to sea. You might get lucky.

Can You Stay at Cape Willoughby?

You can, and this would be a pretty special place to wake up.

Two restored heritage-listed keepers’ cottages, Seymour Cottage and Thomas Cottage, are available for overnight stays. Both have five bedrooms and sleep up to nine people. The cottages are self-contained and booked through National Parks SA, with bookings available up to 12 months ahead.

How Do You Get to Cape Willoughby?

Cape Willoughby is about 30 km from Penneshaw, where the SeaLink ferry arrives from Cape Jervis. Allow roughly 30 to 40 minutes by car, depending on road conditions.

The final stretch is unsealed, so take it easy and keep an eye out for wildlife. Kangaroos and wallabies can be active around the roadside, particularly around dawn and dusk.

It’s also worth checking your hire car agreement before you go, as some rental companies have restrictions on unsealed roads.

Penneshaw is a handy place to stock up on fuel and snacks before heading out. Once you’re at Cape Willoughby, services are pretty limited.

Tips for Your Visit

Time your arrival around a tour. The current Historic Lighthouse Tours run at 10am and 1pm, while the Express Tour runs at 3pm. Check the latest times before setting off.

Bring a jacket. Cape Willoughby is exposed, and the wind can be fierce even when it’s sunny elsewhere on the island. Your hair may have other plans.

Take your time on the final stretch. The road is unsealed, and there’s no prize for getting there five minutes earlier.

Bring binoculars if you’re visiting in the cooler months. You might spot whales passing through Backstairs Passage, along with plenty of seabirds.

Leave time for the heritage trail. The lighthouse gets most of the attention, but the old settlement gives you a better idea of what life was like for the keepers and their families.

Check park conditions before you go. Cape Willoughby can close on Catastrophic Fire Danger days and may also close on Extreme Fire Danger days.

Before You Go

Cape Willoughby is a bit of a drive from Penneshaw, so give yourself enough time to enjoy it rather than rushing in, snapping a photo and heading straight back.

Have a wander around the old lightstation, climb the tower if you’re up for the stairs, and give yourself a few minutes to simply look out over Backstairs Passage.

If you’d rather leave the driving and planning to someone else, our 3 Day Kangaroo Island Adventure includes Cape Willoughby alongside Seal Bay, Flinders Chase, Remarkable Rocks and other island highlights.

And don’t forget the jacket. Seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions