Want to take a sleep back in time and play lighthouse keeper for the weekend?
Since the end of demanning of Australia’s lighthouses in the 1990s, the control of many lighthouse properties has gone to state-based National Parks or conservation agencies. Many lighthouses are now accessible to the public as tourist attractions, and some lightstations are now available as bed-and-breakfast or self-contained accommodation, in the keepers’ cottages or other buildings. Unfortunately, there are no lighthouses in Australia where you can stay in the lighthouse tower itself.
If you love to hear the waves crashing on the sea shore at night or if you are still hoping to land that mermaid ( a la Jason Momoa’s father in Aquaman), here are five Australian lighthouses which have seen the light, offering comfortable cottages and quirky accommodation. However, be informed that we can’t guarantee you a mermaid!
1. Montague Island, NSW South Coast
Montague Island Lighthouse, off Narooma, NSW.
Two lighthouse keeper’s cottages on Montague Island (NSW South Coast) have reopened to guests. With a penguin colony (of around 12,000), visitors can tour the island on a day trip (eurobodalla.com.au), explore on a night tour, or sleep overnight in one of the refurbished cottages. A two-night package with transfers, tours, plus the five-bedroom head keeper’s cottage is AU$3600 (sleeps up to 12).
2. Cape Byron, Byron Bay
Lighthouse Keepers Cottage, Cape Byron, NSW.
Overlooking Cape Byron, each of these two three-bedroom keeper’s cottages has a kitchen, laundry and period furniture, with the added privilege of rising with the sun at Australia’s most easterly point. The Byron Bay Lighthouse. from AU$697 per night.
3. Sugarloaf Point, Seal Rocks, NSW
Sugarloaf Point, Seal Rocks, NSW.
Relax in one of three cottages at this secluded Seal Rocks lighthouse, which boasts beach views from the master bedrooms. From AU$450 per night during whale season (May–September).
4. Cape Otway, Great Ocean Road
Cape Otway Lightstation, Great Ocean Road, Victoria.
The Southern Ocean can be volatile, but Australia’s oldest lighthouse has guided sailors safely to shore since 1848. The Cape Otway Lightstation sleeps up to 16 in four renovated bedrooms and has a beautiful old-style wood stove and open fire place. From AU$450 per night.
5. Cape Borda, Kangaroo Island
Cape Borda lighthouse, Kangaroo Island.
Located at the south-west tip of Kangaroo Island, Cape Borda lighthouse getaway offers a more secluded option for travellers in a three-bedroom lodge, a self-contained cabin, and a quaint single-room stone cabin. From AU$219 per night.
