Cape Willoughby Lighthouse tours: The oldest lighthouse in South Australia

Tours of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island involve climbing 102 steps. The orange and red rocks of Devils Kitchen are next to the oldest lighthouse in South Australia.

The Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is at the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island in South Australia. It is also the oldest working lighthouse in South Australia, having opened in 1852.

12 Kangaroo Island experiences worth booking in advance

1. Full day island highlights tour. 2. Harriet River kayaking. 3. Little Sahara buggy tour. 4. Sandboarding on the dunes. 5. Little Sahara fat-biking. 6. Vivonne Bay koala-spotting nature walk. 7. Ocean Safari wildlife cruise. 8. Quad biking adventures. 9. Food and wine hop-on, hop-off tour. 10. Half day tasting tour. 11. KI Spirits cocktail masterclass. 12. Small group Dudley Peninsula tour.

This Kangaroo Island lighthouse is open for tours, and there are two options available. The first is a basic 20 minute lighthouse climb, costing $10.50. This guided climb is available daily at 12.00 and 15.00. There are 102 steps to tackle on the way to the top.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse tours: Times and prices

The longer, 45 minute historic lighthouse tour is a little more involved. Guides take visitors around Cape Willoughby, fill them in on the history from the original settlement to the present day and include an interactive experience with a first order lantern. These lighthouse tours depart at 10.00 and 13.00, with tickets costing $17.50. See the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website for more information.

Devils Kitchen on Kangaroo Island

The Cape Willoughby Lighthouse is 20.5 metres tall. It is not the only attraction within the Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, however.

The headland here is spectacular, especially when you admire the Devils Kitchen – a section of cliffs with orange-red rocks. Here, there can be a blowhole effect as the ocean slams against the cliff walls.

This is becoming a popular Instagram spot, so expect a deluge of Devils Kitchen photos on the internet any time soon.

There’s also a good chance of seeing the distinctive Kangaroo Island kangaroos around the sheoak trees.

Cape Willoughby accommodation

It is possible to stay at the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse Cottages, with rates starting at $245 per night. However, you’re arguably better off staying at the nearby – and considerably more lavish – Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island. This full service lodge also offers touring packages around Kangaroo Island.

For from $1,480, you get two nights’ accommodation, two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, airport or ferry transfers plus all national park and activities fees covered. There are two days of touring the island’s highlights, which include the Cape Willoughby Conservation Park. The package can be booked online.

Other lighthouses in Australia worth visiting include the Point Hicks Lighthouse in East Gippsland, Victoria, the Round The Twist Lighthouse in Aireys Inlet and the Green Cape Lighthouse near Eden, New South Wales.

Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Photo by David Whitley/ Australia Travel Questions.

Best Kangaroo Island accommodation choices

For deluxe accommodation with island tours packaged in: Sea Dragon Kangaroo Island.
For self-caterers and family groups: Emu Bay Holiday Homes.
For posh camping near the ferry terminal: KI Seafront Holiday Park.
For plenty of space in Kingscote: Villas on the Bay.
For hotel service: Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge.