Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse – A Must-Stop on Your Margaret River Road Trip
If you’re planning a road trip from Perth to the Margaret River region, make sure Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is on your list. Located at Australia’s most south-westerly point, this is where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet — a powerful natural spectacle framed by dramatic coastline and windswept cliffs.
Towering 39 metres above the ground, Cape Leeuwin is not only the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia — it’s a beacon of maritime history, wilderness, and human endurance. Whether you’re a history lover, road tripper or just chasing that raw edge-of-the-world feeling, this is a stop worth lingering at.
Climb the Tower, Discover the Stories
Join a guided tour to the top, climbing all 176 steps through the limestone tower built in 1895. Along the way, hear the stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families — custodians of this remote corner who worked through storms, isolation and salt-spray days.
From the balcony, take in panoramic views of the cape, waves crashing below and oceans stretching endlessly to the horizon. If you time it right, you may even spot migrating whales offshore.
Whale Watching from the Lighthouse
Between June and September, Cape Leeuwin becomes a natural lookout for Humpback and Southern Right Whales. From the lighthouse balcony or nearby Flinders Bay, you’ll have one of the best land-based perspectives to witness these gentle giants on their annual migration north.
A Window into the Past
Wander into the Interpretive Centre, housed in an original lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Here, interactive exhibits, maritime artefacts and a beautifully animated film bring to life the daily rhythms of those who once lived and worked at the cape.
It’s a quiet, reflective space where history is not just told — it’s felt.
A Must-See in the Margaret River Region
No trip to the Margaret River region is complete without a stop at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse — especially if you’re building an itinerary between Perth and the South West coast. Whether you’re driving from Perth or heading back that way, this southernmost tip is a perfect addition to your road trip, offering a break that’s as meaningful as it is scenic.