Celebrating International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend

Each year on the third weekend of August, lighthouses and lightships around the globe welcome visitors for International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend.

The event began in Scotland in 1998, when members of the Ayr Amateur Radio Group combined their passion for coastal landmarks with the reach of global communication. Today, more than 500 lighthouses in over 40 countries take part, drawing enthusiasts and visitors from near and far.

At its heart, the weekend is about connection. Amateur radio operators set up at participating lighthouses, making real-time contact with others across continents. Visitors are invited to watch, ask questions, and discover the stories behind the buildings and the technology. It is a celebration of maritime heritage, a way of drawing attention to the value of these navigational aids, and an opportunity to link communities across oceans.

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse

Built in 1895, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse stands at the meeting point of the Indian and Southern Oceans. At 39 metres high, it is the tallest mainland lighthouse in Australia and remains in operation today, its beam still revolving through the original Fresnel lens. The surrounding site retains much of its original infrastructure, from the keeper’s cottages to the stone waterwheel that once channelled fresh spring water to the station.

During International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend, Cape Leeuwin offers:

• Amateur radio operators on site throughout the weekend, connecting with stations at other lighthouses and lightships around the world.
• The Augusta Spinners and Weavers and the Augusta Men’s Shed on the Lightkeeper’s Cottage veranda, demonstrating their work, sharing their knowledge, and offering handcrafted items for sale.
• On Saturday, the Augusta Volunteer Marine Rescue Group with their rescue craft, ready to explain their operations and answer questions.

Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse

Since 1904, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse has guided vessels into Geographe Bay from its vantage point above the headland. Its compact limestone tower and sweeping ocean views make it one of the most accessible working lighthouses in Western Australia.

Its International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend program includes:

• Amateur radio operators broadcasting from the site across the two days, speaking with other lighthouses and lightships across the globe.
• On Saturday, a visit from the Dunsborough Fire Brigade, complete with a fire truck for visitors to explore and a fundraising BBQ in support of their community work.

A Living Tradition in a Modern World

Did you know: The very first lighthouse was built in 290 BC by the ancient Egyptians, using flames and mirrors to safely guide ships into Alexandria’s harbour.  

As trade routes expanded across oceans in the 17th century, so too did the construction of life-saving lighthouses. Today, around 20,000 lighthouses stand as guardians along the world’s coastlines, each one harbouring its own unique stories and enduring charm.  

Although modern navigation technology has transformed the way vessels travel, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste continue to operate as part of Australia’s maritime safety network and remain valued as symbols of maritime safety, community identity, and coastal heritage. 

International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend brings these sites into a broader conversation. It invites visitors to explore their history, see the craft and commitment behind their operation, and witness how they remain part of a global community. From radio signals exchanged with far-off stations to the stories shared on site, the weekend shows that these towers are more than historical landmarks; they are enduring connections between people, places, and generations.