A once-in-a-century restoration

For 130 years, Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse has stood as a beacon for mariners navigating the meeting point of the Southern and Indian Oceans.

Today, it remains an important part of Australia’s maritime safety network and a destination for visitors drawn to its history and spectacular coastal views

The restoration of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is a significant achievement in preserving an important part of Western Australia’s heritage. Led by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), a team of engineers and specialist tradespeople worked for over a year to repair and restore the 130-year-old structure.

The work was methodical—each section of the lighthouse was carefully removed, repaired, and reinstated to withstand the harsh coastal environment.

The successful completion of the project in 2022 was warmly welcomed by the Augusta community and visitors, who were eager to return. For the first time in over a year, the lighthouse reopened for guided tours, and visitors could once again climb the steps to take in the spectacular views from the restored balcony.

Restoration Insights

• 10 tonnes of sand used in external sandblasting
• 800 litres of paint applied inside and out
• Approximate project cost of $3.5 million
• The original rotating lens, which rests on a mercury bath, was lifted, with the mercury drained, filtered, and returned
• All metalwork, including stairs and platforms, was removed, restored, and repainted in an offsite workshop

Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia and one of the world’s five great capes. Alongside the lighthouse, the Interpretive Centre, housed in the original Lightkeeper’s Cottage, offers an opportunity to explore the site’s maritime history and the surrounding natural environment.

Visitors are welcome seven days a week to join a guided tour, hear the stories of Cape Leeuwin, and experience its breathtaking location at the edge of the Southern and Indian Oceans.