Lighthouse

A once-in-a-century restoration

Restoring Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse was a complex and carefully planned project that preserved one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks for future generations.

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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.

This historic restoration was vital to ensure the longevity of the lighthouse as a marine safety aid and as an important heritage tourism destination.

~ Steve Harrison, Capes Foundation Director

An image of Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse showing it with scaffolding and without

Once the scaffolding came down, the lighthouse’s newly restored exterior was revealed—its surfaces cleaned, repaired, and repainted.


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

Inside, the limestone interior was thoroughly cleaned, the old mortar removed and repointed.


Capes Foundation is committed to undertaking conservation and restoration work across the eight sites in our care.

~ Steve Harrison, Capes Foundation Director

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.

Paul Sofilas has been a lighthouse guide and caretaker at Cape Leeuwin for over 25 years. In this short video, Paul shares his perspective on the restoration project and reflects on what makes Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse such a special place to visit.


Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse Logo

Visit Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse and see where the two oceans meet.

Take a trip through maritime history and learn how this famous landmark was constructed from local limestone in 1895, and is still a vital working lighthouse for vessels navigating the treacherous cape.

 

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Drone image of Cape Leeuwin at sunset