The unveiling of the new interpretive centre, named the “Lightkeepers’ Museum,” marks the culmination of a five-year redevelopment project at Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse.

Through detailed exhibits and interactive displays, this new centre is designed to immerse visitors in the captivating history of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, bringing to life the extraordinary experiences, isolation, and resilience of the lightkeepers and their families who once tended the lighthouse.  

Visitors will gain insight into this historic lighthouse’s remarkable engineering and enduring legacy, which continues to guide maritime traffic after 120 years of service. The centre also highlights the region’s broader historical narrative, including the lighthouse’s significance within local history, the French exploration and mapping in the early 1800s and the 60,000-year custodianship of the Wadandi people. Environmental themes such as weather and whaling have also been explored, offering a comprehensive view of the region’s past and present. 

The Hon. Kyle McGinn MLC officially inaugurated the new development on January 21st, joined by Stuart Hicks, Chair of the Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association (MRBTA). The event brought together key supporters, stakeholders, and organisations whose contributions were instrumental in bringing the project to life.

Also in attendance were the families of past keepers, who hold a deep connection to the site and the stories now beautifully preserved and shared in the new museum.

Initiated in 2017, the redevelopment of Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse precinct has been a transformative journey. With guidance from the Heritage Council, MRBTA’s Capes Foundation has invested in the restoration of the lighthouse keepers’ cottages and grounds which were previously underutilised and in need of structural renovation. Improvements also included the transformation of a four-bay garage into a multipurpose classroom, upgrades to work sheds and storage spaces, the creation of a universally accessible observation lookout, and extensive landscaping and pathway enhancements. The newly inaugurated interpretive centre, the final phase of this ambitious project, is set to leave a lasting legacy.   

The successful completion of the extensive redevelopment project has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of our various partners. The State Government and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), the South West Development Commission (SWDC), Gibson International, the WA Maritime Museum, families of past lighthouse keepers, Koomal Dreaming’s Josh Whiteland, the Australian Society for Maritime Archaeology (ASMA), researcher Michelle Slarke, Dunsborough Historical Society, and local trades and businesses all played a crucial role in this project.  

Key Features and Exhibits

Visitors to the Lightkeepers’ Museum can expect an array of engaging features, including:  

  • Audio and visual interactive displays offer personal stories from the children of past keepers.  
  • A bespoke animated film that depicts the dramatic story of the Carnarvon Castle Ship fire and the subsequent survival tales of those who reached Cape Naturaliste.  
  • Historical artifacts and items from the lighthouse’s operational past are displayed. 
  • Informational story boards provide context and details about the lighthouse and its past care takers.