Photo: David Parkes / CC BY-SA 3.0
Perched on a dramatic headland within Ben Boyd National Park on the far south coast of New South Wales, Green Cape Lighthouse is Australia's southernmost lighthouse and a magnificent piece of maritime history. The 29-metre-tall concrete tower, built in 1883, commands sweeping views of the wild Tasman Sea and the rugged coastline. The area is steeped in shipwreck lore — the most infamous being the 1898 wreck of the SS Ly-ee-Moon, which claimed 71 lives. Today, visitors come for the breathtaking coastal walks, whale watching (May to November), and the chance to stay overnight in the historic keepers' cottages. The raw, windswept beauty here feels a world away from the nearby holiday towns.
Highlights & What to See
- Green Cape Lighthouse itself — climb to the top for panoramic views of Disaster Bay and the ocean; the tower is still operational and guided tours share tales of shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers.
- Lightstation Keepers' Cottages — now heritage accommodation, these restored 1880s cottages offer a unique stay with self-catering facilities and a museum room.
- Light to Light Walk — a multi-day coastal trek (part of the longer Light to Light Walk) that connects Green Cape to Boyds Tower; even a short section from the lighthouse to Pulpit Rock rewards with stunning clifftop scenery.
- Whale watching — the headland is one of the best land-based vantage points on the NSW coast for spotting humpbacks during their annual migration.
- Shipwreck history — interpretive signs and the nearby Ly-ee-Moon Cemetery tell the story of the tragic 1898 wreck; the lighthouse's original fog bell is on display.
- Ben Boyd National Park — the lighthouse sits within this coastal park, which also features the historic Boyds Tower, red-and-white sandstone sea cliffs, and secluded beaches like Saltwater Creek.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring the lighthouse, walking the short clifftop trails, and taking in the views. If you're doing the full Light to Light Walk, allow 2–3 days for the entire 30-kilometre trek. To truly soak up the atmosphere, consider an overnight stay in the keepers' cottages — this lets you experience the lighthouse at sunset and dawn, when the light is magical and the crowds are gone.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Eden — a historic whaling town 30 km north, with the Eden Killer Whale Museum, a working fishing harbour, and excellent seafood.
- Boyds Tower — an unfinished stone tower 16 km north along the coast, offering another dramatic viewpoint and a great picnic spot.
- Pambula — a charming village with a renowned oyster farm (Wheelers Oysters) and the Pambula Merimbula Golf Club.
- Merimbula — a lively holiday town with beautiful beaches, a boardwalk, and the Merimbula Aquarium & Wharf.
- Nadgee Nature Reserve — a pristine coastal wilderness just south of the lighthouse, with excellent bushwalking and birdwatching.
- Bega — about 50 km inland, known for the Bega Cheese Heritage Centre and lovely countryside drives.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.