Byron Bay Lighthouse
The Lighthouse of Cape Byron Bay
Standing 118 meters above the sea, on a bald rocky headland, with a
plunging cliff overlooking a sheer 100-meter drop, the Cape Byron
Lighthouse sits upon the most easterly point of Australia’s mainland.
The most powerful of all of Australia’s lighthouses, it lights 27
nautical miles keeping all seafarers safe even on the darkest of
moonless nights.
Accessible by foot or road, east of the Byron Bay township, more than
500,000 visitors annually make this a must see during any visit to Byron
Bay. With so many visitors, car parking can be difficult, but there are
many other ways to get there, such as chartered buses or local tours.
Today the Byron Bay lighthouse is used not only to keep those on the sea safe,
but as a base for whale watching as well. Whale migrations, normally
occurring in July and September can be seen from the cliff top walking
trails. These same trails offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and
north coast hinterlands.
Parks and Wildlife Services of New South Wales gained ownership in
1998, it was already under lease to Cape Byron Headland Reserve Trust
who continue to secure and maintain the site and buildings. An
interesting factoid is that Captain Cook named Cape Byron after John
Byron, the grandfather of the famous poet.
Other lighthouses in the surrounding area include the Fingal Head
Lighthouse at Tweed Heads to the North and Richmond River Lighthouse to
the South at Ballina. For those who love to explore the great
lighthouses of history, ensure you plan plenty of time to explore every
inch of these beautiful lighthouses. Just do not forget your camera, as
these are memories you will not only want to relive, but share with your
friends and family once you return home.
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