Cape Wickham Lighthouse

Wikimedia Commons

Cape Wickham Lighthouse

lighthouse

The Cape Wickham Lighthouse is a 48-metre lighthouse at Cape Wickham on King Island, Tasmania. Travelers come for its height, dramatic coastal views and the surrounding historic ruins and graves.

Cape Wickham Lighthouse HobartLaunceston, TasmaniaDevonport, TasmaniaBurnieCape Wickham Lighthouse

Cape Wickham Lighthouse essentials

Address: Cape Wickham, King Island, Tasmania, Australia

The Cape Wickham Lighthouse stands at the northern tip of King Island (Tasmania) and is Australia’s tallest lighthouse at 48 metres; it is listed on the Commonwealth Heritage Register. The original station was established in 1861 after the Cataraqui disaster and was built from locally quarried stone. While the light was automated in the 1920s, the tower and much of the site still convey the scale and purpose of 19th-century navigation works.

Visitors will find the tall white tower rising above a stark, windswept coastline with the remains of associated buildings nearby, including the small church and several graves linked to later shipwrecks. To reach the lantern room you must climb eleven timber flights of stairs with about twenty steps each, so expect a steep internal ascent. Facilities at the lighthouse itself are minimal and the setting is remote, so plan for a short, self-contained visit and respect the heritage features and marked paths.

  • Lighthouse lantern and summit: Climb the timber stair flights to the lantern room for wide panoramas over Bass Strait and the island’s northern coastline.
  • Historic station ruins: Stone foundations and the tiny church near the tower illustrate the once large support complex that served keepers and their families.
  • Gravestones and shipwreck memorials: Scattered headstones mark the graves of some shipwreck victims and reflect the area’s hazardous waters; many of these graves date to shipwrecks that occurred after the lighthouse was built.
  • Cliffs, beaches and coastal scenery: The cape’s cliffs, dunes and beaches offer dramatic photo opportunities and long sea views.
  • Seabirds and marine life viewing: Coastal vantage points provide chances to observe seabirds and passing marine traffic in Bass Strait.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Cape Wickham Lighthouse#

Cape Wickham has a cool, maritime climate with mild summers and relatively wet winters; choose timing based on weather and sea conditions.

Summer (best for calmer weather)
December - February · 12°C - 22°C (54°F - 72°F)
These are the warmest and typically driest months, offering the best chance of calmer seas and clearer views for walking and photography.
Autumn / Spring (variable)
March - May, September - November · 8°C - 20°C (46°F - 68°F)
Transition seasons bring more variable weather and occasional rain, but also dramatic skies and fewer visitors.
Winter (coolest and wettest)
June - August · 8°C - 13°C (46°F - 55°F)
Winters are cooler, wetter and often windier, which can make the exposed cape less comfortable and reduce visibility over the sea.

Weather & Climate near Cape Wickham Lighthouse#

Climate

Cape Wickham Lighthouse's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (958 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 25 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
28°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 13° - 21° 17° 38 mm partly cloudy 80% 6.3 m/s 2.5 extreme 14.4h
February Very Good 14° - 22° 18° 35 mm partly cloudy 80% 6.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.4h
March Good 13° - 20° 17° 62 mm overcast 79% 6.3 m/s 1.4 high 12.2h
April Good 11° - 18° 15° 69 mm overcast 79% 5.9 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
May Good 10° - 16° 13° 105 mm overcast 78% 5.3 m/s 0.3 low 9.8h
June Acceptable 8° - 13° 11° 104 mm overcast 78% 6.2 m/s 0.2 low 9.3h
July Poor 8° - 13° 10° 137 mm overcast 77% 6.1 m/s 0.2 low 9.5h
August Acceptable 8° - 13° 11° 118 mm overcast 77% 6.1 m/s 0.4 low 10.5h
September Acceptable 8° - 14° 11° 89 mm overcast 78% 6.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 11.7h
October Good 9° - 16° 13° 81 mm overcast 79% 6.4 m/s 1.4 high 13.0h
November Good 10° - 18° 14° 65 mm overcast 81% 6.3 m/s 2.0 very high 14.1h
December Good 12° - 19° 16° 55 mm overcast 80% 6.3 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Cape Wickham Lighthouse#

The nearest main settlement on the island is Currie; King Island is served by regular flights from mainland Australia to King Island (Currie) airport. Major cities such as Melbourne are the usual departure points for flights to the island.

From Currie the cape is reached by road across rural island roads; the final stretch can involve unsealed or narrow sections so allow extra time and check local access conditions. If you do not have a car, inquire about local transfers or tour operators in Currie and check road conditions before setting out.

Tips for Visiting Cape Wickham Lighthouse#

  • The tower requires climbing 11 timber flights (about twenty steps each) so it is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
  • Bring windproof clothing and sun protection - the cape is exposed to strong coastal winds and sun.
  • There are limited facilities at the site; carry water, snacks and anything you need for a short visit.
  • Stay on marked paths and treat graves and heritage fabric with respect.
  • Check local access and safety information in Currie before traveling to the cape.