Cape Leeuwin & the Lighthouses
The wild south-west tip of the mainland, where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet — the 1896 lighthouse, crashing seas and, in season, migrating whales.
Cape Leeuwin & the Lighthouses
At the wild southern tip of the region, Cape Leeuwin marks the most south-westerly point of the Australian mainland — the dramatic place where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Its 1896 lighthouse, the tallest on the mainland, stands over crashing seas and, in season, migrating whales. To the north, Cape Naturaliste’s lighthouse bookends the coast. Here’s what to see at the capes.
What to See
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
The tallest lighthouse on mainland Australia — climb it on a tour.
Two Oceans
Where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet at the mainland’s SW tip.
Whales at Augusta
Flinders Bay is a prime early-season whale-watching spot.
Cape Naturaliste
The northern lighthouse, coastal walks and whale lookouts.
Cape Tips
- Climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse on a guided tour (book ahead)
- Dress for wind — the cape is wild and exposed
- Time it for whale season (June–December) at Augusta’s Flinders Bay
- It’s the southern end of the Cape to Cape Track
- Pair the two capes to bookend a coastal day
Cape Leeuwin — FAQ
What is special about Cape Leeuwin?
Cape Leeuwin, near Augusta, is the most south-westerly point of the Australian mainland — the place where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet. Its 1896 lighthouse is the tallest on mainland Australia, and the wild, windswept setting is unforgettable.
Can you climb the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse?
Yes — guided tours take you up the historic tower for sweeping ocean views, and there’s a precinct with a café and the old waterwheel. Tour times and tickets change, so check current details and book ahead in peak season.
Where do the two oceans meet?
At Cape Leeuwin, the Indian Ocean (to the west) and the Southern Ocean (to the south and east) meet — a dramatic meeting of waters marked at the cape.
Is there another lighthouse in the region?
Yes — Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse (1903) sits at the northern end near Dunsborough, with shorter towers, coastal walks and whale lookouts. Together the two capes bookend the region and the Cape to Cape Track.
Is it worth visiting?
Absolutely — the raw meeting of oceans, the historic lighthouse and the whale watching in season make Cape Leeuwin one of the region’s most memorable spots.
Margaret River, Planned Around You
World-class cellar doors and surf, ancient caves, karri forests and the wild Cape-to-Cape coast — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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