Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, WA: A practical guide for first-time visitors

Everything you need to know about visiting this historic Western Australian landmark, from driving directions to whale watching opportunities

Born from tragedy on one of the world’s most dangerous coasts

The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse stands 61 metres above sea level at the northern tip of North West Cape, a white sentinel against the cobalt waters of the Indian Ocean. Dutch sailor Willem de Vlamingh charted this headland in 1696, giving his name to both the location and the lighthouse that would eventually rise here more than two centuries later.

The north west coast of Australia had earned its fearsome reputation long before the lighthouse’s construction. This stretch of coastline ranks among the most hazardous in the world, with jagged reefs lurking just beneath the surface and unpredictable currents that have claimed countless vessels over the centuries.

The SS Mildura changes everything

In 1907, a board of enquiry questioned numerous coastal vessel captains about optimal sites for new lighthouses along this treacherous coast. Four locations were initially selected for construction.

Then the SS Mildura foundered at Point Murat that same year, losing all livestock aboard though mercifully sparing human life. The wreck prompted shipping authorities to add Vlamingh Head at the top of Western Australia‘s Coral Coast as the fifth lighthouse location, despite the site not initially receiving sufficient support from the enquiry.

Construction plagued by disease and isolation

Work began in November 1911, but the remote location presented enormous challenges. Bad drinking water triggered dysentery outbreaks among labourers, and all building materials and supplies had to be transported by sea from Fremantle, over 1,200 kilometres away.

In May 1912, worker F.J. Reddy succumbed to dysentery, the only fatality during construction. The lighthouse finally became operational on 10 November 1912, its kerosene-fueled light flashing in groups of two every 7.5 seconds and visible for up to 41 kilometres across the ocean.

Getting to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

The Vlamingh Head Lighthouse location sits approximately 17 kilometres north of Exmouth, the nearest town. You’ll follow Yardie Creek Road north from Exmouth, with the lighthouse positioned at the very tip of the cape overlooking Lighthouse Bay.

There’s no public transport to the lighthouse. You’ll need your own vehicle, and fortunately a sealed road takes you most of the way to the site.

Alternatively, take a tour. The Exmouth Adventure Company’s Ningaloo in a day tour from Exmouth stops for a photo stop at the lighthouse. It also includes a guided hike at Yardie Creek and drift snorkelling at Turquoise Bay. You’ll also go past when on a tour from Exmouth that goes swimming with whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef.

Autopia’s seven day adventure tour along WA’s Coral Coast which also includes the Kalbarri Skywalk, the Shark Bay stromatolites, and dolphin-feeding at Monkey Mia, stops here too. This tour also takes in the Pinnacles, the Three Bays Walkway in Green Head, Nature’s Window and Z Bend in Kalbarri National Park, Shell Beach in Shark Bay and the Lancelin sand dunes.

The scenic drive from Exmouth

The journey from Exmouth takes roughly 20 minutes under normal conditions. As you wind up the hill toward the lighthouse, the landscape transforms from coastal scrub to increasingly dramatic views of the North West Cape.

The final approach climbs steeply, delivering you to a car park near the lighthouse itself. From here, interpretive displays and walking paths spread across the hilltop.

Opening hours and admission fees

Here’s where things get straightforward: the lighthouse grounds are open year-round, 24 hours a day, and there’s no admission charge. You can visit at dawn, dusk, or any time in between without paying a cent.

However, the tower itself is not open to the public. You cannot climb the lighthouse or enter the structure, which has been decommissioned since 1967 when an electric light on the VLF tower at the Harold Holt Communication Centre replaced it.

What you can actually access

While the tower remains closed, the surrounding grounds offer plenty to explore. Information panels scattered across the site detail the lighthouse’s construction, the area’s maritime history, and the World War II installations that once occupied this strategic location.

From the lookout points, you can see the remains of radar stations and anti-aircraft positions. The interpretive displays provide context for these remnants of Australia’s wartime defence network.

Parking at the lighthouse

There’s a designated car park at the top of the hill, directly beside the lighthouse. Parking is free and the lot accommodates standard vehicles, 4WDs, and caravans, though the steep approach road might challenge larger motorhomes.

The car park surface is sealed and generally well-maintained. During peak tourist season (April through October), you might find the lot busy, particularly around sunset when the light draws photographers.

When to visit for the best experience

Timing matters at Vlamingh Head, though for different reasons than you might expect. The lighthouse attracts visitors year-round, but whale watching season from June through October brings noticeably larger crowds.

During these months, up to 40,000 humpback whales migrate past the cape, and Vlamingh Head provides one of the best vantage points for spotting them. You’ll share the hilltop with other whale watchers, all scanning the horizon for telltale spouts and breaches.

This makes the area one of the best places in Australia to visit during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Early morning visits offer solitude

If you prefer the lighthouse without the crowds, arrive before 8:00 a.m. or visit during the hotter months between November and March when tourist numbers drop significantly. Bear in mind that summer temperatures in Exmouth can soar above 40°C, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable during midday hours.

Winter months (June through August) bring milder temperatures around 24-28°C, creating pleasant conditions for walking around the site. This is also peak whale watching season, so expect company.

Sunrise and sunset both deliver

The lighthouse holds the distinction of being one of few locations in Australia where you can observe both sunrise and sunset over the ocean, thanks to the cape’s geography. Photographers particularly favour the golden hours just after dawn and before dusk when the light turns the limestone formations golden.

Sunset proves more popular, with visitors gathering on the western side of the headland to watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean. The pastel skies during this period have made countless Instagram appearances, and deservedly so.

What to photograph and where

The lighthouse itself presents the obvious subject, its white tower and red dome providing a classic maritime composition. But the surrounding landscape rewards exploration with your camera.

Walk to the edge of the lookout for sweeping views across the cape’s rugged terrain. The contrast between the earthy limestone cliffs and the stark blue water creates dramatic frames, particularly when humpback whales breach in the distance.

Watch for breaching whales

Between June and October, keep your eyes on the ocean. Humpback whales frequently breach within sight of the lighthouse, sometimes just a few hundred metres offshore.

Bring binoculars if you have them. While whales are often visible to the naked eye, binoculars let you appreciate details like fin slaps and the misty blows that mark their breathing.

The flies demand preparation

Western Australia’s northwest is notorious for flies, particularly during the warmer months. The insects become relentless around your face and exposed skin, turning pleasant viewpoints into tests of endurance.

A fly net — those mesh head coverings that look ridiculous but work brilliantly — becomes essential equipment rather than optional. Local shops in Exmouth sell them, often positioned prominently near the entrance because everyone needs one.

Nearby attractions worth combining

Cape Range National Park extends south from the lighthouse, offering some of Western Australia’s most striking scenery. The park entrance lies about 15 minutes south of Exmouth, making it easy to combine with a lighthouse visit.

Within the park, you’ll find numerous gorges including Yardie Creek, Mandu Mandu, and Charles Knife Canyon. Each offers walking trails with varying difficulty levels and spectacular views into the limestone formations.

Turquoise Bay and Ningaloo Reef

The world-famous Ningaloo Reef fringes the western shore of Cape Range, with Turquoise Bay ranking among the best snorkelling spots accessible from the beach. The reef lies just metres from shore at many points, allowing you to drift snorkel over pristine coral gardens teeming with fish.

Turquoise Bay sits about 60 kilometres south of the lighthouse, roughly an hour’s drive. The beach itself features powder-white sand lapped by cerulean water that justifies every superlative thrown at it.

Shothole Canyon and Charles Knife Canyon

For dramatic scenery, the two main canyon drives in Cape Range National Park shouldn’t be missed. Shothole Canyon Road requires a 4WD and winds 15 kilometres along the canyon floor, providing close examination of the colourful rock layers.

Charles Knife Canyon is accessible via sealed road for most of the journey, with a lookout at the top offering breathtaking downward views into multicoloured gorges. The drive takes you along razor-backed ridges that feel precarious but remain perfectly safe.

Milyering Discovery Centre

Located 52 kilometres from Exmouth within Cape Range National Park, the Milyering Discovery Centre serves as the park’s main visitor facility. Interpretive displays explain the geology, wildlife, and marine environment of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area.

National Park rangers staff the centre during operating hours, providing assistance with enquiries and up-to-date information on track conditions and wildlife sightings. If you’re planning to explore Cape Range thoroughly, stop here first.

Food and facilities nearby

The lighthouse site has no facilities beyond the car park and interpretive signage. No toilets, no water, no food vendors. You’re entirely reliant on what you bring with you.

Stock up on everything in Exmouth before driving out. The town has supermarkets, bakeries, and cafes where you can grab supplies and fill water bottles.

Where to eat in Exmouth

Exmouth itself offers limited but adequate dining options. Whalebone Brewery, about 500 metres from the main caravan parks, serves excellent craft beer and wood-fired pizzas in a family-friendly setting with live music.

Social Society provides quality coffee and healthy breakfast options. The town also has fish and chip shops, a Chinese restaurant, and the usual takeaway chains, plus a small number of hotel restaurants.

Accommodation considerations

Most visitors base themselves in Exmouth or at campgrounds within Cape Range National Park. The Ningaloo Lighthouse Holiday Park sits closest to the lighthouse, offering powered and unpowered sites just a few minutes’ drive from Vlamingh Head.

Cape Range National Park contains several campgrounds along the coast, including Osprey Bay, Kurrajong, and Yardie Creek. These require advance booking, particularly during peak season, and fill up months ahead.

Accessibility considerations

The car park and main viewing areas near the lighthouse are paved and generally accessible for wheelchair users. However, some paths leading to additional lookout points traverse uneven ground that may present challenges for those with mobility limitations.

The lack of facilities means there are no accessible toilets at the site. The nearest accessible facilities are back in Exmouth or at the Milyering Discovery Centre in Cape Range National Park.

How much time to budget

Most people spend 30 minutes to an hour at the lighthouse, enough time to walk around the grounds, read the interpretive panels, and take photos. If you’re hoping to spot whales during migration season, you might linger for an hour or two, scanning the ocean with binoculars.

Factor in the 40-minute round trip driving time from Exmouth. If you’re combining the lighthouse with other attractions in Cape Range National Park, budget a full day — the park rewards thorough exploration rather than quick drive-throughs.

Mobile phone coverage and safety

Don’t rely on mobile phone coverage. Optus has no signal through most of Cape Range National Park, with Vlamingh Head Lighthouse marking the last point where some users report decent reception.

Telstra performs marginally better but still provides limited coverage. This isolation means you cannot depend on GPS apps or emergency calls in the park itself.

Essential items to bring

Water tops the list. The northwestern heat dehydrates you quickly, and there’s nowhere to refill bottles at the lighthouse or throughout Cape Range. Bring more than you think you’ll need.

Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable. The Australian sun at this latitude is fierce, and shade is minimal at the exposed lighthouse site. That fly net mentioned earlier? Bring it.

Photography equipment recommendations

A wide-angle lens captures the sweeping landscapes and dramatic skies. If you’re hoping to photograph whales, a telephoto lens (200mm or longer) proves invaluable for pulling distant breaches into frame.

A tripod helps for low-light conditions at sunrise or sunset, particularly if you want to experiment with long exposures of the ocean. Consider bringing a polarising filter to cut glare from the water and enhance the blue tones.

Practical tips for your visit

Check your fuel gauge before leaving Exmouth. The town has several service stations, but once you’re out exploring Cape Range, you won’t find another petrol pump. Running low on fuel in 40°C heat, 50 kilometres from town, ranks among the more unpleasant experiences available.

Download offline maps before you lose signal. Paper maps work too, but having an offline GPS map on your phone provides backup navigation when you lose coverage.

Respect the wildlife. Kangaroos, emus, and echidnas frequently cross roads throughout the area. Drive slowly, particularly at dawn and dusk when animals are most active. Hitting a red kangaroo at speed damages both the animal and your vehicle.

The World War II history

During World War II, Vlamingh Head served as a crucial strategic position. Australian forces installed radar stations and anti-aircraft positions across the headland to defend against potential Japanese attacks.

In 1943, a Japanese raid targeted the radar tower, and you can still see preserved sandbags from the defensive positions. The interpretive panels detail this wartime history, adding another dimension to what might otherwise be just another pretty coastal viewpoint.

When the lighthouse went dark

The lighthouse became obsolete on 21 April 1967 when authorities switched to an electric light mounted on a tower at the Harold Holt VLF Communications Centre, the massive antenna array visible from the lighthouse.

Those thirteen towering antennas, each 505 feet tall, dominate the skyline south of the lighthouse. Built in the 1960s to provide Very Low Frequency radio transmission to Allied naval vessels across the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, they represent a different era of strategic communication.

Best months for wildflowers

Late winter and early spring (August through October) bring wildflowers to Cape Range, splashing colour across the usually muted landscape. More than 630 species of flowering plants grow on the peninsula, including several endemic varieties found nowhere else.

Look for mulla mulla, native daisies, fuchsia, and the striking green bird flower. The Cape Range Desert Pea, a white-centred variety of Sturt’s Desert Pea, exists only in this area.

Frequently asked questions

Is Vlamingh Head Lighthouse wheelchair accessible?

The car park and main viewing areas near the lighthouse are paved and generally accessible for wheelchair users. However, some paths to additional lookout points traverse uneven ground that may challenge those with mobility limitations. There are no facilities at the site, so accessible toilets aren’t available — the nearest are in Exmouth or at the Milyering Discovery Centre in Cape Range National Park.

When are the quietest hours or days to visit?

Early mornings before 8:00 a.m. see fewer visitors, as do the hotter months between November and March when tourist numbers drop significantly. Whale watching season from June through October brings the largest crowds, particularly around sunset. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends.

How long are typical wait times for entry or popular spots?

There are no wait times or queues at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. The site is free to access and open 24/7, so you can arrive and leave whenever suits you. The car park occasionally fills during peak sunset times in whale watching season, but this simply means parking further from the lighthouse rather than waiting.

Is it better to visit early morning, late afternoon, or weekdays?

All three options have merit depending on your priorities. Early morning offers solitude and good light for photography. Late afternoon provides spectacular sunsets and the best chance to see whales breaching. Weekdays bring fewer visitors than weekends. For the quietest experience with good conditions, choose an early weekday morning outside whale season (November through May).

Are there cafes or restaurants on-site or within walking distance?

No. The lighthouse site has no facilities whatsoever — no cafes, restaurants, water, or toilets. Exmouth, 17 kilometres south, is the nearest town with dining options. You must bring all food, water, and supplies with you. Stock up in Exmouth before driving out.

Can you bring your own food or are there restrictions?

Yes, you can and should bring your own food and drinks. There are no restrictions on outside food at the lighthouse or throughout Cape Range National Park. Pack a picnic, plenty of water, and snacks. Remember to take all rubbish with you — there are no bins at the lighthouse.

Is the terrain difficult or steep?

The main viewing areas around the lighthouse are relatively flat and paved. However, the road up to the lighthouse climbs steeply, and some walking paths to additional lookouts traverse rocky, uneven ground. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended. The terrain isn’t difficult for most visitors but may challenge those with mobility issues or very young children.

Are photos allowed everywhere or only certain spots?

Photography is permitted throughout the lighthouse grounds and surrounding areas. There are no restrictions on personal photography. The site is public land, so you’re free to photograph the lighthouse, landscape, ocean views, and wildlife. Commercial photography may require permits — check with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions if planning a commercial shoot.

Best spots or times for photos?

Sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic light, with the golden hours after dawn and before dusk painting the limestone formations in warm tones. The lighthouse itself photographs well from various angles. For ocean and whale shots, position yourself on the western side of the headland. Bring a wide-angle lens for landscapes and a telephoto for wildlife. Overcast days produce even lighting that avoids harsh shadows.

Best parking lots to avoid fees or long walks?

There’s only one car park at the lighthouse, located directly beside the site. Parking is free. The walk from the car park to the main viewing areas is less than 100 metres on paved paths. You cannot avoid parking fees because there aren’t any to begin with. However, Cape Range National Park charges $17 per vehicle entry fee if you continue south into the park.

Public transport options and schedules?

There is no public transport to Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. You must have your own vehicle or join an organised tour from Exmouth. Several tour operators offer day trips to the lighthouse and Cape Range National Park, which can be booked through accommodation providers or the Exmouth Visitor Centre. Self-drive is the most flexible option.

Are there kid-friendly facilities or activities?

The lighthouse offers educational opportunities through its interpretive panels, which can engage curious children. However, there are no dedicated kid-friendly facilities — no playgrounds, bathrooms, or shaded areas. The site works well for families if you bring entertainment, snacks, and plenty of water. Whale watching during migration season particularly captivates children. The exposed location and lack of barriers near cliff edges require supervision of young children.

Are strollers or baby carriers recommended?

Baby carriers are more practical than strollers. While the main paved areas accommodate strollers, many of the better viewing points require walking on rocky, uneven paths where strollers become awkward. A baby carrier lets you explore more freely while keeping hands free for cameras and binoculars. The heat also favours carriers over strollers — you can more easily shade a baby in a carrier than in an exposed stroller.