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Tasmania’s Lighthouses: A Journey Through History and Coastal Beauty
- Tasvanlife
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Tasmania’s coastline is one of the most dramatic in the Southern Hemisphere—wild seas, sheer cliffs, and long stretches of pristine beaches. For centuries, lighthouses have been the island’s guardians, guiding ships safely through treacherous waters. Today, they are more than navigational aids; they’re living stories of maritime history, perched in some of the most breathtaking locations you’ll ever see.
Exploring Tasmania’s lighthouses in a campervan offers the perfect blend of freedom, history, and natural wonder. From the southern tip of Bruny Island to the remote granite coast of the northeast, every beacon adds another chapter to your road trip. Here’s how you can follow the light and create an unforgettable campervan adventure around Tasmania.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse – The Southern Sentinel
Perched on the windswept cliffs of South Bruny National Park, Cape Bruny Lighthouse is Tasmania’s second-oldest lighthouse and one of the most iconic. Built in 1838, it has witnessed countless storms sweeping across the Southern Ocean. Today, guided tours allow you to step inside, climb to the lantern room, and gaze out over a horizon that feels endless.
For campervan explorers, the journey to Cape Bruny is half the magic. The road winds through rainforests, beaches, and rolling farmland before arriving at the rugged southern tip of Bruny Island. Stay overnight at Jetty Beach Campground nearby, where you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up ready to chase more Tasmanian light.
Eddystone Point Lighthouse – Granite Beauty in the Bay of Fires
On the northeast coast, within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area, stands Eddystone Point Lighthouse. Constructed from striking pink granite in 1889, this tower rises above a coastline famous for its white sands and orange-lichened boulders. The contrast of the lighthouse against the Bay of Fires’ vibrant landscape makes it one of Tasmania’s most photogenic beacons.
A campervan stop here allows you to enjoy secluded campsites and sunrise walks along the shoreline. Don’t miss the chance to cook a meal in your van while watching the light fade across the bay—moments like these are why Tasmania is best explored at your own pace.
Bonnet Island Lighthouse – The Wild West Coast Secret
Hidden at the mouth of Macquarie Harbour near Strahan, Bonnet Island Lighthouse feels like a lighthouse lost in time. Built in 1892, it guided ships through the notoriously dangerous Hells Gates, the narrow entrance to the harbour. Though the island is small and isolated, tours run from Strahan that allow you to visit at sunset, often accompanied by the sight of little penguins returning to shore.
Strahan itself is a must-stop for campervans, with excellent caravan parks and waterfront spots to set up for the night. Pair your visit with a Gordon River Cruise and finish the day at Bonnet Island for a full taste of Tasmania’s wild west coast charm.
Low Head Pilot Station & Lighthouse – Where History Lives
Located at the mouth of the Tamar River near George Town, Low Head Lighthouse and the adjoining Pilot Station form one of Tasmania’s most complete maritime heritage sites. The lighthouse, first lit in 1833, is the oldest in Australia still in operation. Meanwhile, the Pilot Station cottages have been beautifully restored, offering museums, galleries, and even accommodation.
Arriving here by campervan is a joy—the drive from Launceston traces the Tamar Valley, with vineyard stops along the way. Stay at nearby East Beach or Low Head’s caravan parks, and in the evening, watch the fairy penguins waddle ashore after sunset.
Cape Wickham Lighthouse – Australia’s Tallest Beacon
Standing at an impressive 48 meters, Cape Wickham Lighthouse on King Island is the tallest lighthouse in Australia and the southern hemisphere. Built in 1861, it commands dramatic views over Bass Strait and commemorates one of Australia’s worst shipwrecks, the Cataraqui tragedy of 1845.
To reach it, you’ll need to take your campervan over to King Island by ferry or plane, making this one for explorers who love the off-the-beaten-track experience. Once there, rugged coastal camping and incredible surf beaches make the island unforgettable.
Currie Lighthouse – A King Island Icon
Also on King Island, Currie Lighthouse is a striking red-and-white structure built in 1879. Overlooking the main township of Currie, it’s less isolated than Cape Wickham but equally photogenic. A walk around the headland reveals shipwreck relics, while the nearby museum brings the island’s maritime history to life.
Currie is a great base for campervanners, offering facilities, shops, and coastal camping close to the lighthouse itself. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and adventure.
Mersey Bluff Lighthouse – Devonport’s Striped Beacon
On Tasmania’s north coast, Mersey Bluff Lighthouse sits proudly overlooking the entrance to the Mersey River at Devonport. Painted with distinctive red-and-white vertical stripes, it has been a key landmark since 1889. It’s also one of the easiest lighthouses to access, making it a great first or last stop for those traveling via the Spirit of Tasmania ferry.
Camping options abound in Devonport, with beachfront spots just minutes from the lighthouse. An evening walk to watch the ferry glide past the bluff under the guiding light is a memory that stays with you.
Iron Pot Lighthouse – The Oldest Light in Tasmania
Off the coast of Hobart in Storm Bay lies Iron Pot Lighthouse, Tasmania’s very first lighthouse, dating back to 1832. Though you can’t drive to it, boat tours from Hobart take you across the Derwent River to see this historic stone tower up close. It’s small, remote, and a true piece of living history.
If you’re campervanning around Hobart, pair your visit with an overnight stay at one of the coastal campgrounds nearby, such as Seven Mile Beach. Waking up with the sun rising over Storm Bay connects you with the same waters Iron Pot has guarded for nearly two centuries.
Table Cape Lighthouse – Fields of Tulips and Ocean Vistas
Rising above the fertile farmlands of Tasmania’s north coast, Table Cape Lighthouse offers one of the most stunning settings of all. Completed in 1888, it stands on dramatic cliffs overlooking Bass Strait. In spring, the nearby Table Cape Tulip Farm bursts into bloom, with fields of color stretching to the horizon.
There’s a caravan-friendly campsite nearby, where you can park your van and enjoy sunsets that light up both the sea and the fields. The combination of tulips, farmland, and coastal cliffs makes this one of Tasmania’s most unique lighthouse experiences.
Why Explore Tasmania’s Lighthouses by Campervan?
Each of these lighthouses is more than just a structure—they’re gateways into Tasmania’s soul. Reaching them often means driving along winding coastal roads, camping by the sea, and embracing the slower rhythm of island life.
With a campervan, you’re free to linger where the ocean feels endless, cook meals with lighthouse views, and fall asleep to the sound of waves in remote corners of the state. Whether it’s the southern drama of Cape Bruny, the granite beauty of Eddystone Point, or the windswept isolation of Cape Wickham, Tasmania’s lighthouses offer the ultimate road trip backdrop.
So hire a campervan, follow the light, and let Tasmania’s lighthouses guide your journey.
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