Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Exmouth Australia
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Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Exmouth Australia

4.6
·924 reviews·North West Cape, Australia

Iconic lighthouse offering stunning sunrise/sunset views over the Indian Ocean, with historical insights and whale watching potential.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
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Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Exmouth Australia

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse Exmouth Australia

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic lighthouse offering stunning sunrise/sunset views over the Indian Ocean, with historical insights and whale watching potential.

4.6
(924 reviews)

"One of Exmouth’s best sunrise AND sunset spots."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive for sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photography opportunities.

🐳 Whale Watching Spot

Great location to spot humpback whales during migration season.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Spectacular Sunrise & Sunset Views

Spectacular Sunrise & Sunset Views

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the Indian Ocean, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Whale Watching Opportunities

Whale Watching Opportunities

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Keep an eye out for humpback whales breaching in the distance during their migration season.

Historical WWII Remnants

Historical WWII Remnants

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Explore fascinating information boards and unique petrified sandbags from the WWII era.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Plan your trip around sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular light. Many visitors rave about the golden hour views, making it a prime spot for photography and whale watching. Arrive early to secure a good vantage point.

Understanding Access and Amenities

While you can't enter the lighthouse itself, the surrounding area offers incredible panoramic views and historical insights. Information boards detail local history and WWII remnants. Be prepared for potential flies, especially during certain times of the year.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Whale migration season
Why
See whales breaching
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This place is guaranteed to take your breath away. There is so much to see and do here. You can easily make an entire day or weekend of this spot. The location includes 2 lighthouses, an old army battery, an Interpretive Center, and so many beautiful trails! 📍 Cape Disappointment, WA #pnw #pnwlife #Hiking #pnwhiking #washingtoncheck #capedissapointment #goonie #explore
@oregoncoast
86.7K likes • 1M views

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive for sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photography opportunities. Instagram+1

🐳 Whale Watching Spot

Great location to spot humpback whales during migration season. InstagramReddit

Tom Price, Onslow, Exmouth! 🇦🇺 Road trip!
@nat.benson
2.1K likes • 42K views
This video was taken at the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse in Western Australia 22-23 April 2023 a couple of nights after we witnessed the total solar eclipse. Thankfully eclipse day was cloud free and perfect. The clouds in the timelapse are illuminated by the nearby town of Exmouth, where we viewed totality. On our trip, we learned about the Aboriginal Emu in the Sky constellation. It is different tha...
taramoonhunter
26 likes • 309 views

🪖 WWII History Insights

Learn about local history and see unique WWII sandbags. Reddit

🦟 Be Fly-Ready

Lots of flies can visit, especially during certain times. Consider a fly net. Reddit

tap for the location💗 📍Vlamingh Head Lighthouse, Exmouth One of Exmouth’s best sunrise AND sunset spots. We say one of as Charles Knife Canyon is on par if not better 🤪 SAVE for your trip there, you don’t want to miss this spot!! #Exmouth #lighthouses #ningaloo #westernaustralia #coralcoast #australiascoralcoast #discoverwesternaustralia
driving.with.sunnie
446 likes • 7.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Catch the Golden Hour

Arrive for sunrise or sunset for the most stunning views and photography opportunities. Instagram+1

🐳 Whale Watching Spot

Great location to spot humpback whales during migration season. InstagramReddit

🪖 WWII History Insights

Learn about local history and see unique WWII sandbags. Reddit

🦟 Be Fly-Ready

Lots of flies can visit, especially during certain times. Consider a fly net. Reddit

📸 Panoramic Photo Ops

The elevated location offers excellent panoramic views of the coast. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(924 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Vlamingh Head Lighthouse for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, offering a unique spectacle of the sun setting over the ocean. The historical insights, including WWII remnants, and the chance to spot whales during migration season are also highlights. While the lighthouse structure itself may not be the most visually striking, the panoramic vistas and the overall experience make it a highly recommended stop.

"This lighthouse is a must visit, you cannot go into it but the views from the car park and viewing area are beautiful. It’s also full of information boards about the local history, the gun tower which is roped off to protect the WWII sandbags still situated around it. The sandbags look like overtime they have become petrified and resemble big stones it was fascinating to see them."

Lesley-Jane Wells

"Great views can watch the whales breaching as they swim by also sunset. Well worth the visit, 5 mins drive to the turtle rookery. Lots of info about the local history."

Peter Bx

"The view is the best part of coming up to the lighthouse.
The Lighthouse is not really very attractive and was not painted nicely when we visited.
The view is what you need to see"

Tomo and Liz Tomo's

What People Like

Spectacular sunrise/sunset views
Whale watching opportunities
Historical information boards

What People Dislike

Lighthouse structure appearance
Presence of flies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is located about 17 kilometers north of Exmouth. It's easily accessible by car via a well-maintained road. Many visitors use it as part of a scenic drive around the cape. TikTokInstagram

Yes, there is a car park available at the lighthouse, which also serves as the starting point for exploring the information boards and viewing areas. Reddit

Public transport options directly to the lighthouse are limited. It is best visited by private vehicle or as part of a guided tour from Exmouth. TikTok

The road is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. However, always check local road conditions before you travel, especially after heavy rain. Instagram

Exploring by car allows you to easily visit the lighthouse and other nearby attractions like Charles Knife Canyon and Yardie Creek. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no entry fee or ticket required to visit Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. It is a free public access area. Instagram

The lighthouse grounds are open 24/7, allowing visitors to experience both sunrise and sunset. However, facilities like interpretive centers may have specific hours. Instagram+1

No, visitors cannot enter the lighthouse itself. Access is restricted to the exterior viewing areas and surrounding grounds. Reddit

Parking at Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is free of charge. Reddit

The car park and viewing areas are generally accessible, but some paths may be uneven. It's advisable to check specific accessibility details if needed. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy stunning panoramic views, watch for whales, witness beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and learn about local history from information boards. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! It's renowned for its incredible sunrise and sunset photography opportunities, with pastel skies and dramatic light. Instagram+2

The best time for whale watching is typically during the humpback whale migration season, which usually runs from June to October. Instagram

Restroom facilities are generally not available directly at the lighthouse. It's advisable to use facilities in Exmouth before you visit. There are no cafes on-site. Reddit

The lighthouse and its surroundings have historical significance, including remnants from WWII, such as unique sandbags that have petrified over time. InstagramReddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. The pastel skies are particularly stunning. Instagram+2

Expect to capture sweeping ocean vistas, vibrant sky colors during sunrise and sunset, the lighthouse structure itself, and potentially wildlife like whales. Instagram+1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check with local authorities or park management for current rules regarding drone operation in the area. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and skies. A telephoto lens can be useful for whale watching. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

Yes, due to its remote location and minimal light pollution, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is an excellent spot for astrophotography and stargazing. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse offers a great educational and scenic stop for families. The information boards about local history and WWII remnants can spark curiosity in children. The open space around the lighthouse is good for kids to explore, and the chance to spot whales can be incredibly exciting. InstagramReddit

Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited. The drive from Exmouth is straightforward, making it an easy addition to a family day trip. Be prepared for flies, and consider bringing hats and sunscreen for everyone. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is a dream destination. The ability to capture both sunrise and sunset over the ocean provides ample opportunities for stunning landscape shots. The pastel skies and dramatic light are perfect for long exposures and capturing the vastness of the Indian Ocean. Instagram+3

Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens if you plan on capturing wildlife like whales. A tripod is essential for low-light conditions during dawn and dusk. The historical elements, like the petrified sandbags, also offer unique photographic subjects. Instagram+1

🚗 Road Trippers

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is a must-visit on any road trip through Western Australia's Coral Coast. It's easily accessible from Exmouth and offers a perfect stop to break up a journey, especially for sunset. TikTokInstagram+1

Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Charles Knife Canyon or Yardie Creek for a full day of exploration. The drive itself is scenic, offering glimpses of the rugged coastline. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Sunrise and Sunset

Vlamingh Head Lighthouse is celebrated as one of Exmouth's premier spots for both sunrise and sunset. The unique geographical position allows visitors to witness the sun rise and set over the ocean, a rare phenomenon in Australia. Social media is flooded with images of the 'golden hour' here, showcasing pastel skies and dramatic light that photographers and travelers alike find captivating. Instagram+3

Many visitors recommend arriving well before the actual sunrise or sunset to find the best vantage points and soak in the atmosphere. The changing colors of the sky create a dynamic and ever-evolving spectacle, making each visit a unique experience. It's a moment of tranquility and natural beauty that many travelers cherish. Instagram+2

A Glimpse into History and Wildlife

Beyond its scenic beauty, Vlamingh Head Lighthouse holds historical significance. Information boards scattered around the site provide insights into the area's past, including its role during World War II. Visitors are often fascinated by the remnants of this era, particularly the sandbags that have, over time, petrified and now resemble large stones. InstagramReddit

This elevated location also offers a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting. During the migration season, humpback whales can often be seen breaching in the distance. This natural spectacle adds another layer of wonder to a visit, making it a memorable experience for nature enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

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