Point King Lighthouse Ruins Albany
Explore the atmospheric ruins of WA's second lighthouse, offering stunning views of Princes Royal Harbour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and safe exploration
Point King Lighthouse Ruins Albany
Best Time
Best views and safe exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the atmospheric ruins of WA's second lighthouse, offering stunning views of Princes Royal Harbour.
"Well worth the hike as amazing views."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is gravel and can be slippery, especially the final stretch. Good shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
The trail can be tricky to find for first-timers; Google Maps walk feature is helpful.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Point King Lighthouse Ruins
North shore entrance to Princess Royal Harbour
Explore the historic ruins of Western Australia's second lighthouse, offering stunning harbor views.
Ellen Cove Boardwalk
Entrance to Princes Royal Harbour
A scenic walk leading towards the lighthouse ruins, offering beautiful coastal vistas.
Princes Royal Harbour Views
From the lighthouse ruins
Spectacular panoramic views of the port and the vast expanse of the harbor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Accessibility
Best Time for Views & Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is gravel and can be slippery, especially the final stretch. Good shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
The trail can be tricky to find for first-timers; Google Maps walk feature is helpful.
🚶♀️ Moderate Fitness Needed
The walk involves uneven terrain past the signal tower. Not ideal for those with bad backs or knees.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer a historic and atmospheric backdrop for photos with stunning harbor views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The path is gravel and can be slippery, especially the final stretch. Good shoes are a must!
🗺️ Use GPS for Navigation
The trail can be tricky to find for first-timers; Google Maps walk feature is helpful.
🚶♀️ Moderate Fitness Needed
The walk involves uneven terrain past the signal tower. Not ideal for those with bad backs or knees.
📸 Capture the Atmosphere
The ruins offer a historic and atmospheric backdrop for photos with stunning harbor views.
🆓 Free Entry & Parking
No tickets are required, and parking is minimal but free. Enjoy the site without cost.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Point King Lighthouse Ruins for their historical significance and spectacular harbor views, calling the walk well worth the effort. However, some note that the path maintenance could be improved, with the final stretch being uneven and potentially slippery, recommending sturdy footwear and GPS navigation.
"Sadly this path has not been well.maintained so ensure you have your GPS working. But well worth the effort. Mid range level walk. A good km walk in and very uneven terrain past the signal tower to last stretch. So if bad backs or knees not advisable. Otherwise we'll worth the hike as amazing views. Hope it's upgraded and maintained soon. As would be a shame to loose."
Kelly PARTINGTON
"Be prepared for a bit of a walk, about 13 min from Marine Drive via connecting trail. You can either walk from the lookout point with the carpark or the side dip off the road with trail connection. I used Google maps walk feature to find my way. Can be a little bit hard to find if a first timer but it’s worth it. You can enter the ruins and the view is spectacular."
U Anders
"We parked at the lookout and walked down, about a 15min walk along a paved path. We saw some wildlife and the views are good so you didn't notice the walk.
The information sign about the lighthouse marks the track down.
Make sure you have good shoes arms it is gravel and can be slippery."
Crystal Milton
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The ruins are located on the north shore entrance to Princess Royal Harbour. You can access them via the Ellen Cove Boardwalk or by parking at a lookout point off Marine Drive and following the connecting trail. Using a GPS or mapping app is recommended as the trail can be hard to find for first-timers.
Yes, there is minimal parking available at the site, and it is free of charge. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! The walk from Marine Drive or the lookout point is about 13-15 minutes. The path is paved initially, then turns to dirt and rocks. +1
The walk is considered a mid-range level walk. While some parts are paved, the terrain past the signal tower is uneven and rocky, requiring good shoes and moderate fitness. It may not be suitable for those with significant mobility issues.
Many visitors find using Google Maps' walk feature or a GPS device very helpful to navigate the trail, especially if it's your first visit. The information sign about the lighthouse also marks the track down.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Point King Lighthouse Ruins is completely free. There are no tickets required to explore the site.
The ruins are accessible at any time, as it is an outdoor historical site. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safe exploration.
There is no admission fee. The Point King Lighthouse Ruins are a free historical attraction for all visitors.
Yes, you can safely enter the ruins and explore the historic structure. Visitors have enjoyed walking around and within the ruins.
Some reviews suggest the path has not been well-maintained, particularly the final stretch. Visitors hope for future upgrades to preserve the site.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The ruins themselves offer a fantastic, atmospheric backdrop. The panoramic views of Princes Royal Harbour are spectacular and highly photogenic.
You'll get amazing views of the entrance to Princess Royal Harbour, the port, and the surrounding coastline. It's a great spot to watch the ocean. +1
Drone footage shared online shows the ruins and the harbor from a stunning aerial perspective, highlighting the dramatic coastal landscape.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, can provide beautiful, atmospheric lighting for photographs of the ruins and the harbor.
The ruins themselves offer the primary viewpoint. Walking along the path towards them also provides excellent photo opportunities of the harbor entrance.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic ruins, enjoy the spectacular views of Princes Royal Harbour, and take a scenic walk along the path. It's a peaceful spot to sit and watch the ocean. +1
Families can enjoy the walk and the historical aspect. However, the uneven terrain on the final stretch might be challenging for very young children or those with strollers.
While not guaranteed, visitors have reported seeing wildlife along the walk to the ruins, adding to the natural beauty of the experience.
There are places to sit and enjoy the views, making it a pleasant spot for a quiet picnic. Remember to take any rubbish with you.
It was the first navigational light for the port of Albany and the second lighthouse built on Western Australia's coastline, making it a historically important site. 
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing snacks and water, as there are pleasant spots to sit and enjoy the scenery. While the walk is manageable, parents should assess their children's mobility and stamina for the uneven parts. It's a rewarding experience that combines a bit of history with outdoor exploration, making it a memorable outing for the family.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The walk itself is a rewarding experience, offering stunning views and a dose of history without any admission fees. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to explore Albany's attractions without spending a lot of money, allowing you to focus your budget on other experiences or dining.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the ruins, the expansive harbor views provide a stunning panorama. Drone enthusiasts can capture breathtaking aerial perspectives of the coastline and the historic site, showcasing its unique location. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for navigating the terrain to reach the best vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History: The Point King Lighthouse
+1While the original lighthouse structure is no longer intact, the remaining ruins provide an atmospheric setting for visitors. The location at the entrance to Princess Royal Harbour offers commanding views, allowing visitors to imagine the lighthouse in its operational days, a beacon of safety for mariners. The site is a popular spot for those interested in local history and heritage.
Exploring the ruins offers a unique perspective on Albany's heritage. The free entry and minimal parking make it an accessible historical site for many. The blend of history and natural beauty makes it a compelling stop for anyone visiting the area, providing a quiet moment to reflect on the past while enjoying the present-day scenery.
Navigating the Path: Tips for Reaching the Ruins
Many visitors find that using a GPS device or a mapping app on their smartphone is invaluable for navigating the trail, especially if it's their first visit. Some reviewers mention that the path can be a little hard to find, so having a digital guide can prevent frustration. The walk is generally considered a moderate effort, taking around 13-15 minutes, but the terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues, such as bad backs or knees.
Despite the trail's condition, the effort is widely considered well worth it for the spectacular views and the historical significance of the ruins. The information sign about the lighthouse also serves as a marker for the track down, providing a helpful landmark for those who prefer not to rely solely on digital navigation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit