Wadjemup Lighthouse
Iconic Wadjemup Lighthouse offers breathtaking 360-degree views after a climb, showcasing historic engineering and island beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Low crowds, pleasant weather
Wadjemup Lighthouse
Best Time
Low crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Wadjemup Lighthouse offers breathtaking 360-degree views after a climb, showcasing historic engineering and island beauty.
"The view of the entire island can be seen out on the walkway. Well worth the visit!"
🎟️ Book Lighthouse Tour Tickets
Secure your spot for the lighthouse climb in advance, as tours can sell out quickly!
🚴 Cycle or Shuttle Up
Choose to bike or take the Island Explorer shuttle; be ready for an uphill walk to the top.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Island Views
Top of Wadjemup Lighthouse
Ascend 155 steps for breathtaking 360-degree vistas of Rottnest Island and the surrounding ocean.
+1Historic Rotating Lens
Inside Wadjemup Lighthouse
Marvel at the ingenious Mercury bath system that allows the massive lens to rotate, a testament to 19th-century engineering.
Quokka Encounters on the Way
Path to Wadjemup Lighthouse
Keep an eye out for the island's famous quokkas as you make your way to the lighthouse; they often frequent the surrounding areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Lighthouse Tour in Advance
Cycle or Shuttle to the Summit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Lighthouse Tour Tickets
Secure your spot for the lighthouse climb in advance, as tours can sell out quickly!
🚴 Cycle or Shuttle Up
Choose to bike or take the Island Explorer shuttle; be ready for an uphill walk to the top.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning 360-degree photos from the lighthouse walkway.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The walk uphill can be warm, so carry water, especially during warmer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Lighthouse Tour Tickets
Secure your spot for the lighthouse climb in advance, as tours can sell out quickly!
🚴 Cycle or Shuttle Up
Choose to bike or take the Island Explorer shuttle; be ready for an uphill walk to the top.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning 360-degree photos from the lighthouse walkway.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The walk uphill can be warm, so carry water, especially during warmer months.
🦘 Spot Quokkas
Look out for friendly quokkas on your journey to and from the lighthouse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wadjemup Lighthouse for its stunning panoramic views and the historical insights gained from guided tours. The climb to the top is a highlight, offering a unique perspective of Rottnest Island. Some find the uphill walk or cycle challenging, and booking tour tickets in advance is recommended.
"This is a fantastic structure to visit and especially do the guided tour and climb the stairs case. The Mercury bath alone at the top is worth seeing just to see how the massive lens and apparatus floats to allow it to rotate easily. The view of the entire island can be seen out on the walkway. Well worth the visit, ride your bike up the driveway if you can!!"
Jack B Level
"A great mid-island stop with panoramic views across Rottnest. If you’re taking the Island Explorer shuttle, you’ll need to get off at the designated stop and walk uphill to reach the lighthouse. The walk is a bit warm with lots of dry vegetation around, but along the way you might spot friendly quokkas, which makes it fun 🦫
You can actually climb the lighthouse, but it requires a ticket, so I skipped that part. Even without going up, the area around the lighthouse has seating spots where you can enjoy the elevated view of the island. There’s also a small cafe nearby, perfect for a quick rest or snack before continuing your adventure."
Krisnhaliani Wetarini
"Beautiful operational lighthouse and well worth doing the free tour with the volunteer guides.
We visited in August which is the low season, so very easy and no crowds."
Shane Dickson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Wadjemup Lighthouse, you'll first need to take a ferry to Rottnest Island from Fremantle or Perth.
Cycling to Wadjemup Lighthouse is a popular option, but be aware that it involves an uphill climb to reach the island's highest point. Many visitors enjoy this as part of their island adventure.
Most visitors rent bicycles to explore Rottnest Island, offering the most flexibility to visit Wadjemup Lighthouse and other attractions at your own pace.
Private vehicles are not permitted on Rottnest Island. Access to Wadjemup Lighthouse is via bicycle, the Island Explorer shuttle bus, or by walking.
The distance to Wadjemup Lighthouse from the main settlement varies depending on your route, but it's a significant ride, often around 30km for a full island circuit that includes the lighthouse.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While you can admire the lighthouse from the outside and enjoy the surrounding views, climbing to the top and taking a guided tour requires a ticket. These tours are highly recommended for the full experience.
The cost for the lighthouse tour and climb is typically around $15 per person. It's advisable to check the official Rottnest Island website or with tour operators for the most current pricing.
Yes, you can walk around the grounds of Wadjemup Lighthouse and enjoy the elevated views without purchasing a tour ticket. There are seating areas available.
Tour times for Wadjemup Lighthouse vary and are often dependent on guide availability. It's best to check the Rottnest Island booking platform or inquire locally for the most up-to-date schedule.
Tickets for the Wadjemup Lighthouse tour can usually be purchased online through the Rottnest Island booking system or at visitor information centers on the island. Booking in advance is recommended.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunities are from the walkway at the top of the lighthouse, offering panoramic views.
For capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings, consider using a wide-angle lens to encompass the vast views. Experiment with aperture settings to control depth of field, and adjust shutter speed for light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset for dramatic effect.
Yes, Wadjemup Lighthouse offers stunning sunset views. The elevated position provides a unique vantage point to capture the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the island and ocean.
Photography is generally permitted inside the lighthouse during tours, allowing you to capture the impressive lens mechanism and the spiral staircase. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules set by the guides.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photographing Wadjemup Lighthouse, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more atmospheric scene.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is climbing the lighthouse for panoramic views and learning about its history on a guided tour.
The climb involves 155 steps, which can be steep for some. It's a moderate physical activity, and visitors with mobility issues might find it challenging.
There are seating areas around the lighthouse, and while there isn't a full cafe directly at the lighthouse, there are often small kiosks or nearby cafes on Rottnest Island where you can grab a snack or drink.
Allow at least 1-2 hours for a visit, including travel time to and from the lighthouse, the tour itself, and time to enjoy the views and surroundings.
Completed in 1896, Wadjemup Lighthouse was Australia's first rotating beam lighthouse and has guided countless ships to safety. It's a significant historical landmark on Rottnest Island.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The journey to the lighthouse is also an opportunity to spot the famously friendly quokkas, which kids are sure to love. Tip for families: Make the visit a treasure hunt for quokkas along the path to the lighthouse. This adds an element of fun and keeps younger ones entertained during the journey.
🚴 Active Adventurers
Many visitors combine a visit to the lighthouse with a longer cycling loop around the island, covering significant distances and discovering hidden bays. Recommendation: Rent a bike upon arrival at Rottnest Island and plan a route that includes Wadjemup Lighthouse. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the scenic spots near the lighthouse, making it a perfect active day out.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim to visit during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. The unique rotating lens mechanism inside the lighthouse is also a fascinating subject for those interested in capturing historical engineering. Pro-tip: Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive views from the top, and a telephoto lens to focus on details of the lighthouse or distant coastal features.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Wadjemup Lighthouse
This was crucial for its function as Australia's first rotating beam lighthouse, ensuring consistent guidance for ships navigating the waters around Rottnest Island. During a guided tour, visitors can learn about the intricate workings of this historical apparatus. The volunteers who lead these tours are often very knowledgeable and can explain the historical context and the technical aspects of the lighthouse's operation.
The climb to the top, while physically demanding with its 155 steps, rewards visitors with an intimate look at the lens and the surrounding walkway offers unparalleled views.
It's a chance to step back in time and appreciate the dedication and skill that went into building and maintaining such a vital structure. Capturing Wadjemup Lighthouse: A Photographer's Perspective
Photographers often aim to capture the lighthouse from various vantage points, utilizing its prominent position on Wadjemup Hill. The panoramic views from the top are a major draw, providing opportunities for sweeping landscape shots that encompass the island's coastline and the distant mainland.
+1 Early morning and late afternoon light, often referred to as the 'golden hours', are particularly favored for their soft, warm illumination, which can enhance the textures of the limestone and the colors of the sea and sky. Experimenting with different compositions, such as framing the lighthouse with natural elements or capturing its silhouette against a vibrant sunset, can lead to striking images. For those interested in a more technical approach, the lighthouse's unique rotating mechanism and the interior spiral staircase offer intriguing photographic subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit