Lighthouses epitomise coastal getaways.
Generally, where there is a lighthouse, there are sensational sea views. And they usually make for fine photo subjects themselves.
Beyond that, these towering structures often have rich, fascinating pasts to uncover.
So, we’re shining a light on some of the best of them…
Found within Ben Boyd National Park, this is NSW’s southernmost lighthouse. It oversees one of the most popular lookouts in South Coast NSW, which shares its name and is a renowned whale-watching hotspot.
BIG4 park nearby: Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront.
This is one of the most modern lighthouses in Australia; in 1972 it replaced a structure first built in 1871. Cape Jervis is at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula and is the departure point for ferries to Kangaroo Island where several lighthouses are dotted along its magnificent coastline.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Cape Jervis Accommodation & Caravan Park.
Bonnet Island is spotted at the entrance to massive Macquarie Harbour and can be visited on various cruises that incorporate the wider area and its jaw-dropping scenery. The lighthouse is one of a few in these parts.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat.
Built in 1848 in response to the many shipwrecks off Cape Otway, this leading Great Ocean Road attraction is the oldest-surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. It overlooks the point where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean meet, so expect a mesmerising outlook.
BIG4 parks nearby: Bimbi Park, BIG4 Apollo Bay Pisces Holiday Park or BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park.
With its headland location within the Cooloola Recreation Area of Great Sandy National Park, this lighthouse gifts picture-perfect panoramas that incorporate Fraser Island and Rainbow Beach as well as the chance to spy marine life. The structure was created in 1884.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Rainbow Beach.
Spot two booming beacons within a national park that explodes with visual delights. Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse is a popular visitor attraction near Dunsborough and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse marks the most south-westerly tip of Australia and the meeting point of the Indian and Southern oceans.
BIG4 parks nearby: BIG4 Taunton Farm Margaret River, BIG4 Bunbury Riverside, BIG4 Breeze - Busselton, RAC Busselton Holiday Park, Mandalay Holiday Resort, Tasman - Yallingup Beach or Tasman - Yallingup Caves.
This is a popular visitor attraction within Hat Head National Park, which reveals a treasure chest of natural beauty.
BIG4 park nearby: NRMA South West Rocks or Ingenia South West Rocks.
The contemporary lighthouse has a striking painted reservoir for company, but that is just the start of the eye candy. From this elevated vantage point, witness incredible coastal scenery that sums up the Sunshine Coast’s outrageous beauty.
BIG4 parks nearby: in the Sunshine Coast.
This lighthouse featured in the 1990s children's TV series, Round the Twist and is still operational. The views from this vantage point are outstanding.
BIG4 parks nearby: BIG4 Aireys Inlet and BIG4 Anglesea Holiday Park.
Also known as Seal Rocks Lighthouse, this ancient structure overlooks the scene of many shipwrecks. It has a prime position within Myall Lakes National Park and doubles as a key place to spot whales.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 River Myall, NRMA Myall Shores, NRMA Forster Tuncurry or Lakeside Forster Holiday Park.
The 34m-tall lighthouse is a local landmark thanks in part to its eye-catching red and white candy-like stripes. It’s located across the road from a beautiful stretch of coastline.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Geraldton Sunset Beach.
Found on Griffith Island – previously known as Rabbit Island – this lighthouse has a history that extends beyond 160 years.
BIG4 parks nearby: BIG4 Port Fairy Holiday Park or parks in Warrnambool.
The 1862-built lighthouse is located on Fingal Island, reached via the mainland by boat or kayak. Along with delivering captivating coastal views, this tower overlooks historical ruins.
BIG4 parks nearby: in Port Stephens.
With red and white vertical stripes – an unusual marking in lighthouse circles – this structure makes for excellent photos. Keep the camera handy to snap away at the sparkling sea views on offer nearby.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park.
The 21m-tall circa 1859 structure is spotted at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula where dramatic coastal vistas abound.
BIG4 park nearby: BIG4 Mornington Peninsula Holiday Park.
Planted at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, the lighthouse is a landmark of this epic national park. Soak up seriously spectacular coastal scenery from this vantage point.
Nearest BIG4 park: BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks - Port Hughes.
This beacon occupied a position on Pine Islet in the Percy Isles for more than a century before being replaced, relocating to Mackay Marina. Following restoration, it has returned to working order and is reportedly the world’s only remaining fully functional kerosene lighthouse.
BIG4 parks nearby: BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park or Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.
This icon is perched on mainland Australia's most easterly point and gifts commanding and captivating views. A must-do when in Byron Bay and surrounds.
BIG4 parks nearby: Ingenia Holidays Byron Bay or Tasman Holiday Parks - Ballina.
The third-oldest lighthouse in Australia, having opened in 1833, sits at the mouth of the Tamar River where it meets Bass Strait. Low Head is also home to Australia’s oldest continuously used pilot station.
BIG4 parks nearby: Low Head Tourist Park and BIG4 Kelso Sands Holiday and Native Wildlife Park.
Isn’t it time you saw the light? Book a BIG4 break now.
