Lighthouses to visit with kids

Lighthouses to visit with kids around Australia

Exploring Australia’s lighthouses is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors with kids.  While some lighthouses charge for guided tours or climbing the tower, the grounds, surrounding parklands, and coastal walks are often completely free, making them perfect for a budget-friendly family outing.  Kids can run along the grassy areas, enjoy scenic lookout points, watch waves crash against the rocks, and learn a little about maritime history along the way.  Many of these lighthouses are located near beaches or short walking trails, giving families the chance to combine a lighthouse visit with other fun outdoor activities.  Whether you’re chasing spectacular ocean views, spotting ships, or simply looking for a unique place for children to explore, these lighthouses provide a mix of adventure, education and natural beauty.

Victoria

• Split Point Lighthouse (Aireys Inlet) – Very kid-friendly; boardwalks, picnic areas, and gentle walking tracks.
• Cape Otway Lighthouse – Grounds are kid-friendly; tower climb recommended for older kids.
• Point Lonsdale Lighthouse – Safe open grounds and coastal views; tower climb for older kids.
• Point Hicks Lighthouse – Kid-friendly grounds; remote area may require supervision for young kids.
• Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula – Walking tracks suitable for kids; tower climb for older kids.

New South Wales

• Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay – Kid-friendly grounds with safe walking paths and lookout areas; tower climb better for older kids.
• Fingal Head Lighthouse, Tweed Heads – Very kid-friendly; small headland and beach access make it safe for younger kids.
• Kiama Lighthouse, Kiama – Grounds and coastal paths are kid-friendly; tower tours are for older kids.
• Norah Head Lighthouse, Central Coast – Walking tracks and lookout areas suitable for all ages; tower climb for older kids.
• Macquarie Lighthouse, Sydney – Grounds are kid-friendly; tower and restricted areas better for older kids.

Queensland

• Cape Cleveland Lighthouse, Townsville – Open, kid-friendly grounds; tower access for older kids.
• Point Cartwright Lighthouse, Sunshine Coast – Very kid-friendly; parkland and easy walking paths.
• Double Island Point Lighthouse – Grounds are suitable for older kids; beach walk safe for all.
• Sandy Cape Lighthouse, Fraser Island – Grounds accessible; supervision needed near sand dunes.
• Cape Moreton Lighthouse – Safe open areas; tower climb for older kids.

South Australia

• Granite Island / Encounter Bay Lighthouse, Victor Harbor – Kid-friendly causeway walk and open areas.
• Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, Kingston SE – Grounds safe for kids; tower access for older kids.
• Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, Fleurieu Peninsula – Open areas are kid-friendly; tower tours for older kids.
• Troubridge Island Lighthouse, Yorke Peninsula – Grounds safe for kids; remote location.
• Cape Spencer Lighthouse, Yorke Peninsula – Coastal walk areas kid-friendly; cliffs require supervision.

Western Australia

• Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, Augusta – Grounds very kid-friendly; tower climb for older kids.
• Point Moore Lighthouse, Geraldton – Kid-friendly coastal park access.
• Point Peron Lighthouse, Rockingham – Walking paths safe for kids; some cliffs require supervision.
• Fremantle North Mole Lighthouse – Open parkland very kid-friendly.
• Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse – Surrounding areas suitable for kids; tower for older kids.

Tasmania

• Cape Bruny Lighthouse, South Bruny Island – Grounds kid-friendly; tower climb for older kids.
• Low Head Lighthouse, Tamar River – Open parkland and picnic areas very kid-friendly.
• Eddystone Point Lighthouse – Accessible grounds; supervision recommended near cliffs.
• Cape Grim Lighthouse – Safe headland for children; remote location may require extra supervision.
• Cape Bruny South Lighthouse – Free walking areas suitable for kids; cliffs require caution.

Northern Territory

• Cape Hotham Lighthouse, Arnhem Land Coast – Grounds accessible; older kids better for remote areas.
• Port Darwin / Stokes Hill Wharf Lighthouse-style lookout – Very kid-friendly; safe walking paths.
• East Point Lighthouse, Darwin – Safe parkland for kids; lookouts offer great views.
• Cape Fourcroy Lighthouse, Tiwi Islands – Grounds accessible; best for older kids due to remote location.
• Point Charles Lighthouse (near Darwin) – Coastal walk and lookout safe for kids; cliffs require supervision.

Lighthouses with open, grassy grounds are accessible with younger kids.  Lighthouses located on steep cliffs, remote areas, or with tower climbs may be better suited to older kids or teens.