Unique winter getaways – Lighthouse cottages you can stay in

For our next holiday, we’re looking to trade in room service and buffet breakfasts for an historic abode with whales and dolphins at our front door.

Sure, it might sound a bit whimsical but the Australian coastline is home to a number of beautiful lighthouses that you can stay in. And, if you visit between May and November, you may just see those magical mammals pass by your accommodation. Here are our favourite picks.

1. Green Cape Lightstation Keeper’s Cottages , Ben Boyd National Park, NSW

Located near the township of Eden and perched on the edge of a peninsula, there are three beautifully restored keeper’s cottages, with open fireplaces and charming nautical decor. Along with a fully equipped kitchen and dining and lounge rooms, each cottage has a cosy verandah, ideal for enjoying the sea air and whale watching .

You can take a guided tour of the lightstation and walk part of the Light to Light walk in Ben Boyd National Park – a stunning coastal multi-day walk between historic Boyds Tower and Green Cape Lightstation. It’s one of the best walks on the Far South Coast of NSW with ever-changing views from coast to lush forest.

2. Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages , Cape Byron State Conservation Area, NSW

These award-winning Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages in Cape Byron Conservation Area are perfect for a getaway with family or friends. Just a short drive or half-hour walk from Byron, the lovingly restored cottages boast an almost panoramic view that takes in golden beaches, dramatic coastline and the iconic lighthouse, not to mention making it a superb spot for whale-watching.

You can spend the day swimming and relaxing, exploring the Cape Byron State Conservation Area, or if you’re feeling more adventurous there’s great diving and snorkelling, surfing, hang gliding and kayaking.

Although popular with visitors during the day, when the sun goes down you’ll have the area all to yourself. Sunrise over the ocean is a spectacular sight and well worth waking up for, at least once during your stay!

3. Montague Island Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage , Montague Island Nature Reserve, NSW

Ever dreamt of being cast away on a deserted island? Despite being just nine kilometres from Narooma on the Far South Coast, Montague Island Nature Reserve has all the makings of a remote isle.

The sweetest spot for a romantic escape, you can wake up to the sounds of crashing waves and catch the magnificent views as the sun rises over the ocean from the historic Lighthouse Keeper’s cottage. It’s also a haven for nature lovers: follow Montague Island walking track to explore this unique landscape that preserves habitat for more than 90 species of seabirds, whales and dolphins, and hundreds of seals who laze on the rocks from late winter to early December.

Wake up to the sounds of crashing waves on your own remote island at Montague Island Nature Reserve. (Image: Montague Island Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages)

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4. Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages , Myall Lakes National Park, NSW

Nestled in the quaint fishing village of Seal Rocks, this beautifully restored self-contained cottage (circa 1875) is a remarkable spot to explore a landscape of coast, bushland and lakes, and embrace a rich cultural history in timber-getting, fishing and maritime. The delightfully named Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse is unique in its architecture for being one of only two in Australia with an external stairway.

Home to more than 40 kilometres of beaches and the state’s largest coastal lake system, Myall Lakes National Park has countless opportunities for being active in the great outdoors. Busy yourself canoeing and kayaking, boating, fishing, surfing, snorkelling, or diving in the pristine waters. On land, there are a number of beautiful nature trails to follow, and be sure to check out the Grandis, a 76-metre-high flooded gum – one of the tallest trees in the state. You’ll find it in the Grandis picnic area north east of Bulahdelah.

By day, marvel at migrating whales from the cottage verandah and by night, when the lighthouse beams, you’ll be mesmerised by clear star-filled skies.

5. Smoky Cape Lighthouse B&B and Cottages , Hat Head National Park, NSW

Perched high on a headland in the beautiful Hat Head National Park on the Mid North Coast, Smoky Cape is the most elevated lighthouse on the east coast, completely surrounded by natural bushland with sweeping coastal views.

The historic Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage has been carefully restored and converted into a two-bedroom bed and breakfast with private bathroom, and the two Assistant Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottages are best suited for families with self-catering facilities.

History buffs will appreciate the area’s connection to Captain Cook’s historic voyage in 1770, the lighthouse’s use during World War II for military operations, and the area’s significance to its traditional owners, the Dunghutti people.

With rainforest and wetlands, Hat Head National Park is a terrific place to go bushwalking, camping or to enjoy a quiet picnic. Birdwatchers can look for black swans and spoonbills in the park’s wetlands; hawks and eagles soaring above beach cliffs; and shorebirds like curlews and plovers around the beach. And, of course, those magnificent whales can be spotted from your front door.

Smoky Cape is the most elevated lighthouse on the east coast of NSW.(Image: Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers’ Cottages/John Spencer)

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6. Point Lowly Lighthouse, SA

At the tip of a rocky outcrop that juts into the Spencer Gulf, this heritage-listed landmark in Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula attracts photographers, history buffs and those looking to catch one of its epic sunsets. Its two rustic lighthouse keepers’ cottages are available for groups to hire, providing peace, quiet and views out to the lighthouse and back towards the southern Flinders Ranges.

Stay at Point Lowly Lighthouse in Whyalla on the Eyre Peninsula in SA.

Three more unique lighthouses worth a visit

Wadjemup Lighthouse, WA

This long and slender limestone sentinel located at the highest point of Western Australia’s Wadjemup (Rottnest Island), a quick ferry ride from Perth, occupies the same site as the state’s first stone lighthouse, built in 1849 by Aboriginal prisoners. Its current incarnation is noted not only for being the country’s fourth tallest but also for having its first rotating beam. Take a guided tour with a volunteer for historical insight and fantastic views from the top.

Split Point Lighthouse, Vic

Still a vital working lighthouse in Aireys Inlet on Victoria’s Shipwreck Coast, Split Point Lighthouse – with its distinctive red cap – is affectionately known as the White Queen. But perhaps most importantly for anyone who grew up in the ’90s, this is the lighthouse from the popular kids’ TV show Round the Twist. Make a pit stop on your Great Ocean Road drive to climb to the top for stunning coastal views.

Low Head Lighthouse, Tas

Head to Low Head at the mouth of the Tamar River on Tasmania’s north coast, 40 minutes north of Launceston, for noon on a Sunday to hear the resonant moan of a foghorn that will make you feel like you’ve skipped back a century. Installed in 1929 and decommissioned in 1973, the foghorn was restored in the early 2000s by volunteers and today is the only operational G-type diaphone in the world. It sits next to the cheery red-and-white lighthouse that looks out over the wild Bass Strait and forms part of the Low Head Pilot Station precinct, the oldest of its kind in Australia, which dates back to 1805.

Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens , and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

1. Stockton Sand Dunes

Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands , a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape. — Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head . Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens. — Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

3. Watch out for whales

You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface. — Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile — See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

5. Diving Port Stephens

Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure. — Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay. — Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

7. Fish the estuaries

Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

three men fishing on a boat in port stephens — Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

A plate of fresh oysters. — Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au .