Tasmania · Attraction
Cape Bruny Lighthouse
Australia's second-oldest lighthouse tower
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Perched 114 metres above dramatic dolerite cliffs at the southern tip of Bruny Island, Cape Bruny Lighthouse was first lit in 1838 and is the second-oldest surviving lighthouse tower in Australia. Built by convict labour from locally quarried stone under the orders of Governor George Arthur, it tells a story of shipwrecks, isolation and colonial ingenuity that stretches back nearly two centuries.
Guided tours run daily and take visitors up the original wrought-iron spiral staircase, past the historic Fresnel lens, and out onto the observation balcony for views over the wild Southern Ocean. Tours last 20-30 minutes and depart at regular intervals from 9:30am; extended afternoon sessions operate in summer.
The lighthouse sits within South Bruny National Park, so a valid Tasmanian National Parks pass is required in addition to the tour fee. The last 18 kilometres of road to the lighthouse is unsealed gravel. Minimum age for the tower climb is 5 years, and pre-booking online is strongly recommended during peak season.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
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