Cape Byron Lighthouse: Australia's Easternmost Beacon

Cape Byron Lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the most easterly point of the Australian mainland, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, coastline, and hinterland. Constructed in 1901, the lighthouse was designed by Charles Harding and Cecil W. Darley and built by Messrs Mitchell & King to safeguard ships navigating the treacherous coastline. The lighthouse is steeped in history, with its construction site believed to have once been a 'dancing circle' for the Bundjalung of Byron Bay, the Arakwal Bumberlin people. The name 'Cape Byron' was given by Captain James Cook in honor of John Byron, a British explorer. The Arakwal Bumberlin name for the headland is 'Walgun,' meaning 'the shoulder'. Originally operated by resident keepers until 1989, the lighthouse is now automated and managed by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. The original lightkeepers' office has been transformed into the Cape Byron Lighthouse Maritime Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lighthouse's and Byron Bay's maritime history. The museum is open daily from 10am to 4pm. The lighthouse boasts a powerful light, upgraded over the years from a kerosene burner to mains electricity, making it one of Australia's most powerful lighthouses. Visitors can take guided tours of the lighthouse and explore the Maritime Museum. The surrounding headland is also a renowned whale-watching destination, with tens of thousands of humpback whales passing the coast during their annual migration between June and November. Visitors can reach the lighthouse by driving along Lighthouse Road or taking the scenic 3.7km Cape Byron Walking Track, which offers stunning views of the coastline and surrounding rainforest.