The lighthouse was designed by Charles Harding and built to address the high number of shipwrecks in the area.
The original light source was a kerosene burner before being converted to electricity in 1956.
The lighthouse is situated on a headland that was traditionally significant to the Arakwal Bumberlin people.
The tower's Fresnel lens is original and remains one of the largest in Australia.
It is one of the few remaining lighthouses in Australia that is still fully operational as an aid to navigation.
The structure is built from 1,400 individual concrete blocks, each cast on-site.
The light beam from the tower can be seen from a distance of approximately 27 nautical miles.
The site acts as a critical observation point for the annual humpback whale migration between June and November.
Cape Byron Lighthouse is the easternmost point of the Australian mainland. Built in 1901, the lighthouse features a distinctive cylindrical tower constructed from concrete blocks. It stands 22 meters high and is equipped with a classic Fresnel lens. The site includes a maritime museum located in the former lighthouse keeper's office. Visitors can access the grounds and the surrounding headland walking trails. The site is managed by the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. It remains an active navigational aid for maritime traffic in the Pacific Ocean. The location is a prominent vantage point for observing migrating humpback whales. The headland provides panoramic views of the Byron Bay coastline and Julian Rocks.
The north-facing viewing platform near the lighthouse tower looking back toward the coastline.
Walk the Cape Byron Walking Track from Wategos Beach for the best approach.
Bring binoculars for spotting whales and dolphins in the ocean below.
Sun protection is essential as there is minimal shade on the exposed headland.
Do not attempt to walk down the cliff edges to the water; use designated beach access points instead.
Stay on marked walking trails to protect sensitive headland vegetation and cliff-side habitats.
