Recently, I was fortunate enough to venture from the South Australian mainland, to the very popular island destination of Kangaroo Island for a few days work. Although only being a few days, I did get an opportunity to take in a few interesting sites.One afternoon, whilst enjoying watching the mainland ferry arrive with another collection of tourists into the seaside gateway to KI, Penneshaw, I noticed a road sign to a place named Cape Willoughby.
I thought to myself, this sounded like a place to be seen, conjouring up visions of the Great Southern Ocean rolling past a rugged Cape, surrounded by gorgeous beaches, something well renowned along the Kangaroo Island coastline.
Cape Willoughby is approx 30kms from Penneshaw, travelling south-east along predominantly dirt roads through Kangaroo Islands display of native flora and vegetation and in most conditions can be reached by car or bike.
Along the journey, there are diversions into Cuttlefish and Antechamber Bays, both having beautiful sandy beaches, and camping grounds for the budget traveller, but my direction today was to explore Cape Willoughby.
On approach to Cape Willoughby, the undulating dirt road soon presented to me a vast ocean mass ahead, and for the final few kilometres of the journey the vision of the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse was in my sights.
Driving up to the Lightstation and its surrounding outbuildings gave me a feeling of being in the presence of a landmark that over time must have been a crucial part of the maritime safety of many vessels navigating the waters off the East coast of Kangaroo Island.
Looking very much like the standard lighthouse, it was only on exploring further its history, that it revealed its unique character.
Built in 1852, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse (Sturt Light) was the first lighthouse in South Australia. In its early days, the tower stood alone and the keepers cottages were located a short distance away in a gully where they were sheltered from the raging southerly winds. In 1927, the keepers cottages were demolished and 3 new houses (current) were built at the site of the tower after recognising the efficiency of having keepers living close to the lighthouse. The lightstation is located on 17 hectares on the eastern tip of Kangaroo Island and is an area of historical significance atop steep rugged coastal cliffs overlooking Backstairs Passage.
Ships travelling between the eastern states and South Australia use Backstairs Passage, the passage of water between Kangaroo Island and mainland South Australia, and in association with racing tides between this passage and the Southern Ocean and prevailing south-westerly winds, this section of coastline past Cape Willoughby is often difficult to navigate.
Today, the third lightkeepers cottage is used as the visitor centre, and is filled with an extensive history of the lighthouse, the many stories associated with its operation over the years, and a museum of old images and equipment previously used at the site. Guided Interpretive tours are also available for the Lighthouse and its surrounding buildings daily. Visitors can climb to the top of the Lighthouse and enjoy the panoramic views and listen to stories about past life in a remote location.
I decided to do a self tour and walk around the area and marvel at the spectacular views over the Southern Ocean and across Backstairs Passage towards the Australian mainland.
Filled with knowledge of this icon, I set off on my journey back to Penneshaw satisfied I had experienced a little piece of Kangaroo Island and its history that plays such an important role even to this day.
If your looking to travel to Kangaroo Island for a day trip, over a weekend, or to explore the many wonderful sights the whole island has on offer, the SeaLink ferry service from Cape Jervis (on the mainland) to Penneshaw operates daily (http://www.sealink.com.au/). Flights from Adelaide airport to Kangaroo Island are also available.
Accommodation is available at Cape Willoughby in the Thomas and Seymour cottages where you can experience living at a remote working light station. For accommodation enquiries phone (08) 85534410
When on Kangaroo Island next, and looking for a history hit teamed with some spectacular coastline and scenery, jot the journey from Penneshaw to Cape Willoughby into your travel plans and experience a South Australian history icon.
This article and all images are the property of Matt Palmer, and based on his own personable experience of an Australian travel location.
Matt Palmer
Freelance Photographer/Travel Writer
SNAP Photographic
M:0410120705
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