One of the South West’s oldest landmarks is offering a fresh reason to visit.
The Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse’s new interpretive centre, named the Lightkeepers Museum, officially opened earlier this year.
We have been delighted to support upgrades to the overall Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse Precinct in recent years. For example, the Lightkeepers Cottage itself, along with two other cottages, have been restored to their original condition by Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association’s Capes Foundation, with support from a State Government grant and guidance from Heritage Council.
Step inside the museum and imagine what life was like for the lighthouse keepers and their families who lived onsite until the light was automated.
Gain insight from the stories shared by from those who lived at what was mainland Australia’s last manually operated lighthouse.
One of the interactive exhibits recounts the story of a lightning strike that sent a telephone flying off the wall while the lighthouse keeper was on a call!
You’ll also learn about the lighthouse’s enduring legacy as a vital guide to maritime traffic for more than 120 years.
The museum highlights the broader historical significance of Cape Naturaliste and the early French exploration and mapping of the region in the early 1800s.
We are pleased to have provided a copy of one of the Baudin maps, of which we are the custodians, for a graphic panel relating to the exploration of Commander Nicolas Thomas Baudin.
Other tourist attraction upgrades supported by the Commission in recent times include the Ancient Lands Experience at Ngilgi Cave and the Underground Coal Mine Experience in Collie. Learn more here.
