Cape Jervis Lighthouse
The 1871 original & 1972 concrete replacement
The headland lighthouse marking the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, with an original 1871 structure and a 1972 concrete tower that still operates today.
A beacon for Backstairs Passage
Cape Jervis Lighthouse stands on the rugged headland at the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula, guarding the approaches to Backstairs Passage between the mainland and Kangaroo Island. The original light, a stone tower, was first lit on 10 August 1871 to guide ships through the often treacherous waters of the Passage.
The modern tower
The current 18-metre concrete lighthouse tower was first lit in 1972, replacing the original structure. It is operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and is an active navigation aid today.
Visiting
The lighthouse is in a small fenced reserve a short walk from the Cape Jervis carpark and SeaLink ferry terminal. The Heysen Trail begins nearby, so many visitors combine a lighthouse visit with a short coastal walk and a look at Backstairs Passage. Free entry.
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Last verified 4 days ago
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Sources
- Cape Jervis Lighthouse - Wikipedia - Wikipedia (accessed April 2026)
Image credits
- Cape Jervis Lighthouse , CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons