In short
- Cape Bruny is accessible by car and ferry.
- Iron Pot is a boat-access-only site near Hobart.
- You can climb inside the Cape Bruny tower on a guided tour.
In this article
Tasmania features a rich maritime history with several historic lighthouses. If you want to see a lighthouse during your trip, Cape Bruny and Iron Pot are popular options. Each requires a different travel plan.
How do Cape Bruny and Iron Pot lighthouses differ?
Cape Bruny offers a land-based, cliff-top experience where you can walk inside the tower. Iron Pot is viewed from the water on a boat tour.
Cape Bruny Lighthouse stands 114 metres above sea level on dolerite cliffs in South Bruny National Park. You can drive to the reserve and join a guided tour to climb the 1836 stone tower. The Iron Pot Lighthouse sits on a small rocky outcrop near Hobart. Because it is boat-access-only, visitors stay on the water to view the structure.
How accessible is Cape Bruny Lighthouse?
You reach Cape Bruny by driving 40 minutes from Hobart, taking a 20-minute ferry, and driving 1 hour 15 minutes south.
The final section of Lighthouse Road is unsealed. Check that your rental car agreement allows driving on unsealed roads. You will also need a valid Tasmania National Parks Pass. This costs approximately $24 per adult for 24 hours.
What guided tours are available?
You can book a 30-minute guided tour to climb inside Cape Bruny Lighthouse.
Lighthouse tours are run by a private operator; check the current price when you book. A guide will lead you up the original wrought-iron spiral staircase. If you do not have a car, full-day tours depart Hobart for approximately $130-$150 per person. These trips include ferry transfers, local food tastings, and the lighthouse climb.
How old is Cape Bruny Lighthouse?
Built with convict labour, Cape Bruny Lighthouse was constructed in 1836 and first lit in March 1838.
It is Tasmania's third oldest lighthouse and Australia's fourth. The station holds the record for Australia's longest continuously staffed lighthouse, operating for 158 years. It was decommissioned on August 6, 1996.
Can children visit Cape Bruny Lighthouse?
Children can visit the grounds, but the minimum age to enter the tower is 5 years old.
This age rule is strictly enforced for safety on the spiral staircase. Families with younger children can walk to the nearby Cape Bruny Lookout. This vantage point offers views of the dolerite cliffs and the Southern Ocean without entering the 13-metre tower.
What should I pack for Cape Bruny?
Pack a windproof and waterproof jacket, as winds on the southern cliffs are extreme year-round.
Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for the spiral staircase. Bring a warm beanie that stays secure in high winds, sunscreen, and binoculars for spotting migrating whales. Food options are limited in the southern part of the island, so pack snacks or a lunch.
Questions travellers ask
Can you go inside Cape Bruny Lighthouse?
Yes, you can climb the tower on a 30-minute guided tour. Lighthouse tours are run by a private operator; check the current price when you book. Children under 5 years old are strictly not permitted inside.
Do you need a parks pass for Cape Bruny Lighthouse?
Yes. The lighthouse is inside South Bruny National Park. A 24-hour pass is approximately $44.75 per vehicle or $24 per adult, and must be displayed.
Is the Cape Bruny Lighthouse still operating?
No. It was decommissioned on August 6, 1996. A nearby fibreglass light tower now serves as the active beacon for ships.
