You can drive right up to the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere at Cape Wickham, on KI’s northern tip. This 48m-high tower was built in 1861 after several ships had been wrecked on the island’s treacherous coastline. Most famous of all King Island shipwrecks is the Cataraqui (1845), Australia’s worst civil maritime disaster, which resulted in the loss of 400 lives.
Cape Wickham Lighthouse
Tasmania
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
18.95 MILES
Low-key but top quality, King Island Dairy’s fromagerie is 8km north of Currie (just beyond the airport). Visit its attached shop to taste award-winning…
Kelp Industries’ Visitor Centre
24.64 MILES
Come here to find out why you see tractors gathering kelp on the island's beaches. The huge straps of bull kelp being air-dried here are exported to…
23.94 MILES
Home to a gallery showing work by local artists. Hosts a resident artist program and many community events. Check the Facebook page for exhibition details.
24.08 MILES
One of three lighthouses on the island, this structure with its 20m-high spiral staircase can be visited on twice-weekly tours. Advance bookings essential.
24.1 MILES
Exhibits on the island lighthouses, shipwrecks, sealing, local monuments and soldier-settlement history.
Nearby Tasmania attractions
18.95 MILES
Low-key but top quality, King Island Dairy’s fromagerie is 8km north of Currie (just beyond the airport). Visit its attached shop to taste award-winning…
2. King Island Cultural Centre
23.94 MILES
Home to a gallery showing work by local artists. Hosts a resident artist program and many community events. Check the Facebook page for exhibition details.
24.08 MILES
One of three lighthouses on the island, this structure with its 20m-high spiral staircase can be visited on twice-weekly tours. Advance bookings essential.
4. King Island Historical Museum
24.1 MILES
Exhibits on the island lighthouses, shipwrecks, sealing, local monuments and soldier-settlement history.
5. Kelp Industries’ Visitor Centre
24.64 MILES
Come here to find out why you see tractors gathering kelp on the island's beaches. The huge straps of bull kelp being air-dried here are exported to…