Nik T.
Yelp
my virgin lighthouse experience!
first impression was that it's nothing really majestic.
you just can't help but wonder why it's so short and stubby?
quite unlike it's taller, not so distant cousin in cape leeuwin.
but that's where perception misleads.
in fact, although it's height is half that of it's cousin, it's elevation is actually more than double at 123m above sea level!
thus, the view is way spectacular up here!
but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
this visit was actually setup way back at the busselton visitor centre.
a promotional voucher, so fortuitously gained there, ensured it was cheaper to visit ngilgi cave paired with the lighthouse(above & below pass) as 2 adults and 2 children than it's equivalent family pass.
tickets are available on site with tours departing every 30mins, first tour at 9.30am and last tour 4pm.
it's an easy drive with well posted signs culminating in free parking.
locate the shop cum cafe to get your tickets and/or meet up with your guide.
at our time of visit, we were the only family and it became a really exclusive private tour!
the story and history begins as you walk past the old lighthouse keeper's quarters towards this working lighthouse.
once inside the tower, you learn to appreciate even more how modern technology helped replaced ancient hardship.
an easy ascend, of merely 59 steps, brings you onto the balcony of breathtaking panoramic beauty.
that's when the lighthouse family's monster hit 'high' start to gently surround you as you bask in the glory of mother nature.
and if you are as lucky as we were, spotting a whale is an added bonus, with september to december being such jackpot months.
and of course, our friendly, full of gadgets guide quickly whipped out his binoculars for us to better take in this whale of a sight.
sadly however, you can't stay up there forever.
so after bidding farewell to sugarloaf rock in the setting sun, we reluctantly descended onto the trail.
but do keep your eyes peeled as a joey or two might come a jumping.