Looking to optimise your whale watching experience in Victoria this winter? Prime whale watching spots in the state include Philip Island, Wilsons Promontory National Park in Gippsland, and the quaint coastal town of Warrnambool, situated along the Great Ocean Road, among others. But if you’re looking for a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, consider the short but mighty Gabo Island Harbour to Lightstation walk. An excellent winter getaway, the walk should take you no more than an hour to complete, but it packs a punch with incredible views, migrating whales, and crisp air, eventually leading to the only still-operating lighthouse in Victoria. Here’s what to know about the picture-perfect trail before you go.
Gabo Island Harbour to Lightstation walk
Perched right on the unspoilt coast of Croajingolong National Park, Gabo Island feels wild and remote with pink granite cliffs and boulder bays framing the shores, seals basking on the rocks and seabirds circling overhead. The whales make their annual pilgrimage from May to November, and you can enjoy a front-row seat to the action in this rugged corner of Victoria. The whales aren’t alone in their seasonal travels; pods of dolphins are often spotted in the surrounding waters, along with Australian and New Zealand fur seals. Gabo Island is also known to host the largest breeding colony of Little Penguins anywhere in the world.
The walk starts at the harbour and follows a 2km track to the lighthouse, and takes about 45 minutes each way. Built from the island’s pink granite between 1858 and 1862, the 47-metre-high Gabo Island Lighthouse is also the second-tallest in Australia.
Want to make your trip extra memorable? You can stay a while. The charming Assistant Lightkeepers Cottage is a cosy place to spend the night, surrounded by wildlife and rugged landscapes, as the sounds of the water lull you to sleep. The cottage accommodates up to 8 people with a 3-night minimum stay and includes three bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, laundry, and two bathrooms. Lighthouse tours can also be added to your stay. Book your stay here.
Key features
Where: Gabo Island
Distance: 2km
Total time: 45 minutes one way
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Bushwalking experience: Not required
Grade: 2 — suitable for most ages and fitness levels
How to get there
Gabo Island is located around 14 km off the coast of Mallacoota, at the eastern tip of Victoria, near the New South Wales border, making it an idyllic escape from both Sydney and Melbourne. The island is accessible only by boat or a licensed commercial aircraft, but you can also arrange a flight from the nearby coastal town of Merimbula in NSW. Make a booking here.