Kangaroo Island's Cape Willoughby Conservation Park, home to South Australia's oldest operational lighthouse, will undergo a $5 million upgrade, enhancing the visitor experience at the popular site on the easternmost tip of the island.
The upgrade includes a new visitor information centre, café, park tours, walking trails and interpretive signage.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments and includes construction of additional carparks to provide parking for tour buses and accessible spaces.
A State Heritage place, Cape Willoughby Lighthouse once played a vital role in the shipping trade in South Australia before modern land-based transport. Several historical shipwrecks are located in the adjacent waters.
The 174-year-old lighthouse was built to assist the safe journey of ships passing through Backstairs Passage during a time of rapidly expanding coastal shipping trade.
South Australian architects Cumulus Studio and Kangaroo Island builders, Kauppila, have been engaged to design and construct the Visitor Centre.
Works are expected to begin in October (weather permitting) and be completed by June 2026. Construction of a lookout area at the Devil's Kitchen area was completed in April.
The lighthouse is still operational today, becoming automated (unmanned) in 1992.
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:
"Kangaroo Island is one of our nation's iconic destinations and a major tourism drawcard for South Australia.
"The Albanese Government is pleased to partner with the SA Government and local contractors to deliver this exciting project."
Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Lucy Hood:
"Cape Willoughby is only half an hour's drive from Penneshaw, making it one of the most accessible attractions on the island - so it will be fantastic to have these improved facilities available to cater for visitors from across the globe.
"When we diversify our tourism offerings like this - we give visitors every reason to travel further, stay longer, spend more, and share their tales of South Australia with national and global communities."
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia Charlotte Walker:
"It's great people will have the chance to learn more about the fascinating maritime history of Kangaroo Island.
"Cape Willoughby Conservation Park is a special place, rich in natural beauty, wildlife and maritime history that more people will now have the chance to experience and enjoy."
Quotes attributable to Member for Mawson Leon Bignell:
"This is a fantastic shot in the arm for Kangaroo Island and will give visitors another reason to come and visit this amazing part of the world.
"To stand at Cape Willoughby and take in the 360-degree seascape and landscape is an unforgettable experience. Mother Nature rarely looks this good.
"And now we have the infrastructure to ensure people can view everything in a safe, comfortable way."
