Guide to Point Moore Lighthouse
Standing tall on Geraldton’s coastline, the Point Moore Lighthouse is one of the most recognisable Geraldton attractions and a standout among historic lighthouses in Western Australia. Its bold red-and-white stripes have been guiding ships since 1878, making it the oldest surviving lighthouse in Western Australia and one of the few still operating.
The tower marks the entrance to Geraldton’s port and sits in a prime spot for coastal views, sea breezes, and photos that scream “West Aussie road trip.” While you can’t climb the lighthouse on a standard day, you can walk around its base, read the history boards, and enjoy the coastal walks Geraldton is known for. It’s an easy detour if you’re in town for a few days or passing through on the Perth to Darwin road trip or the Western Australia Coral Coast route.
Why do people go to Point Moore Lighthouse?
Travellers visit Point Moore Lighthouse in Geraldton, for its striking design, coastal location, and historical significance. The tower is an impressive 34 metres high, made from cast iron panels shipped from England, and painted in its now-famous candy-stripe pattern. It’s a rare chance to see 19th-century engineering still doing its job in the modern day.
The surrounding area is perfect for a relaxed wander. From the lighthouse, you can follow the beach south toward Separation Point or north along Point Moore Beach. Both routes are great for photography, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the Geraldton foreshore in the distance. It’s also a favourite spot for sunrise and sunset shoots, making it one of the best photo spots Geraldton has to offer.
How long should I spend at Point Moore Lighthouse?
If you’re just stopping by, 30–45 minutes is plenty to walk around the base, snap your photos, and take in the views. This is also enough time to read the information boards and learn a little about Point Moore's history, from its construction in the UK to its long-running role in maritime navigation in Australia.
If you’re lucky enough to be here during one of the rare open days (usually during events like the Shore Leave Festival), it’s worth allowing up to two hours. On those days, you can join a guided tour, hear keeper stories, and step inside to experience the tower’s unique acoustics.
What are the Point Moore Lighthouse opening hours?
For most of the year, the lighthouse is closed to the public, but you’re free to explore the outside and the surrounding beach area at any time. It’s completely free to visit.
Special access days happen once or twice a year, generally during community festivals. On these occasions, guided tours usually run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you’re in town during those dates, it’s well worth planning your visit to coincide.
How to get to Point Moore Lighthouse
From Geraldton’s town centre, it’s an easy 7-minute drive (5 km). Head south along Willcock Drive until you reach Marine Terrace, and you’ll see the lighthouse ahead. For those travelling by campervan, the roads are sealed the whole way, and parking is straightforward once you arrive.
If you’re approaching Geraldton as part of a bigger road trip, it’s a convenient stop as the lighthouse is just minutes from the main coastal route through town.
Best time to visit Point Moore Lighthouse
Time of year: Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are the best months. You’ll get mild weather, clear skies, and less wind than in summer. Winter (June–August) can bring cooler days and the occasional storm, but this can make for dramatic coastal photography.
Time of day: We always recommend early morning (7–9 am) for its cooler temperatures, fewer people, and soft light for photos. Otherwise, your best time for visiting is during golden hour before sunset. At this time of day, the warm light makes the red and white stripes pop, and the surrounding ocean glows. This is when most photographers visit Point Moore Lighthouse, as it’s easily the best time to capture one of the best photo spots in Geraldton!
Weather at Point Moore Lighthouse
Point Moore Lighthouse sits in a classic Mediterranean climate zone, so you can expect long, hot, and dry summers, balanced by mild, breezy winters. In summer, temperatures often climb into the mid-30s °C, and the famous Geraldton sea breeze kicks in most afternoons, which is a welcome cooldown if you’re out on the coastal walk. Winter days are gentler, with highs around 18–20 °C, but you can expect the odd bit of rain, and a fresh coastal wind that makes the red-and-white stripes of the lighthouse stand out even more against a moody sky.
Best place to park your campervan at Point Moore Lighthouse
There’s free parking right across from the lighthouse, next to Point Moore Beach. It’s flat, easy to access, and big enough for campervans. From here, you can cross over to the lighthouse or wander directly onto the sand for beach views.
While you can’t camp here overnight, Geraldton has multiple holiday parks and campgrounds close by. Staying in town means you can visit the lighthouse at different times of day for changing light and tide conditions.
Road trips that pass through