Cape Northumberland

Experience the magnificent rugged coastline of Cape Northumberland on the Limestone Coast for one of the most most spectacular uninterrupted views of the sun rising and setting over the Southern Ocean at South Australia's most southerly point. Remnants of South Australia's first mainland lighthouse can be found at the Cape Northumberland Heritage and Nature Park. Originally opened in 1859 it operated for less than twenty years as the pounding surf made considerable inroads into the limestone cliffs that it straddled and the lightkeepers were concerned it would topple. Similar to the Twelve Apostles, only 250km away, the ocean has been carving impressions for thousands of years into the limestone cliffs leaving rock formations now separated from the mainland and resembling all sorts of animals and figures including a Rhinoceros (Rhino Rock), Frog and Camel. The nearby fishing village of Port MacDonnell has the title of Australia's Rock Lobster Capital and snorkeling for lobsters is commonplace in the waters around Cape Northumberland. Lazing on the sheltered beaches known as Posties, Finger Point or the aptly named Shelley Beach and great surfing spots around the Cape including Squeakys, Little Lefts and New Lefts are all within a few minutes drive of each other. A gentle walk to the top of the curving Bicentennial Turret offers uninterrupted views of Cape Northumberland, Mount Schank, Mount Gambier and Cape Douglas.