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Cape Nelson Lighthouse

4.0 star property
Travelers find a peaceful coastal escape where the ocean meets excellent local cuisine at this picturesque lighthouse inn by the water

Choose dates to view prices

Cape Nelson Lighthouse sits right on the ocean, offering a quiet getaway with Isabellas Cafe serving delicious regional dishes. Guests can relax in the garden after a day of exploring, with convenient laundry facilities and helpful staff who assist with booking tours.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Restaurant
  • Air-conditioning
  • Laundry room
The current price is AU$279
includes taxes & fees
10 Feb - 11 Feb

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 9 of 9 rooms

View all photos for Sunrise Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Sunrise Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Sunrise Cottage - 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sunrise Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

Plasma TV, DVD player

Sunrise Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Sunset Cottage - 1 Bedroom

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sunset Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Sunset Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Sunset Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)

Highlights

Patio
Fireplace
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Caretakers Cottage - 1 Bedroom

1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

Caretakers Cottage - 1 Bedroom

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(3 reviews)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
Washer/dryer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Caretakers Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

Caretakers Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

Caretakers Cottage - 2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
Washer/dryer
2 bedrooms
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Partial sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Head Keepers Cottage -2 Bedrooms

Plasma TV, DVD player

Head Keepers Cottage -2 Bedrooms

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
Washer/dryer
2 bedrooms
  • 2 bedrooms
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

View all photos for Head Keepers Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Plasma TV, DVD player

Head Keepers Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Furnished balcony or patio
Garden
Fireplace
Private outdoor hot tub
Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Annex Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Annex Cottage - 1 Bedroom | Living area

Annex Cottage - 1 Bedroom

Highlights

Air conditioning
Heating
Kitchen
Full-sized fridge/freezer
Dishwasher
Plasma TV
Washer/dryer
Separate bedroom
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed
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About the area

Located in Portland West, Cape Nelson Lighthouse is in a rural area and by the ocean. Portland Cable Tram Depot Museum and Portland Arts Centre are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Cape Nelson Lighthouse and Cape Nelson State Park. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby surfing/body boarding, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
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Map
119 Cape Nelson Lighthouse Road, Portland West, VIC, 3305

What's nearby

  • Cape Nelson State Park - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Cape Nelson Lighthouse - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Nelson Bay Coastal Reserve - 6 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Nuns Beach - 16 min drive - 16.5 km
  • Point Danger Gannet Colony - 18 min drive - 20.2 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Portland Fish N Chips - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪hotel royal - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪gordon hotel - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Short Street Takeaway - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Cape Nelson Lighthouse

Upscale inn by the ocean
Consider a stay at Cape Nelson Lighthouse and take advantage of a terrace, a garden and laundry facilities. The on-site Regional cuisine café, Isabellas Cafe, offers breakfast and lunch. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Other perks at this inn include:
  • Free self-parking
  • Cooked-to-order breakfast (surcharge), motorhome/coach/lorry parking and a 24-hour front desk
  • Barbecues, smoke-free property and tour/ticket information
Room features
All guest rooms at Cape Nelson Lighthouse include perks, such as air conditioning, as well as amenities, such as free WiFi and espresso makers.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Free toiletries and hairdryers
  • Plasma TVs with cable channels and DVD players
  • Kitchens, full-sized fridge/freezers and dishwashers

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  • Parking included
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
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The price is AU$182
includes taxes & fees
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Free uncovered self parking on site
  • RV/bus/lorry parking on site
  • Limited on-site self parking
  • Onsite parking includes off-street options

Food and drink

  • Weekend cooked-to-order breakfast available for a fee: AUD 5 to 18 per person
  • A restaurant

Restaurants on site

  • Isabellas Cafe

Family friendly

  • DVD player
  • In-room full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • In-room kitchen
  • In-room microwave
  • In-room washing machine/dryer
  • Laundry facilities
  • Living room
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities

Guest services

  • No housekeeping service
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • In a state park
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • No lift (single-level property)
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 floor
  • 2 buildings
  • Built in 1884
  • Smoke-free property
  • Traditional architecture

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Plasma TV with cable channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Espresso maker
  • Full-sized refrigerator/freezer
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Oven

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Living room
  • Washer/dryer

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Special check-in instructions

Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and an access code; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 10 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-in for this property is based at the Quality Hotel Bentinck (Macs Hotel), located on the corner of Gawler St and Bentinck St in Portland in a 3-story bluestone building. Guests should enter via Gawler St and proceed to reception. Phone reception at the lighthouse is limited.

Access methods

Access code, staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Fee for cooked-to-order breakfast: approximately AUD 5 to 18 per person

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Cape Nelson Lighthouse
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Inn
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Inn Portland West
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Portland West
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Inn
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Portland West
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Inn Portland West

Frequently asked questions

Is Cape Nelson Lighthouse pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Cape Nelson Lighthouse?

As of 15 Jan 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cape Nelson Lighthouse on 10 Feb 2026 start from AU$278.56, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Cape Nelson Lighthouse?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Cape Nelson Lighthouse?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: 10 PM.

What time is check-out at Cape Nelson Lighthouse?

Checkout is at 11 AM.

Where is Cape Nelson Lighthouse located?

Situated by the ocean, this inn is steps away from Cape Nelson State Park and Cape Nelson Lighthouse. Portland H46 Bushland Reserve and Portland H47 Bushland Reserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Reviews

Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

9.0

Staff & service

9.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 181 out of 217 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 30 out of 217 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 217 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 217 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 217 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about this place was excellent. Extremely clean and everything you need has been thought of. Would come back again.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This cottage was so lovely! A lot of the original charm with just the right amount of updates for comfort. Immaculately clean, and ingredients for a full breakfast. We checked in early and were impressed enough that we went back into town for groceries so that we could make and enjoy dinner there. Wish we could have stayed a week.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2026

10/10 Excellent

Larry

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Awesome experience! Nice fireplace, very authentic stay. Would love to tour Australian lighthouses and stay in the keepers cottages again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrii

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fantastic place! We stayed in the Sunset Cottage for one night. The cottage is spacious, with two bedrooms, a lounge room featuring a fireplace (wood and matches provided), and very large kitchen equipped with modern cooking facilities. It was a truly unique experience. A full cook-it-yourself breakfast was provided, including fresh eggs, bacon, milk, and a selection of cereals. The staff were extremely accommodating and helped us recover an item we accidentally left behind.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025

10/10 Excellent

BILL

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Spacious, clean, good amenities and atmospheric. About 10 minutes drive to Portland and shops
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

philip

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Agree with the positive comments by many previous guests; a comfortable stay in a quiet and different environment. A few small things to note: we did not receive notification of the key and property access until we were already there, and had to ring the manager. Also the front door lock did not close on exiting so we had to use the back door. Also the heating was not working well in the main lounge room. But otherwise a pleasant stay. Recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Enjoyable stay Very quiet location with good views
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

JUDY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Cool place

Smooth registration drive is nice to cottage. The chilliness of the large lounge room that heats the lounge and bedroom. The area was quite cold
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Fionna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A stunning location, easy check-in, great walks in the area. Comfortable bed and well-equipped.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The remote setting & great facilities
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Clarence

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great views of the ocean
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Belinda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a beautiful location, isolated, quiet and with nature all around. Yje sunset and sunrise were amazing. All facilities were excellent and we hope to stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is an awesome property, beautiful views and close enough to Portland for eating options and shops. The head lighthouse keepers cottage has a spa which we didn't realise so that was a nice suprise!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Nicola

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
The view fantastic hot tub a bonus private beautiful place
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

glenn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Beautiful stay

This was an amazing stay with a very generous breakfast supply. Great space, very roomy. Amazing sunrise and sunset.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Our stay at the Cape Nelson Lighthouse Cottage was excellent! The facilities were top-notch, and the location was absolutely beautiful, with easy access to stunning walking tracks. We loved watching kangaroos and wallabies right outside the cottage — such a unique experience. Breakfast was delicious and a perfect start to each day. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a peaceful and memorable getaway.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emma

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Everything about this place is beautiful! Stunning scenery, amazing accommodation, clean spacious, well serviced with comfortable beds. The included breakfast was a lovely bonus.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Annie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This location is fabulous! A little remote but still close enough to town. Incredible wildlife to be seen and beautiful wild views
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

June

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful property in a fabulous location. We loved the Head Keeper’s cottage; the older style, high ceilings, tasteful decor and comprehensive amenities. It was wonderful that breakfast items were provided - the eggs were delicious! The property was very comfortable and homely, we only wish we were staying more than one night!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Marg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful serene setting in historic cottage. Great sunrises and sunsets and walks. Well provisioned for breakfast and self cooking. Luxurious bathroom!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eve

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The idea of staying in the lighthouse cottages appealed. The Caretakers cottage was not as old as the others but suited us as a couple with just the one bedroom in use. Everything was there that you needed with the heater keeping the place cosy. Cereal, eggs, bacon etc were provided for breakfast. The TV reception was poor, maybe due to the wind and maybe this was keeping the animals away as we only saw one kangaroo and no wombats despite the copious poo ! Would have loved to stay another night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Lindsay

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Lovely location with wonderful views. Handy also to Portland and Cape Bridgewater. It was very special staying in a former Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's house. The standard of accommodation was fine but not five star. Breakfast goodies were welcome. Our host did his absolute best to sort a television reception problem at the start of our stay, even smoothing the way with a bottle of bubbly!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
We loved our 2 night stay in the Head Keeper’s cottage. Number 4. We felt very comfortable as soon as we walked through the door, and the breakfast provisions left were very welcome. It was very clean and we felt that all our needs were met. Walks at your doorstep, kangaroos visiting and lovely photo opportunities. We would not hesitate to recommend this property. The open fire was very cosy. We could have used a little more wood but we easily grabbed a bag from IGA to get through the second night. Overall, a lovely two days. Thankyou.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

carol

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Well equiped cottage

We stayed at this property just for one night, but we so wished we had longer here. Unfortunatley we arrived in the middle of a storm, but when we got in it was almost like a country cottage. There was a big open log fire in the living room and was very spacious throughout. The kitchen was full of accessories so you didn't have to go out and buy the odd salt or pepper or kitchen roll. There was a great selection of cerials and fresh eggs and bacon in the fridge for breakfast. This was like staying in a B&B without the host. We had a power cut while we were there, due to the storm which was quickly reset, but it didn't effect the experience. We did speak with the host on the phone who was very pleasent and accommodating. The next morning the sun was up and we walked around the outside of the light house which was about a two minute walk from the cottage. Parking to the property was right outside. This was the best experiance for a cottage we ever stayed in and the most equiped property. Thank you.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a very unique property as it is an older caretaker cottage for the lighthouse at Cape Nelson. That being said, the hiking trails around are amazing and the views are spectacular, you are quite literally steps from an ocean overlook. It is a bit far from town and services but if you plan ahead there is a BBQ and complete cooking facilities to do on your own. The property is older but overall very well kept and at night it is SO quiet. The TV is older and did not have an antenna hooked up, something was wrong with the connection but hopefully easily fixed. There is a DVD player with a library of choices. Overall - very fun place to stay !
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025