Swan Island lies north-east of Cape Portland in the Waterhouse Island Group. Its lighthouse marks the eastern approach to Banks Strait, while dunes, grassland and shore habitat support breeding birds.
A working light station
The first lighthouse began operating in the nineteenth century and the station changed with automation. Buildings and navigation equipment remain operational or managed heritage, not abandoned structures.
Access is controlled
There is no public bridge or scheduled ferry. Landing, accommodation or aviation arrangements must come from authorised operators and land managers. Do not organise an independent boat landing based on an old guide.
Protect breeding wildlife
Shorebirds and seabirds are vulnerable to disturbance, dogs, bright lights and trampling. Follow every biosecurity and movement instruction if access is authorised.
The Cape Portland guide gives mainland context, while Flinders Island is the region’s practical visitor island.