02Buildings & Places

Captain Cook Memorial & Lighthouse

ArchitectFulton Trotter Architects
Building typeHistoric Building
Year Built1971/2024
Date27 September 2025
Opening Hours10:00 am - 3:00 pm
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Address
Point Danger, Tweed Heads / Coolangatta

Open Access with staff on site to provide tours and information

Donations welcome

The historic Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse at Point Danger recently reopened following a $6.5 million revitalisation project, unveiled to the public on Tuesday 16 July 2024. Situated on the spectacular NSW/QLD border, this iconic site has been transformed into a vibrant community destination — blending history and rescue service operations with panoramic views.

Originally constructed in 1971 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Captain James Cook’s voyage along Australia's east coast, the Memorial and Lighthouse has long stood as a beacon of maritime history and coastal identity. The 2022–2024 upgrade, led jointly by the City of Gold Coast, Tweed Shire Council, and other stakeholders, has ensured the structure remains functional, inclusive, and meaningful for future generations.

The new building includes:

  • A purpose-built base for Marine Rescue NSW operations at Point Danger.
  • A welcoming café and gallery space, open 7 days a week, with seating both indoors and on the public viewing deck.
  • Public toilet facilities.
  • Wheelchair-friendly access to the entire site, including the upper viewing deck.

While the structure has been updated for modern use, care has been taken to preserve its heritage design, including the original compass-point column layout. Visitors will still recognise its distinctive profile as viewed from the street.

Importantly, the site upgrade has also paid deep respect to its Indigenous cultural significance. The land surrounding Point Danger is of continuing importance to the Bundjalung and Yugambeh peoples. Local artist Christine Slabb has been commissioned to create interpretive storyboards and artworks that reflect the area's Aboriginal heritage, now proudly featured throughout the landscaped areas and gallery space.

Whether you're exploring the region for the first time or returning to relive childhood memories, the refurbished Captain Cook Memorial and Lighthouse stands ready to welcome you. Grab a coffee, take in the view, and absorb the stories that make this headland more than just a scenic lookout. 

Captain Cook Memorial & Lighthouse

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