The Cape Otway Lightstation

Free experience
The Cape Otway Lightstation

What you can expect

The Cape Otway Lightstation has long played a crucial role for those navigating the ominously-named "Shipwreck Coast" of Victoria, with the station's lighthouse having been in operation for over 150 years before being decommissioned in 1994. Its historical significance remains to this day, however, and its location perched in an extremely photogenic location on the sea cliffs makes it another essential stop when travelling the Great Ocean Road offering outstanding views from the top. It's a wonderful panorama that makes for an excellent subject for photography; be sure to bring your camera when visiting here. Adding to the physical beauty of the lighthouse and its surrounds is the area's cultural significance, as the Lightstation is home to not just the lighthouse but several other interesting historic structures as well - of particular note is its Indigenous Cultural Centre that provides insight on the local Aboriginal inhabitants of this part of Cape Otway. Visitors to the lightstation can garner additional insight from the indigenous guides on hand who are happy to go into great detail about their culture as well as provide hands-on experiences such as playing a didgeridoo, throwing a spear, or trying their hand at clapping sticks around a campfire. There's even effort made to make things interesting for kids, with each given an activity pack upon entry and the area's history with dinosaurs sure to enthral as well.

Location

What you need to know

Note
  • 14km off main Great Ocean Road
  • guided tours daily from 9:30am
  • light was established back in 1848
  • wheelchairs can access main site but cannot ascend lighthouse
Interesting European & Aboriginal history
Wonderful cliff views to take in
Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse
Guided lighthouse tours available
Experience Oz

We acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Custodians of Country and their connections and continuous care for the skies, lands and waterways throughout Australia.