CAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION
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This 21-metre-high lighthouse offers a breathtaking panorama and has played an important role in the country's maritime history.
Perched on the steep cliffs where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lighthouse, nicknamed the "Beacon of Hope", is the oldest surviving lighthouse on the Australian continent. Commissioned in 1848, it has guided countless ships through notoriously dangerous waters, bearing witness to the region's turbulent maritime history. Access to the site was no mean feat. Charles La Trobe, then superintendent of Port Phillip, made three attempts to reach the cape by land before succeeding in 1846, thanks to the help of the local native population. Construction of the lighthouse then began, with stones extracted from Parker River, some 5 km away, transported to the site by ox teams.
Today, the lighthouse offers a breathtaking view 90 metres above the ocean, attracting lovers of history and spectacular panoramas.
For a gourmet break, Lightkeeper's Café, built in 1858 from Parker River sandstone, offers homemade scones served with fresh cream and local jam. The café also serves locally roasted coffee, accompanied by fresh milk from local dairy Apostle Whey Dairy. To extend the experience, accommodation is available in the former lighthouse keepers' residences, offering a true immersion in this site steeped in history. Each stay includes a morning climb to the lighthouse, starting the day with panoramic ocean views.
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