Cape Otway Lighthouse

Perched on dramatic sea cliffs where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lighthouse is Australia’s oldest surviving lighthouse and a stirring sight. The 20-metre bluestone tower, built in 1848, stands guard over a coastline of shipwrecks, rugged heathlands and sweeping ocean views. Beyond the history, this is also one of the best places on the mainland to spot wild koalas in the surrounding eucalypts, and during winter you might see southern right whales passing below.

Highlights & What to See

• Climb the lighthouse – 85 steps lead to a small lantern room with panoramic views of the wild coastline and the Otway hinterland.
• Lighthouse keeper’s quarters – Restored cottages and a museum tell tales of isolation, shipwrecks and the lighthouse’s role in guiding vessels through the treacherous Bass Strait.
• Koala spotting – The Cape Otway area has a dense koala population; keep your eyes on the manna gums along the access road and near the car park.
• Whale watching – From June to October, pull up a bench on the headland and scan for southern right and humpback whales migrating close to shore.
• Shipwreck Coast walk – A short trail leads to the site of the 1845 wreck of the Children, with interpretive signs explaining the perilous shipping history.

Suggested Time to Spend

Set aside 1.5 to 2 hours to climb the lighthouse, explore the museum and walk the clifftop trails. If you’re also keen on a longer rainforest walk or a picnic on the beach below, allow half a day. The lighthouse is at its best in the late afternoon when the golden light softens the bluestone and the crowds thin out. Combine with a drive along the Great Ocean Road for a full day of coastal drama.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Great Otway National Park – Ancient rainforests, towering waterfalls (Triplet Falls, Beauchamp Falls) and the iconic Maits Rest tree-fern walk are all within 30 minutes’ drive.
• Apollo Bay – A relaxed seaside town with a good bakery, fish-and-chip shops and a sheltered beach; it’s the nearest base for accommodation and supplies.
• Twelve Apostles & Loch Ard Gorge – The star attractions of the Great Ocean Road, about 90 minutes west, best visited early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
• Great Ocean Road itself – The winding coastal drive between Torquay and Warrnambool offers world-class scenery, surf beaches and quirky roadside stops every few kilometres.

Please check official sources for current details.