Cape Otway - VIC

Cape Otway is the most southerly point on the south coast of Victoria, west of Melbourne. Wilsons Promontory, to the eat of Melbourne is further south.

Cape Otway is all about the lighthouse, as without paying an entry fee or taking a long walk along the coastal walking path, you cannot gain a view of the lighthouse or the cliff top on which is stands.

The Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia. It was built in 1848 and stands at the top of cliffs that are relentlessly pounded by the ocean where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean. It was built in response to the substantial loss of life from ship wrecks in the area.

Charles La Trobe, the then superintendent of Port Phillip made three overland attempts at reaching Cape Otway before finding success in 1846, thanks to the help of the local Indigenous people and settlers.

The current light has a focal height above seal level of 73 metres. The original light stood at 91 meters. The original structure is the focus of tourist attention. A variety of activities are detailed on the Web page listed above.