We visited Cape Otway Lighthouse on the the Annual International Lighthouse Weekend. The event is held on the 3rd weekend in August every year at Lighthouses all around the world.
The 21m sandstone tower stands tall and proud at the edge of the cliff.
We began our visit with a self-guided tour of the Lighthouse, which was built in 1848 after a number of shipwrecks claimed lives in the treacherous seas of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait below. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1994, and has been replaced by a smaller solar powered version, that sits just in front of it on the cliff top. Though no longer in use, the original tower is still worth a look.
The winding staircase was wide and comfortable, while the steep narrow stairway at the top required some concentration.
In the tower, a guide told us some of the history of the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia and described how the light gives off its signal. He explained how the Lighthouse Keeper and their staff would take shifts during the night, beginning at sunset - to ensure the beacon shone at all times in the darkness. 
We got to see original equipment, tools and books used by the Lighthouse Keepers throughout the years.
The views from the top were incredible, from the calming sight of lush green pastures and forest behind us, to the wild waves of the ocean in front.
The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1994, and has been replaced by a smaller solar powered version, that sits just in front of it, on the cliff top. Though no longer in use, the original tower is still worth a look.
We headed back out into the sunshine and began exploring the Lighthouse Station grounds and buildings. Continued next post...
What: Cape Otway Lighthouse
Where: Otway Lighthouse Rd, Cape Otway
When: Daily 9:00 am - 5:00pm
Why:history, lighthouse
How Much:$19.50
Related post: Cape Otway Lightstation
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