Cape Otway Lightstation
Cape Otway Lightstation
Cape Otway Lightstation
3.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Climb to the top of the tower and enjoy amazing views 90 metres above the ocean. Built in 1848 the Lighthouse is the oldest remaining lighthouse on mainland Australia. Discover the important role of the Telegraph Station built in 1859. Learn of the role of the Radar Bunker protecting this coast in WWII. A range of accommodation suiting couples, families/groups is also available.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
1,057 reviews
Excellent
339
Very good
361
Average
167
Poor
104
Terrible
86
tron65
New South Wales, Australia73 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Great place to learn about the history of the area , the amazing way it was built, the lives of the people who worked there both with the lighthouse and as a radar station in WW2
Thrilling to go up in the lighthouse on a blustery rainy Spring day and cap it off with a coffee and scone
Thrilling to go up in the lighthouse on a blustery rainy Spring day and cap it off with a coffee and scone
Written October 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul L
Hallam, Australia940 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
If you are doing the Great Ocean Road you really should factor in a visit to this lighthouse. There is a range of parking, the inevitable gift shop, the inevitable slightly inflated entry fee but there is also a range of old building set up as a heritage museum with a bunch of displays and information about life in the early days.
There are also good views and the fun experience of going up Cape Otway Lighthouse. It's a entertaining - and windy - experience and those with a fear of heights will have to girdle their loins and push on through the stress barrier because the views are worth it.
Relax afterwards in the cafe.
Quick note - there is very limited internet reception out here. If you absolutely must get online one of the better spots to get at least a tiny bit of signal is the cafe area which is closer to the lighthouse/headland.
There are also good views and the fun experience of going up Cape Otway Lighthouse. It's a entertaining - and windy - experience and those with a fear of heights will have to girdle their loins and push on through the stress barrier because the views are worth it.
Relax afterwards in the cafe.
Quick note - there is very limited internet reception out here. If you absolutely must get online one of the better spots to get at least a tiny bit of signal is the cafe area which is closer to the lighthouse/headland.
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
krocchi
Singapore, Singapore1,430 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Beautiful place with great views and a very old lighthouse! The lighthouse was really cute! You can go up to take a look but beware of the super strong winds. There is an entrance fee for this attraction and you should expect to spend about 1-3 hours here. A cafe is available inside too. It was raining a little when we were there.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelove58
11,272 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
It's not often that one visits places like this as there aren't many in the world. Although it's not operating anymore, it was a good experience to understand the history of it. And physically see the lighthouse ( in its original state). The view at the top was nice but super windy. Climbing up & down the narrow steep staircase & maneuvering the small, narrow & cramped space gives one a feel of what life as a keeper here was in olden days. Outside the lighthouse, the atmosphere was serene & relaxed. However along the way, signs warning of snakes do give one a subconscious fear, always looking out as you walk. In other parklike forested attractions we also saw such warnings - of venomous snakes & what to do if bitten by one. Overall, it was a good experience, worth it.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,846 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Visitors can climb to the top of the Cape Otway Lightstation and get a great view out over the Southern Ocean; youngsters are welcome. The Cape Otway Light Station is the oldest functioning light house on the Australian mainland.
Written August 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc282
World7,478 contributions
Aug. 2023
easy 1 km stroll around lighthouse station grounds, easy climb up lighthouse, relaxing spot, downside is fairly pricey admission fee
perk is koala spotting on the road leading to lighthouse grounds. saw one walking by the side of road at 10 am
perk is koala spotting on the road leading to lighthouse grounds. saw one walking by the side of road at 10 am
Written August 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ann144
Auckland Central, New Zealand36 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A spur of the moment decision to visit which we are so happy about. Very interesting to learn about the history of the lighthouse and the keepers, also wonderful to be able to go to the lookout point. definitely worth a visit
Written August 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
auditor_g-s
Paris, France243 contributions
Jun. 2023
Great lighthouse well maintained and taken care off. Always someone to explain the history of the site. Great to be able to climb up the lighthouse and get a beautiful view.
Written June 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploreitall64
Mullumbimby, Australia6 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The self guided tour was great, allowing you to absorb the history and the people of the area.
The scone and coffee, yum.
Dale, the lighthouse guide, is very informative and obviously loves his job. Thank you for the fun and laughter.
The scone and coffee, yum.
Dale, the lighthouse guide, is very informative and obviously loves his job. Thank you for the fun and laughter.
Written May 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit with us!!
Written May 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
monib
Narre Warren, Australia222 contributions
Apr. 2023 • Friends
Well maintained area with good history of the buildings and communications. Good walking tracks for all abilities . Climb to the top of lighthouse was easy with a guide at the top. Small Cafe on site and toilets. Entry price was a little high $17.50 ea for seniors and no group concession despite 12 entering. 35km from Apollo Bay . Lovely drive through the Otways.
Written May 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NicholasNbx
2 contributions
How long does average people spend their time there?
COLLightkeeper
Cape Otway, Australia
Hi
The average time spent is 2 hours however depending on your availability we have both history and bush tucker talks offered daily at no extra charge and we also have a cafe.
cherylsg1113
Singapore, Singapore46 contributions
How far is the walk from the car park to the Lightstation?
COLLightkeeper
Cape Otway, Australia
Hi
This distance is approximately 400metres (approx 10 minute walk)
cherylsg1113
Singapore, Singapore46 contributions
How far is the walk from the car park to the Lightstation?
nomads2017
Albany, Australia6 contributions
About 15 -20 minutes on pathways
But not worth it in my opinion.
Melissa C
Narooma, Australia69 contributions
How many stairs are involved? Is it accessible for people who can't walk long distances (due to a walking disability)?
Anna911
Washington DC970 contributions
The number of steps is limited to 30 to 50 but they are narrow spiral stairs. Without doing stairs you can see the grounds and cottage. That takes about 30 to 60 minutes but there is a cafe if you want to take a break for any reason.
kim l
Melbourne, Australia
Do you have to pay entry into the lighthouse in order to eat in the cafe?
Crowded2012
Geelong, Australia11 contributions
Yes, you have to pay the general entry at the store before you enter the site.
IvyQuek
Singapore, Singapore3 contributions
Hi, we will be travelling to GOR in early Nov. Will it be fine to reach Cape Otway around 7pm?
Bevlea R
Melbourne, Australia236 contributions
The road itself is open 24/7, but you wont be able to get to the lighthouse as its behind a big fence and entry is through the shop where you pay for entry and buy souvenirs.
From the carpark you wont even be able to see the lighthouse. Being November and daylight saving, I would ring ahead and double check if they are open later, otherwise its not worth going unless you are happy to settle for spotting koalas along the road in. they are plentiful once you enter the lighthouse precinct
COLLightkeeper
Cape Otway, Australia
Hi Ahmed, although you may not have enjoyed the Lightstation experience as much as we would have liked. There are some facts you have missed about the Lightstation precinct.
Firstly this is Australia's most important Lighthouse. The precinct has the largest amount of Lightstation buildings, Lightkeepers Cottages etc in Australia! and is listed on Australia's Heritage register. With other points of interest, Telegraph Station, WW2 Radar Station a Weather Station of national significance, and Aboriginal Cultural Site the Cape Otway Lightstation is really the most comprehensive Lightstation experience you can get...
Thus my question is would you like to review your review given this insight..?
Kind regards
Paul
10_Downing_St
London211 contributions
Hi Paul, I take it that you are the lighthouse keeper and naturally feel very passionately and may be overly sensitive about your little lighthouse.
I also paid my fee, asked questions etc and had an OK time. But it is just another lighthouse and after having traveled from Perth to Cairns, there are others that are just as nice, cheaper and better informed.
If you have a look over the recent reviews, I am sure you will be surprised how many negative comments there were. Perhaps they ought to address these issues first. People on TripAdvisor generally put on honest reviews and having just read the review, would say that I couldn't fault it.
If he left without all the information, this would indicate that either someone isn't doing their job properly, or maybe the way of getting the information across is not working.
By the way, I thought the aboriginal hut was one of the best parts but probably only because the member of staff was very good.
COLLightkeeper
Cape Otway, Australia
Hello can you please let me know where the free lighthouses are that you can go visit and go up inside?
I do not know of any...
Kind regards
Paul
John A
Paris, France17 contributions
I think the best answer is.....rethink your prices, advertise them at the turnoff and fix the toilets.
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Claim your listingCAPE OTWAY LIGHTSTATION - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Otway Lightstation
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Cape Otway Lightstation:
- Private Three Day Great Ocean Road Tour (From C$1,199.91)
- Great Ocean Road Highlights Tour - 2 Days, 1 Night (From C$653.49)
- Private Day Tour at The Great Ocean Road (From C$1,015.31)
- Great Ocean Road Full Coastal Tour - 3 Days, 2 Nights (From C$1,084.54)
- Carbon Neutral Great Ocean Road Otways and 12 Apostles Heli Tour (From C$2,205.99)
- Hotels near Cape Otway Lightstation:
- (0.39 km) Great Ocean Ecolodge
- (1.30 km) Bimbi Park - Camping Under Koalas
- (14.87 km) Apollo Bay Waterfront Motor Inn
- (14.59 km) Apollo Bay Guest House
- (1.34 km) Shearwater Cottages
- Restaurants near Cape Otway Lightstation:
- (14.73 km) Dooleys Ice Cream - The Ice Cream Tub
- (14.77 km) Apollo Bay Bakery
- (14.68 km) Casalingo
- (14.65 km) Graze
- (14.99 km) Apollo Bay Fishermen's Co-op
- Attractions near Cape Otway Lightstation:
- (10.76 km) Wildlife Wonders
- (14.81 km) Walk 91
- (14.86 km) Great Ocean Walk
- (3.33 km) Twisted History
- (15.58 km) Mariners Lookout