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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Cape Otway Lightstation and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
6 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Paul LHallam, Australia998 contributionsGreat experienceIf 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.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 25 September 2023
- smiler1956Birmingham, United Kingdom592 contributionsVisitVisited whilst travelling the Great Ocean Road. Interesting local history and a nice place to walk around and see the old buildings. Unfortunately the Lighthouse was closed due to repair, which diminished the visit somewhat. The buildings are also in need of some tlc, but otherwise an enjoyable and interesting visit.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 19 January 2024
- OceanWandererBrisbane, Australia357 contributionsA wonderful experience.The Studio apartment at the lighthouse was an amazing place to stay. It was small but very well equipped and comfortable. The best part was at night when all the tourists had gone and we had the place almost ourselves with just the lighthouse, the stars and the odd wallabyVisited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2024
- ChrisUettingen, Germany10 contributionsGreat historic site with informative history talks!Great historical site with stunning views. The best part was listening to Richard and his history talk - he brought the site back to live by his great knowledge of history and his very entertaining way of presenting. Thank you Richard ! I can only recommend a stop at the lighthouse when traveling the Otway National Park 👍🏻Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
- Norm the NomadAustralia1,245 contributionsVery good - recommended.After some heavy showers overnight, it was good to wake to sunshine. We decided to go a little ‘off track’ today and explore the Otway lightstation (the oldest standing lighthouse on the Australian mainland); and the Otway radar bunker (dating back to WWII). Pretty cool.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 April 2024
- PB3068Melbourne, Australia400 contributionsThe best Devonshire Tea!! Delicious.Dropped into the cafe at the Cape Otway Lighthouse Cafe and was treated to one of the best Devonshire teas I have ever had. Beautiful fresh scones, locally made raspberry jam and excellent whipped cream. Absolutely fantastic. Price was very reasonable and the service friendly and impeccable. Highly recommend this place for a break while exploring the Lighthouse Station.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 9 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
3.5
1,063 reviews
Excellent
344
Very good
361
Average
168
Poor
104
Terrible
86
Adrienne R
Australia30 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
I would have paid the $20 per person admission to the lighthouse and surrounding historic buildings. However passing through the cafe and shop I noticed a smallish jar of local honey for almost $40, 3 bees wax wraps for almost $50, and a bunch of other nice locally made things with price tags that bowled me over.
As we turned and walked out we overheard some tourists saying they would just ‘photoshop’ themselves into an image as the cost was expensive. I don’t agree with that, as it takes time and money to maintain and run such a property, but the extortionate cost of goods was pretty rude, we thought.
As we turned and walked out we overheard some tourists saying they would just ‘photoshop’ themselves into an image as the cost was expensive. I don’t agree with that, as it takes time and money to maintain and run such a property, but the extortionate cost of goods was pretty rude, we thought.
Written 23 February 2020
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.
I'm sorry you reviewed your experience on the cost the of the honey and associated high quality local products. Some of these are more expensive due to the quality - the honey, for example, is an Australian made, organic and high quality Manuka honey which does cost a lot more than standard honey.
We have a range of general souvenirs at very reasonable prices.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jenafarious
Murwillumbah, Australia422 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Curiosity piqued by sign on main road I decided to take the 15 minutes off the beaten track.
Very glad I did! The scenery is breathtaking all the way along the road.
Watch out for koalas (and tourists) taking koalas pics... Allow plenty of time to explore the roadsides, enjoy the stature of the forest and then explore the rugged and majestic coastline surrounding the light station for free.
A must see on your road trip but wasn't prepared with extra time or to spend the $20 entry fee for the tour and talk of the station itself which takes at least2 hours.
Would suit those with lots of time, history buffs or special interest groups.
A steep climb awaits once through to the stairs. No lifts so a good level of fitness and flat shoes required here.
A flattish walk into the site and obligatory souvenir shop with toilets available. A cafe is available onsite but didn't sample due to taking the coastal walk. Best byo food and a small backpack for trekking if doing the same.
Take a wander around the beachside paths to enjoy the coastline vistas as far as your energy and time will allow.
Children ok but need to be very closely supervised as steep cliffs, no warning and many tree roots on paths. Prams and heels definitely NOT recommended.
Beautiful wildflowers in bloom and don't forget a bag for your rubbish along the way as no bins in the park trails.
Cameras are a must and early morning probably best to beat the crowds and buses coming through on the narrow road.
Collect a printed map in several languages for more info or check Facebook, insta and Twitter for updates. Assuming you get a good signal!
For best results spend at least a morning but preferably take the day to explore the whole precinct.
Very glad I did! The scenery is breathtaking all the way along the road.
Watch out for koalas (and tourists) taking koalas pics... Allow plenty of time to explore the roadsides, enjoy the stature of the forest and then explore the rugged and majestic coastline surrounding the light station for free.
A must see on your road trip but wasn't prepared with extra time or to spend the $20 entry fee for the tour and talk of the station itself which takes at least2 hours.
Would suit those with lots of time, history buffs or special interest groups.
A steep climb awaits once through to the stairs. No lifts so a good level of fitness and flat shoes required here.
A flattish walk into the site and obligatory souvenir shop with toilets available. A cafe is available onsite but didn't sample due to taking the coastal walk. Best byo food and a small backpack for trekking if doing the same.
Take a wander around the beachside paths to enjoy the coastline vistas as far as your energy and time will allow.
Children ok but need to be very closely supervised as steep cliffs, no warning and many tree roots on paths. Prams and heels definitely NOT recommended.
Beautiful wildflowers in bloom and don't forget a bag for your rubbish along the way as no bins in the park trails.
Cameras are a must and early morning probably best to beat the crowds and buses coming through on the narrow road.
Collect a printed map in several languages for more info or check Facebook, insta and Twitter for updates. Assuming you get a good signal!
For best results spend at least a morning but preferably take the day to explore the whole precinct.
Written 15 December 2020
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.
Sue S
77 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We were very impressed with our visit to Cape Otway Lightstation. For under $20 there’s such a lot there and lots of information to help you understand what it was like living in the lightstation and how important it was. If you’re deciding between visiting this lighthouse and Split Point, this one is more than just a lighthouse but at 34m Split a point is taller than Cape Otway (20m). You can go to the top of both. We were glad we did both. Both have a coffee shop. You can’t see this lighthouse up close or go to the coffee shop though without paying the entry fee. We found the bush tucker talk really good and suggest you go to that if you can. Our only disappointment was that you can’t take backpacks into the lighthouse or the telegraph station. We could have spent ages in the telegraph station because there’s so much information in there but because we didn’t want to leave our bag unattended outside we went in one at a time and so were quick. If we’d realised we would have left the bag in the car.
Written 3 January 2020
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.
Thanks for your great review. We do have signs at the front re backpacks so sorry you missed that.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alisadaf
9 contributions
Dec 2020
This light house faces the Southern Ocean so the views were spectacular. I did not take the light house tour as there was a long queue to get in and due to covid limitations only 8 people were allowed inside the light house at a time.
But there is a cafe right opposite to the light house which serves amazing scones and pies. Apart from the light house there are other things to explore in the area like the dinosaur museum, telegraph station, WWII radar bunker and a souvenir shop. There is an entry fee of $20 pp which includes all of the above. If you are a history buff you will definitely enjoy it - but this trip is also worth for its spectacular view.
But there is a cafe right opposite to the light house which serves amazing scones and pies. Apart from the light house there are other things to explore in the area like the dinosaur museum, telegraph station, WWII radar bunker and a souvenir shop. There is an entry fee of $20 pp which includes all of the above. If you are a history buff you will definitely enjoy it - but this trip is also worth for its spectacular view.
Written 25 December 2020
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.
MartinBlackDuck
Hunter Valley, Australia113 contributions
Nov 2022
The drive to the Otway Lighthouse (I can't for the life of me call it a lightstation although I understand there's no accommodation...) is a narrow and interesting cross country trek off the main Great Ocean Road. It is definitely worth the time, particularly on a sunny day. The carpark is pretty small and would be under pressure in busy times. You pay before you see the stunning white and red traditional tower and that appears to be a game changer for some reviewers. For us, we looked at how well the grounds are maintained, the value of the historic buildings and had no argument with the entry fee. The climb - three storeys of a normal house - to the top was narrow and restricted. The view from the top absolutely fabulous. Inside you can see the Fresnel lens and where the keeper would have made contact to the outside world. We also enjoyed a very good coffee made by a young and very happy young Italian man in the cafe. Great experience highly recommended.
Written 24 November 2022
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.
Hi Martin
We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the Lightstation!
The Cape Otway Lightstation is a rare example of a complete precinct complete with its associated buildings, the Keeper's Quarters (now the Cafe and accommodation), The Head Lightkeepers Cottage (accommodation), the Old Workshop, Original Lightkeepers Quarters (theatre room), Telegraph Station and the WWII Radar Bunker.
Our beautifully renovated heritage accommodation can be booked direct via our website and offers a tranquil escape on the cliff tops of Cape Otway in the centre of the heritage precinct.
The Lightstation is managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and ticket sales to the precinct go toward the restoration and maintenance of this incredible site as well as contributing to the management of our incredible coastline.
Written 6 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Denise
6 contributions
Oct 2022
It's disappointing that the lighthouse can't be photographed or seen without paying 19.50 to walk in the gates. Charge for a tour by all means but that should be an option, not mandatory. We couldn't even go to the cafe to have a coffee unless we first paid the entry fee! Very disappointing. We did not pay the fee to see the lighthouse. We continued on to Split Point lighthouse where we could see and photograph that lighthouse for nothing, happily paid $10 for a walk to the top and then spent a few more dollars at the cafe.
Written 18 October 2022
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.
The Cape Otway Lighthouse is located in the centre of a large heritage precinct which is also home to a number of significant heritage buildings and structures. The site is significant in that it is preserved in its entirety as a Lightstation precinct and that the associated buildings of the Lighthouse are still part of the complex which unfortunately is not the case elsewhere. In addition to the Lighthouse and its associated buildings, the precinct is also home to the historically significant Telegraph Station and also the WWII Radar Bunker. Extensive research and interpretation has been developed across the site to preserve its unique history and preserve this for future generations.
Visitors can usually spend anything from 1-3 hours exploring the site, climbing the lighthouse and attending history talks with our knowledgeable guides that run throughout the day.
Ticket sales go toward maintaining and preserving this unique site and its buildings, providing employment for over 20 local staff and, through the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority, maintaining our incredible coastline. Our cafe is located in the centre of our heritage precinct and due to its location and our limited infrastructure onsite, it is available only to visitors of the precinct.
Access to the site is limited to our opening hours however there are after hours walking trails from the carpark outside along the Great Ocean Walk where visitors can view the Lighthouse from a distance along the cliff tops.
Written 19 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RobSwindon69
Crewkerne, UK819 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
Stopped here on a detour on our way from Apollo Bay to the Twelve Apostles and enjoyed it more than any other stop on the GOR and would list this as one if the most enjoyable things we did on our trip to Australia. The drive out to the lighthouse is a nice once though some lovely countryside and forest where wild Koalas can often be seen in the roadside trees. The self- guided walk around the site was very interesting, especially the old telegraph hut and keepers accommodation and it was fascinating finding out what life was like living in such a remote spot in the Victorian era. Climbing the lighthouse itself was an exhilarating experience with spectacular views at the top. The cafe was great and the bush tucker & aboriginal history talk was superb lasting well over an hour and giving us an opportunity to taste some of the native plants. A thoroughly enjoyable visit!
Written 17 March 2020
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.
Thank you for your excellent review. The team at the Cape appreciate your valuable feedback and insights into what you most enjoyed!
Written 12 July 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Greg
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
Jan 2020
We recently visited with my aged parent in a wheelchair. They were happy to take our money for entrance, but didn’t mention that the paths around the place were gravel based and not wheelchair accessible. As we struggled with the wheelchair on the first metre of the path, a kind member of staff said that we could take our car inside. However that only meant parking a bit closer to the cafe - as we were dependent upon wheelchair access all we could do was go around the base of the lighthouse and even that we struggled with. Due to foliage there was no view for a person in a wheelchair. No notification about this when purchasing tickets. Absolutely a waste of money for those with accessibility requirements.
Written 27 January 2020
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.
Hi Greg
I'm disappointed to read your review. We do not charge for people in wheelchairs as we know how restrictive the experience is due to the terrain and limitations of the heritage precinct.
Please contact me via phone if you were charged for this person 0352379240 as it is possible our casual Summer staff may have not been informed of this.
Regards
Trish (Manager)
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hayley
Melbourne, Australia67 contributions
Jan 2020
So, the price of entry to the light-station is not great.
In fact other than the talks it’s hard to see where the money goes, other than paying worthwhile passionate staff to conduct talks for which they know about.
These beautiful people make it! Trust me they do. You can attend a history talk and a cultural Bush tucker talk in the Aboriginal hut.
Dale in the aboriginal hut is divine. Geese if you bottle his love and passion for people and talking, you would.
Do this because of these people and enjoy the view and the lighthouse. Ask for the person at the top of the lighthouse to turn on the light, so it spins.
Enjoy the scones at the cafe, but forget about the free wifi, cause there is none!
In fact other than the talks it’s hard to see where the money goes, other than paying worthwhile passionate staff to conduct talks for which they know about.
These beautiful people make it! Trust me they do. You can attend a history talk and a cultural Bush tucker talk in the Aboriginal hut.
Dale in the aboriginal hut is divine. Geese if you bottle his love and passion for people and talking, you would.
Do this because of these people and enjoy the view and the lighthouse. Ask for the person at the top of the lighthouse to turn on the light, so it spins.
Enjoy the scones at the cafe, but forget about the free wifi, cause there is none!
Written 5 January 2020
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.
Thanks for your great review - we love the energy and enthusiasm of our staff.... it's a shame we cam't bottle it!.
We do have our WiFi at Cafe sorted now.
Written 27 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cedric S
Narooma, Australia2 contributions
Apr 2021
Dale's talk on bush tucker was outstanding. Given sincerely from the heart as well as being historicaly and botanically accurate, it was most educational and deligtfully entertaining. to our environmental uni stdent roup. It was , however, heart rendering to hear that we were hearing his last talk. Apparently his services were terminated without notice as his employer was closing their operation having not renewed their lease. We wish Dale out the best in his future. He is an outstanding, sincere, knowlegable and engaging teacher of the local aboriginal heritage.
He brought the past right into the present like were were actually there three hundred years ago .
He brought the past right into the present like were were actually there three hundred years ago .
Written 1 May 2021
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.
How long does average people spend their time there?
Written 10 September 2017
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.
Written 15 September 2017
How far is the walk from the car park to the Lightstation?
Written 17 August 2017
COLLightkeeper
Cape Otway, Australia
Hi
This distance is approximately 400metres (approx 10 minute walk)
Written 15 September 2017
How far is the walk from the car park to the Lightstation?
Written 17 August 2017
About 15 -20 minutes on pathways
But not worth it in my opinion.
Written 18 August 2017
How many stairs are involved? Is it accessible for people who can't walk long distances (due to a walking disability)?
Written 19 February 2016
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.
Written 21 February 2016
kim l
Melbourne, Australia
Do you have to pay entry into the lighthouse in order to eat in the cafe?
Written 8 February 2016
Yes, you have to pay the general entry at the store before you enter the site.
Written 16 February 2016
Hi, we will be travelling to GOR in early Nov. Will it be fine to reach Cape Otway around 7pm?
Written 19 September 2015
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
Written 19 September 2015
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
Written 6 April 2015
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.
Written 6 April 2015
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
Written 6 April 2015
I think the best answer is.....rethink your prices, advertise them at the turnoff and fix the toilets.
Written 7 April 2015
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing