Cape Otway sits at the southernmost tip of the Australian mainland. It is home to the Cape Otway Lightstation which is Australia's oldest, surviving lighthouse. The light has actually been in continuous operation since 1848 although these days it is not operated manually. It still is of course a vital icon for shipping as the coast off Cape Otway is as treacherous as ever.
The lighthouse is perched atop high cliffs and looks out upon the Great Southern Ocean which is known for its sometimes malevolent approach to ships and men. In the early days Cape Otway was the first sight of land for the many thousands of European immigrants who had braved the oceans for many months in order to make a new start in this promised land. Unfortunately, this coast has laid claim to too many of these vessels and untold lives have been lost.
The Cape Otway Lightstation these days is one of the major tourist attractions along the entire Great Ocean Road. It doesn't cost much to have a look and a tour if you wish and really is one of the must sees for this region.
The grounds surrounding the Lighthouse is the traditional home of the Gadabanud people. You can find out more about their history when you take a tour of the Lighthouse and its precinct. There are also other tours available which shed more light on their history and also on the many shipwrecks which have occurred in this area. You can find more details once at the Lighthouse.
If you are intending on a visit to the Cape Otway Lightstation as part of your overall travels along the Great Ocean Road then more than likely you will be in need of some accommodation. You can actually stay at the Lighthouse if you wish in their heritage accommodation. Choose from the Head Lighthouse Keeper's House, the Lighthouse Keeper's Bed and Breakfast, the manager's house or the manager's B&B.
If you stay here be prepared for something different. To begin with you will have stunning views over the Southern Ocean. Weather permitting you'll see stunning sunsets and when you go to sleep and wake in the morning you'll do so to the sounds of the waves breaking on the rocks far below. You will really be experiencing what life used to be like for those who lived here long ago.
The Cape Otway Lightstation is also ideally situated to take in all the local attractions in this part of the world. So make sure this is part of your itinerary because you will not be disappointed. Have fun.
