Shine a light: Cape Otway Lighthouse has longer summer hours

The team from Cape Otway Lightstation is in full swing, embracing the busy summer period and droves of visitors that arrive annually with extended operating hours.

“Our team have had some fun this past week swinging on the ropes at Live Wire and are charged up to share all the stories of the Cape and take visitors on a journey back in time,” manager Trish Goodlet said.

“Although we recommend visitors stop into us early before heading to the 12 Apostles we will be open a little later this summer to help with crowds.”

Ms Goodlet said until February 11, last entry has been extended until 5.30pm with tickets available to purchase at a savings online with no date restrictions.

“The tower is open all day from 9am until 6pm with history talks running at 11am, 2pm and 4pm. Bush Tucker sessions at the Aboriginal Hut at noon and 3pm with picnics welcome,” she said.

“Rollie pollies on the lawn essential with very cool souvenir keep cups for sale.”

Cape Otway Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia and considered the most significant, this leading attraction on the Great Ocean Road is a must for all visitors.

Built in 1848, the lighthouse known as the ‘Beacon of Hope,’ sits 90 metres above the pristine ocean of Bass Strait.

“Hundreds of lives were lost along this shipwreck coast – a sad but fascinating history which led to the building of the Lightstation on the cliffs edge,” Ms Goodlet said.

For many thousands of 19th century migrants, who spent months travelling to Australia by ship, Cape Otway was their first sight of land after leaving Europe, Asia and North America.

The Lightstation grounds are open from 9am to 5.30pm daily, for more information and to purchase tickets go to lightstation.com.