Cape Otway Lighthouse: Climbing, entry prices & accommodation

It is possible to climb the Cape Otway Lighthouse off Victoria’s Great Ocean Road – and there’s also accommodation in the keeper’s cottage.

What is the Cape Otway Lighthouse?

The Cape Otway Lighthouse – officially known as the Cape Otway Lightstation, although nobody calls it that, is the oldest lighthouse in Australia. Well, the Australian mainland, anyway – the Iron Pot Lighthouse on a tiny island off Tasmania is older.

The Cape Otway Lighthouse first opened in 1848.

Pick the right Great Ocean Road tour from Melbourne

For wildlife and nature focus: One day tour with koalas and guided forest walk.
To beat the crowds: Reverse direction Great Ocean Road day tour.
For adventure: Two day camping and surfing trip.
For backpackers: One day highlights tour aimed at younger travellers.
For exclusivity and flexibility: Private tour where you can pick the sights you want to see.
For an extended trip: Three day Melbourne to Adelaide tour.

Where is the Cape Otway Lighthouse?

The Cape Otway Lighthouse is at the tip of Cape Otway in Victoria, overlooking the Bass Strait. It would be on the popular Great Ocean Road driving route, if the Great Ocean Road didn’t cut inland across Cape Otway on the Apollo Bay to Port Campbell section.

It’s a 33km drive from Apollo Bay to the Cape Otway Lightstation. Branch off the Great Ocean Road down Lighthouse Road, through the Great Otway National Park, if you wish to visit.

7 fantastic Great Ocean Road experiences
1. Crowd-beating reverse direction tour. 2. Surfing lessons in Anglesea. 3. Split Point Lighthouse climb. 4. Shockwave Zip-Coaster. 5. Guided wildlife walk. 6. Budj Bim National Park tour. 7. Great Ocean Road by motorbike.

How tall is the Cape Otway Lighthouse?

The Cape Otway Lighthouse tower is 21 metres tall, and it reaches 91 metres above sea level.

Can I climb the Cape Otway Lighthouse?

It is possible to climb the Cape Otway Lighthouse as part of a general admission ticket to the Cape Otway Lightstation Heritage Precinct.

Tickets also include entrance to the keeper’s quarters and workshop, the 1859 telegraph station and the WWII radar bunker. On site, there is also a café, gift shop and Whale Interpretation Site.

What is the Cape Otway Lighthouse entry price?

Entry tickets for the Cape Otway Lighthouse cost $19.50 per adult. The tickets include regular history talks from staff on the site.

There is no need to book tickets in advance.

Cape Otway Lighthouse opening hours

The Cape Otway Lightstation Heritage Precinct is open from 09.30 to 17.00 daily. For more information, visit the Lightstation website.

Cape Otway Lighthouse accommodation

It is also possible to stay within the Cape Otway Lightstation Heritage Precinct. Stays are available at the Lightkeeper’s Cottage, the Lighthouse Lodge and a studio apartment overlooking the lighthouse. All bookings must be made through the Lightstation website.

If you want to double up on Great Ocean Road lighthouses, you can also visit the Split Point Lighthouse in Airey’s Inlet. This is better known as the lighthouse from Round The Twist.