It’s not the tallest lighthouse in Australia (that’s Cape Wickham). It’s not the oldest (that’s Iron Pot). Nor is it the brightest (that’s Cape Byron). And it’s not the southernmost (that’s Maatsuyker Island). So the folks at Cape Otway have decided to call their lighthouse “the most significant lighthouse in Australia.” Wondering why? Here’s everything you need to know about the Cape Otway lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road.

Is Cape Otway the Most Significant?

What makes the Cape Otway lighthouse the most significant? Well, that’s a little unclear. The claim to fame appears to arise from the fact that this is the southernmost lighthouse on mainland Australia — so for many immigrants in the 1800s, this might have been the first point they would have seen after having traveled across the seas for weeks on end. On the other hand, the “most significant” designation may just be a marketing ploy. But in any case, it makes for an interesting place to visit.

The Shipwreck Coast and the Cape Otway Lighthouse

Roughly three and a half hours west of Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road, Cape Otway sits at the start of what is known as “Shipwreck Coast.”

Over the past 200 years, more than 600 ships have met their end on the jagged limestone rocks from Cape Otway westward. So Cape Otway made for a wise site for lighthouse building in 1848.

The Old Telegraph Station at Cape Otway

If you visit Cape Otway Lightstation (the official name for the entire site), you’ll find a range of things to see and do. The most informative spot to learn about history and culture is the old Telegraph Station.

Erected in 1859 as one end of a submarine telegraph cable between mainland Australia and Tasmania, this building has also housed a school, a signal station, a post office, living quarters for the lighthouse keepers, and a World War II lookout post. Today, it’s host to a museum with displays of everything from maritime signal flags to artifacts from life a century ago on this windswept, remote point. They’re not 100% sure how this organ ended up on Cape Otway, but it may have floated in from a shipwreck.

Climbing Up the Cape Otway Lighthouse

Of course, walking out to the lighthouse …

… and climbing the seventy-plus steps to see the view is a must.

We were lucky to find the lighthouse staffed by a knowledgable guide, who was able to tell us all about the structure’s history and construction (here’s the Fresnel lens).

Exploring Cape Otway

Other things to do on Cape Otway include exploring a WWII bunker, whale watching (in season, May-October), walking the paths, looking at whale art …

… sitting at a picnic table and having scones and tea from the cafe …

… and paying a visit to the somewhat random-feeling (and very 1980s-curated) Dinosaur cottage.

Is Cape Otway Worth the Trip?

Unfortunately, all of this comes at a price: entrance to Cape Otway costs nearly $20 AUD. I would say that it’s totally worth the fee — I enjoyed nearly every moment of my visit (the scones weren’t quite to my taste). I loved the views, the wide open spaces, and the well-informed lighthouse guide. What a fabulous place to be out in the fresh sea air.

That said, I recognize the hefty price tag. If you want to explore the Cape for free instead, you can hike the Great Ocean Walk straight into the park (this photo was taken a bit further west, not far from the Twelve Apostles).

You also have the option of skipping the lighthouse and just driving into Great Otway National Park — where you won’t get the lighthouse or the history, but you will get the views and coastal scenery.

If you do the drive, look up — you might see a koala in the eucalyptus trees!

How to Visit the Cape Otway Lighthouse on the Great Ocean Road

• Entry Fee: As noted above, you do have to pay to visit the Cape Otway Lightstation.
• Ticket Purchase: You can buy tickets when you arrive; there’s no need to book in advance.
• Food: The Lightkeeper’s Cafe serves scones, sweets, tea, and coffee.
• Accommodations: You can stay overnight in their heritage buildings: the Lightkeeper’s Cottage, the Lighthouse Lodge, and the Lightstation Studio.
• Whale Watching: Bring your binoculars and scan the seas from May to October.
• Lighthouse Entry — Important Note: Due to 2025-2026 renovation works, you may not be able to access the interior of the lighthouse. Check the Lightstation website before you go.

Don’t miss other great highlights along the Great Ocean Road. And If you’re up for a short coastal hike, check out my walk to Magic Rock on the Great Ocean Road.