Lighthouses of the Coast
The Shipwreck Coast’s historic beacons — the 1848 Cape Otway Lightstation, Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, and Aireys Inlet’s Split Point “White Queen.”
Lighthouses of the Coast
This coast earned the name Shipwreck Coast for good reason — and its lighthouses tell that story. The Cape Otway Lightstation (1848) is Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, guarding the meeting of two oceans; the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, “the White Queen,” watches the surf coast. Both make dramatic, historic stops with clifftop views. Here’s what to know.
What to See
Cape Otway Lightstation
Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, on a headland where two oceans meet.
Split Point Lighthouse
“The White Queen” of Round the Twist fame, with tower tours and clifftop walks.
The Shipwreck Coast
Hundreds of ships were lost here — the lighthouses guided them past the danger.
Tours & Views
Both offer tours and precincts; opening times vary by season — check ahead.
Lighthouse Tips
- Cape Otway pairs with koala spotting along Lighthouse Road
- Split Point is an easy stop near Aireys Inlet and the Memorial Arch
- Check current opening and tour times before you visit
- Both are exposed and windy — bring a layer
- For the wider story, see the Shipwreck Coast
Lighthouses — FAQ
What lighthouses can you visit on the Great Ocean Road?
The two icons are Cape Otway Lightstation (1848), Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse, and the Split Point Lighthouse at Aireys Inlet. Both have clifftop settings and tours — check current opening hours.
How old is the Cape Otway Lighthouse?
It dates from 1848, making it Australia’s oldest surviving mainland lighthouse. It stands on a dramatic headland where Bass Strait meets the Southern Ocean, at the start of the Shipwreck Coast. See Apollo Bay & Cape Otway.
What is the Split Point Lighthouse?
The 1891 lighthouse at Aireys Inlet, known as “the White Queen” and famous from the TV series Round the Twist, with tours and clifftop walks. See Lorne & Aireys Inlet.
Can you go inside the lighthouses?
Both offer tours (Cape Otway as part of the lightstation precinct; Split Point via guided tower tours). Availability and times vary by season — check current details.
Why are there so many lighthouses here?
This coast is the notorious “Shipwreck Coast,” where hundreds of vessels were lost. The lighthouses guided ships through the treacherous approach to Bass Strait.
The Great Ocean Road, Planned Around You
The Twelve Apostles, the surf coast, the Otway rainforest and the wildlife — with the driving and bookings handled by the family that’s toured Australia since 1974.
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