Description
Cape Otway Lighthouse is the main navigation beacon for shipping and other vessels from the south east through the perilous waters of Bass Straight.
Formally known as the Otway Lightstation, the lighthouse was built in 1848 after many tragic shipwrecks on the rugged coastline of the spectacular south eastern corner of Victoria. Mariners have long referred to the relatively narrow entrance as The Needle’s Eye, which is a navigational horror of 90 kilometres width, linking Cape Otway with Cape Wickham on King Island, Tasmania.
Located midway along the world-famous Great Southern Road overlooking the treacherous Tasman Sea, this significantly historical lighthouse, with its surrounding grounds and keepers’ residences, is the oldest original light facility on mainland Australia.