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A Life of Service, Ford Exhibition Opening

A Life of Service, Ford Exhibition Opening

‘A story of immigration, survival and service spanning three decades’

Learn about our longest serving Lightkeeper Henry Ford, his wife Mary Ann Ford and their time at the remote and isolated Cape Otway Lightstation from 1848 to 1878

An exhibition of objects, kindly on loan from descendants of the Ford family will go on display at the Lightstation giving visitors the opportunity to connect to the story of this remarkable couple.

From a treasured plait of hair in a locket to a barometer, each item provides an insight into Henry & Mary Ann’s personal relationship & life together at Cape Otway.

Keepers of History

Descendents of Head Lightkeeper Henry Ford and his wife Mary Ann visited Cape Otway to deliver the objects which are due to go on display at the Lightstation. Head guide Alex led a tour of the grounds whilst the group exchanged stories of the Ford’s and the life they led whilst serving at Cape Otway   

Whale sightings this season!

Whale sightings this season!

Victorian waters are home to a stunning diversity of marine mammals including whales, dolphins and seals, and Cape Otway is a perfect vantage point for whale watching between May and October.

At the Lightstation we celebrate these amazing creatures year-round in our Whale Interpretive Area.

Annually, 25 species of whales migrate past the Lightstation including Southern Right Whales, Humpback Whales, Blue Whales and Killer Whales (Orcas).

Many breed and socialise here before heading off to feed in sub-Antarctic waters. Southern Right Whales give birth to young in sheltered bays along the south-west coast of Victoria.

Apart from interpretive information to help you learn more about whales and how we can protect them, we have some large scale works of art celebrating these amazing mammals.

There is a geoglyph sculpture which is a full-scale Southern Right male adult, formed within the natural landscape, created with local limestone, and sandstone, featuring a weathered steel fluke.

We also have a baby Southern Right Whale carved from a cypress tree.

Visit the Lightstation for a chance to see these magnificent whales in their natural habitat and learn how to distinguish them from the their blow (cloud of mist of spray formed when whales exhale as they surface); learn to recognise their shape and behaviour.


Keep abreast of the latest sightings by visiting the Great Ocean Road website.

New Special Tours!

New Special Tours!

Join us this peak season as we kick off a number of new tours!

Great Ocean Walk & Lighthouse Adventure Pass

Departs: 10.00am

Simply park your car at the Lightstation and hop on our bus transfer to be dropped off at Blanket Bay (11km walk) or Parker Hill (5km walk).

Includes General Admission entry upon completion of your walk.

$35 Adult / $15 Child


Cape Otway Heritage Tour

Departs 10.00am

Visiting Blanket Bay, Parker River and Point Franklin and explore vital heritage sites.

Includes transport and General Admission entry.

$55 Adults / $20 Child


Cradle to Grave – Life & Death at Cape Otway Lightstation in the 19th Century

Tour Time: 1.00pm – 2.30pm

Walking tour taking you on a journey back in time. Visit the Assistant Keepers Quarters (1849 -59), Telegraph Station (1859) and the Cape’s Cemetery.

Includes tour and General Admission entry.

$40 Adult / $15 Child


Bookings are essential – to learn more about these special tours and to book, visit our Tickets page.