Cape Otway, Victoria

On our last day in Apollo Bay we drove around 30km west to Cape Otway Lighthouse.  The lighthouse, sitting 90 metres above the ocean, was established in 1848 and is considered to be one of the most important lighthouses because it sits where Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean collide.  It is also Victoria's oldest working lighthouse. 

We were slightly disappointed that the lighthouse is temporarily closed to the public. Normally we would be able to climb the stairs to the lookout at the top of the lighthouse but when Apollo Bay and surrounds had the earthquake around three weeks ago (you may remember we felt it at the Grampians) the lighthouse was damaged and there was a mercury leak.  But, it is a magnificent day and the sun is shining brightly so we are content to walk around the lighthouse grounds that are quite extensive.  Although Cape Otway was home to more than 170 people over the years Cape Otway only housed a small community at any given time.  There was a Lighthouse keeper and two assistants and in later years when the telegraph station was built there was a Chief Operator and assistant.  However, all staff were married and there were lots of children and I read that one family had nine children.  A school teacher was employed to teach the children and lived with the families.

Interest fact.  The baby whale that I am sitting on is the exact same size as a baby whale at birth.

After we had wandered around for almost an hour we headed to the coffee shop for coffee, muffin and scone.  It is a very quaint coffee shop and they serve fantastic strong coffee!  Scone was straight from the oven, also for the win....

It was a very enjoyable morning and most particularly because of the wonderful sunshine.  It is still cold - around 14 degrees but no wind.  As we made our way back to the car, we passed yet another sign warning us of snakes.  Touch wood we haven't seen any to date but that may change if it warms up in Tasmania!

Tomorrow we head to Geelong where we will prepare the van and ourselves for our trip "overseas".  Tasmania is very strict on fruit and vegetables so I must use up as much as I can before Saturday.