Cape Schanck Lighthouse — Attraction in Melbourne

I love a lighthouse and Cape Schanck is an example of the classic white stone, red cap style that you're likely to see in the movies. It was the second built in Victoria, back in 1859, and being only twenty meters, is not that tall. But it sits high on the cape so the light can be seen up to fifty kilometers away!

Getting to the lighthouse itself is straightforward, with no steps and mostly a concrete path once you're past the packed dirt track from the car park. But getting to the beach past the lighthouse involves a lot of steps! That's not for the physically impaired, unfortunately, but the coastline doesn't allow many options and Parks Victoria has done a good job with the infrastructure.

They haven't done such a good job with their website, however, which provides such meager details that it doesn't really help with your visit.

Anyway, covid has closed up the caretakers cottage museum, and impacted the lighthouse tours, but it is still worth visiting. There is a paved car park that gets busy even out of holidays, and toilet block amenity, which is basic but kudos for being there.

This is a rugged landscape, with mostly low scrub fighting for sustenance in the sandy soils, and you are strongly recommended to stay on the paths. The seriousness of a fall is illustrated by the emergency marker signs, which provide a location for a 000 call in case of trouble, otherwise, it's hard to say where you are. But the ruggedness has its own beauty and the climb down (and back up, all on the path!) to Pebble Beach and Pulpit Rock really is worthwhile. The shorter route from the car park to the beach is about 600m, while the longer route adds a couple of hundred meters for a slightly different perspective from the top of the cliffs, so either walk is spectacular. Head off east and you can try the Two Bays Walking Track, which is longer again. Follow it a couple of kilometers to Bushrangers Bay, which is a sandy beach, or much, much further for a multi-kilometer hike that is going to take you well away from the coastline and quite a way inland to the north.

If you come on a sunny day, bring water and sunscreen up, it gets hot. The bush provides little shelter - and makes it feel hotter, to be honest - and on a winter day, rug up because you're usually going to be facing into a stiff breeze.

And whatever you do, be careful if you go down onto the shoreline at Pulpit Rock or Pebble Beach. A rogue wave is an implacable force of nature and you don't want to be suddenly...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Cape Schanck Lighthouse during the Easter break, and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience. Situated just a 1.5-hour drive from the city, this charming lighthouse offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the stunning coastal scenery that surrounds the lighthouse. The rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and expansive ocean vistas create a truly picturesque setting that is a feast for the eyes. However, what truly sets Cape Schanck Lighthouse apart is the opportunity to experience it from a bird's eye view.

Thanks to the availability of drone tours, visitors have the unique chance to admire the lighthouse and its surroundings from a whole new perspective. Seeing the rugged coastline and rolling waves from above adds an extra layer of beauty to an already breathtaking landscape.

For those who prefer a more traditional experience, purchasing a ticket to climb to the top of the lighthouse is a must. Not only does it provide an up-close look at this historic landmark, but it also offers unparalleled panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding area. The sight from the top is simply mesmerizing and well worth the climb.

Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply in search of a peaceful retreat, this charming destination has something to offer everyone. I highly recommend adding it to your list of...

Let me preface this by saying I'm a sucker for lighthouses. They have this quiet majesty, standing sentinel over the waves. So, Cape Schanck Lighthouse was always on my must-visit list for the Mornington Peninsula.

The drive down was lovely, with rolling green hills and glimpses of the ocean. The lighthouse itself is smaller than I imagined, but somehow even more charming for it. The limestone gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the salty breeze carried the distant calls of seagulls.

Climbing the winding stairs was a bit of a workout, but the view from the top was absolutely worth it. The endless expanse of Bass Strait stretched before me, the turquoise water meeting the clear blue sky in a perfect horizon. I could almost see ships in the distance, their courses guided by the very light I was standing beside.

The attached museum was a delightful surprise. It housed a fascinating collection of old photographs, lighthouse equipment, and stories of the lighthouse keepers who once called this place home. I spent a good hour lost in their world, imagining the challenges and the simple joys of their life by the sea.

Overall, Cape Schanck Lighthouse was a little gem I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. It's a beautiful spot with a rich history, perfect for a dose of history, nature, and fresh air. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes for the climb, and bring your camera to capture the...