Victoria · Attraction
Cape Schanck Lighthouse
History on the wild coast
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Built in 1859, Cape Schanck Lighthouse stands at the southernmost tip of the Mornington Peninsula, where Port Phillip Bay meets the turbulent waters of Bass Strait. The reserve is open daily for free public access, and guided tower climbs take visitors up to the Lantern Room for sweeping views of the rugged coastal cliffs and ocean beyond.
The lighthouse precinct includes the original keeper's cottages, now managed as a small museum, and an interpretive walk through the history of this vital navigational beacon. Guided tower climbs run throughout the day and last around 45 minutes, covering the story of the lighthouse keepers who once lived and worked on this exposed headland. A park entry fee applies through Parks Victoria.
The boardwalk trail from the car park winds through coastal scrub to a viewing platform above the rock platforms and blowhole below. Birdwatchers regularly spot sooty oystercatchers, Cape Barren geese, and various raptors along the cliff edge. The windswept landscape makes Cape Schanck one of the most dramatic coastal locations on the peninsula, and it is part of Mornington Peninsula National Park.
The reserve is suitable for walkers of all fitness levels. Tower climbs must be booked in advance, especially during school holidays and long weekends when sessions sell out quickly.
Scenic views
