The lighthouse
A vigil is kept by the still manned Point Lonsdale Lighthouse over the narrow entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
The Rip, as it is known, is one of the most notorious entrances to any bay in the world.
This lighthouse is one of the few left that is staffed 24 hours a day. A web camera is accessed via this Port of Melbourne link view site
History
Permanent European settlement began at Point Lonsdale in the latter half of the 19th century with the construction of a lighthouse in 1863 and the extension of the railway line from Geelong to Queenscliff in 1879.
After a stone lighthouse was constructed at Queenscliff in the 1860s, the old wooden structure was dismantled and rebuilt at Point Lonsdale in 1867. In 1902 it was replaced by the current structure which stands 120 m above sea-level, radiating light for 30 km out to sea. It is manned 24 hours a day and is equipped with meteorological equipment, rendering it an important link in local weather forecasting.
Since settlement numerous ships have been wrecked here on the rocky reefs at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay.
Tours
Tours of the lighthouse explain the history of this and other local lighthouses and the channel through which ships pass to enter Port Phillip Bay. They are conducted half hourly, Sundays from 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and more frequently in school and public holidays. Prior bookings are essential. Ring from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily on (0419) 513 007. Group sizes are limited to eight and the cost is $6 for adults, $5 for concessions and $4 for children (children under five years of age are not permitted).
A cliff walk leads west to Point Lonsdale Lookout.