Portland - Cape Nelson Lighthouse
Cape Nelson Lighthouse is located on the spectacularly rugged cliffs of the Discovery coast, just 10 minutes from Portland. The white stone tower with red cupola has a total height of 32m.
The lighthouse precinct is home to Isabella's cafe which serves tea, coffee, cakes and gourmet lunches daily, as well as the assistant lighthouse keeper's cottages, which have been elegantly restored to offer boutique luxury accommodation.
Tours
Tours of the precinct are conducted every day. Our tour guides have extensive knowledge of both the history of the precinct itself, the maritime history of the region and many aspects of the natural history of the area. Hear stories of the shipwrecks that lie in the depths of the Southern ocean off Cape Nelson.
The tour takes you back in time into the world of the lighthouse keeper from the inception of the lighthouse in 1884. See the cottages in which the lighthouse keepers lived and climb all of the steps to the top of the lighthouse, viewing the Capes from 32 meters above the ground.
Accommodation
Located only ten minutes from Portland upon the rugged cliffs of Cape Nelson, the Cape Nelson Lighthouse precinct comprises five exquisitely renovated cottages.
These historic buildings have been elegantly restored and now comprise five separate two-bedroom cottages.
The cottages are ideal for a secluded couple's get away, families, or groups! The precinct is located within Cape Nelson State Park and is surrounded by spectacular views, excellent walking tracks and tours of the historic lighthouse run daily.
Each cottage includes two bedrooms with queen sized beds, full length mirrors and storage. The cottages include a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and lounge room with TV, DVD and an open fire place. All properties include free Wi-Fi, reverse cycle air conditioning and for your first night a breakfast of cereal, milk, eggs, bacon, toast and condiments, as well as tea and coffee.
Opening Hours:
Tours of the precinct are conducted every day at 11am and 2pm.
Cost:
Tour Costs
Accommodation Costs
History of Cape Nelson Lighthouse
On 7th July 1884 the Cape Nelson Lighthouse was officially lit. The need for a lighthouse west of Portland had been apparent since the earliest years of European settlement. The state of navigation, the nature of sailing vessels and the treacherous coastline meant that vessels were in danger as they made their way to and from Melbourne to Adelaide. From time to time there were major ship wrecks.
In 1854 a government committee recommended that lighthouses were built on a number of prominent headlands along the Victorian coastline, with a major open-ocean lighthouse to be erected at Cape Bridgewater.
Portland Harbour master James Fawthrop submitted a report in 1856, asserting that "a light exhibited on Cape Nelson would be preferable". His compelling arguments won the day and Cape Nelson became the preferred site.
Governments of the day always seemed to have more pressing priorities. However maritime disasters and near misses ensured that the need for a lighthouse remained pressing.
The eventual construction of the lighthouse appears to have come about as a political favour! Local parliamentarian William Tyherleigh is said to have supported Peter Lalor, the hero of Eureka and later an influential politician, at a critical time. Lalor held several ministries and became the speaker of the Legislative Assembly in 1880. He is believed to have returned Tytherleigh's favour by throwing his considerable influence and prestige behind the push to have a lighthouse constructed on Cape Nelson. The site was surveyed in 1879 and tenders let in 1882 for the construction of the lighthouse and two cottages. A memorial stone was laid on Cape Nelson on Thursday 19th April by the mayor of the Borough of Portland, James Trangmar.
Despite various problems, work proceeded at a satisfactory rate and the light was officially lit on July 7th 1884 30 years after the idea of a light to the west of Portland had first been advocated. Mayor P.W. Shevill lit the white light whilst former mayor W.T.Pile lit the red light. In 1884 a telephone line was installed between the lighthouse and government offices in Portland. The telegraph system meant that messages or warnings from the lighthouse could then be rapidly transmitted to the colonial capitol of Melbourne. In 1901, The Australian colonies federated to form the Commonwealth of Australia. Cape Nelson Lighthouse became a key part of a network of lighthouses guiding shipping around the continent.
The lighthouse's powerful telescope and telephone enabled it to play a strategic role during World War 1, although no German raiders were sighted. Cape Nelson Lighthouse also played a part in World War 11 , when a radar station and support camp was established there to provide early warning of Japanese war ships and ship launched air craft. The installation included lookouts, an air raid shelter, quarters and a gun emplacement. The radar station was apparently linked to the Air Force base at Mount Gambier, which operated between 1941 and 1946. The radar station also protected Portland's Port. Redevelopment of Portland's port in the 1950's and 1960's underlined the importance of the Cape Nelson Lighthouse in protecting shipping throughout the region.
The 1980's saw the development of the Great South West Walk, linking Cape Nelson Lighthouse to Cape Bridgewater and Portland via scenic coastal and inland walks.
In 1987 the light was connected to main power and in the 1990's the lighthouse was "de-manned" or automated, ending an era of lighthouse keepers dating back to 1884.
Be that as it may the Cape Nelson Lighthouse continues its vital role in keeping our regional seas safe. Operated by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, its white group light, flashing four times every twenty seconds can be seen some 21 nautical miles out to sea.
Location
Cape Nelson Lighthouse Road, Portland West 3305 Map
✆ (03) 5523 5119 / 0428 131 253
Email Enquiry
Web Links
→ www.capenelsonlighthouse.com.au
→ Cape Nelson Lighthouse Reserve (Parks Victoria)
→ Cape Nelson Lighthouse on Facebook
