A Day Trip to Cape Otway Lighthouse
Hey there, lovely readers! It’s me, Sophie. Today, I’m taking you along on a dreamy day trip we took to the Cape Otway Lighthouse, a gem tucked away on Australia’s rugged Great Ocean Road. Spoiler alert: it was equal parts romantic, windswept, and unforgettable. So, grab a coffee, get cozy, and let’s dive into our day!
The Plan: A Spontaneous Getaway
It all started on a lazy Saturday morning. Liam and I were lounging in our tiny Melbourne apartment, sipping coffee and daydreaming about escaping the city. We’d been itching for a road trip, and with the sun finally peeking out after a week of rain, we decided it was the day. I pulled out my phone, scrolled through some inspo on Pinterest, and there it was: Cape Otway Lighthouse, Australia’s oldest mainland lighthouse, perched on a dramatic cliff with the Southern Ocean crashing below. It looked like something out of a movie, and I was sold.
“Liam, pack a bag. We’re going to a lighthouse!” I declared, already mentally planning our picnic. He grinned, always up for my spontaneous ideas, and within an hour, we were in our trusty hatchback, windows down, playlist blaring, and a cooler packed with goodies in the backseat.
The Drive: Coastal Vibes and Sing-Alongs
The drive from Melbourne to Cape Otway is about three hours, winding through the iconic Great Ocean Road. If you’ve never done this drive, add it to your bucket list. The road hugs the coastline, with jaw-dropping views of turquoise waves, golden beaches, and lush rainforests. We stopped at a lookout near Lorne to stretch our legs and snap some pics—Liam insisted on doing a goofy pose, and I couldn’t stop laughing. These are the moments I live for.
I’d packed our lunch in my favorite stainless steel lunch box (you know, the cute pink/purple one). Inside were turkey and avocado sandwiches, a quinoa salad with feta and cherry tomatoes. Oh, and a thermos of iced tea because, well, we’re fancy like that. I love how my lunch box keeps everything fresh, even on long drives—it’s a game-changer for road trips.
As we got closer to Cape Otway, the scenery shifted. The road dipped into the Great Otway National Park, where towering eucalyptus trees and fern-filled gullies made us feel like we were in a Jurassic Park sequel. Liam kept pointing out random birds, claiming he was “basically a wildlife expert now.” I rolled my eyes but secretly loved his enthusiasm.
Arriving at Cape Otway: Hello, Lighthouse!
By midday, we pulled into the Cape Otway Lightstation parking lot. The air was crisp, with that salty ocean tang you only get near the coast. The lighthouse stood proud at the edge of the cliff, its white tower gleaming against the wild, blue expanse of the Southern Ocean. I felt a little thrill—this place was even more stunning than the photos.
We paid the entry fee and joined a guided tour to climb the lighthouse. Our guide, a lovely older guy, shared stories about the lighthouse’s history. Built in 1848, it’s been guiding ships through treacherous waters for over a century. As we climbed the spiral staircase, I peeked out the tiny windows, catching glimpses of the coastline stretching endlessly. At the top, the wind was wild—my hair was everywhere, and Liam couldn’t stop laughing as I tried to tame it for a selfie.
Standing on the balcony, 90 meters above the sea, I felt like we were on the edge of the world. Liam slipped his arm around me, and we just stood there, watching waves crash against the cliffs. It was one of those moments where you don’t need words—you just feel it. I swear, I could’ve stayed up there forever.
Picnic Time: Lunch with a View
After the tour, we wandered the grounds, exploring the old keeper’s cottages and a creepy-cool telegraph station. But the real highlight? Our picnic. We found a perfect spot overlooking the ocean, with the lighthouse in the background. I unzipped my lunch box, and Liam’s eyes lit up when he saw the spread. “You’re basically a picnic goddess,” he said, grabbing a sandwich. I blushed—five years together, and he still makes my heart skip.
We ate slowly, savoring every bite as we watched clouds drift across the sky. Let’s just say there were none left for the drive home. A cheeky seagull tried to swoop in for crumbs, but Liam shooed it away like a knight in shining armor. We laughed so hard I nearly spilled my iced tea.
Exploring More: Koalas and Coastal Walks
Post-lunch, we decided to stretch our legs on a short walking trail nearby. The Great Otway National Park is teeming with wildlife, and we were hoping to spot a koala. And guess what? We did! High up in a eucalyptus tree, a fluffy koala was napping, completely unbothered by us gawking below. A caption like, “Koala-ty time with my fave person” would be appropriate.
The trail wound through dense forest, and we held hands, chatting about everything and nothing. Liam teased me about my obsession with lighthouses (okay, maybe I have a thing for them), and I retaliated by pointing out his terrible taste in road trip snacks (looking at you, soggy gas station chips). It’s these little moments—silly banter, stolen glances—that make me fall for him all over again.
The Journey Home: Sunset and Reflections
As the afternoon faded, we knew it was time to head back. The drive home was quieter, in the best way. The sun was setting, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, and I leaned my head against the window, feeling so content. Liam reached over and squeezed my hand, and I smiled, knowing this day would be one we’d talk about for years.
The photos—us laughing at the lookout, the lighthouse against the stormy sky, that sleepy koala—brought it all back. I love sharing these adventures with you all because it’s a way to relive the magic and inspire others to chase their own.
Why You Should Visit Cape Otway
If you’re ever near Melbourne, make time for Cape Otway Lighthouse. It’s not just about the views (though they’re unreal); it’s about the feeling of being somewhere timeless, where the ocean and the sky meet, and the world feels a little bigger. Pack a lunch box, bring someone you love, and soak it all in. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Thanks for coming along on this journey, friends.
Love,
Sophie