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History & Information | Photographs | Map and Access Details | Links HISTORY & INFORMATION Cape Schanck Lighthouse is on the southern tip of the Mornington Peninsula. It is part of a triangle of Bass Strait lights, the other two being Cape Otway and Cape Wickham Lighthouses, of radio controlled lights and signals.The tower was built in 1859 from dressed limestone and sandstone, and is painted white. It was the second coastal light established in Victoria. It is considered by the Australian Maritime Safety authority to be the most original lighthouse under its jurisdiction, as the original mechanisms are still in place. An unusual feature of this lighthouse is its stone stairway rather than the usual wrought iron. The present apparatus, installed in 1915, is a first order Chance Brothers lens. Upgrades of this lantern were carried out in 1907, 1917 and 1940. The original clockwork mechanism is still in place, though the light is now turned by an electric motor. The lighthouse was renovated from the late 1970's to the early 1980's, with work including the refurbishment of the lantern. The lighthouse is about 90 minutes drive from Melbourne along the Mornington Peninsula Freeway, Boneo Rd and Cape Schanck Rd which terminates at the lighthouse carpark (Melway 258 B10). Guided tours of the tower and museum are conducted on weekends. There is an excellent Museum in the old Assistant Lightkeepers Quarters. Admission is charged. Accommodation is available in the Lighthouse Keepers cottage.
Sources: Photographed by K. Eggleston, 29 April 2001 © Kristie Eggleston
Photographed by K. Eggleston, 31 October 1999 © Kristie Eggleston
Page last updated: 27 December 2003 Copyright © 1999-2003 Kristie Eggleston. All rights reserved. Email: kristie_eggleston@hotmail.com |
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